Advanced Polymer Science and Engineering MSc

Program Overview

The Advanced Polymer Science and Engineering MSc program equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the rapidly growing field of polymer science and engineering. Through a flexible curriculum, students can tailor their learning to their interests, while a strong research focus allows them to contribute to the development of new knowledge. Graduates are highly sought after in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and healthcare, with competitive starting salaries.

Program Outline

Advanced Polymer Science and Engineering MSc

Degree Overview

This program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the field of polymer science and engineering. The program is designed for students who have a background in materials or engineering and want to specialize in this rapidly growing area.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of polymer science and engineering.
• Develop students' ability to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems in the field.
• Equip students with the necessary skills to be successful in their chosen career path in this area.
• Foster a strong network of graduates who can contribute to the advancement of the field.

Program Description:

The Advanced Polymer Science and Engineering MSc program offers students a unique opportunity to study at the forefront of a rapidly developing field. The program is delivered by world-leading researchers and academics who are actively engaged in pushing the boundaries of this exciting field. Students will gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of polymers, as well as the latest advances in areas such as bio-based polymers, nanomaterials, and energy generation and storage. The program is designed to be flexible and allow students to tailor their learning to their specific interests. Students can choose from a range of modules covering topics such as:

• Polymer synthesis and characterisation
• Polymer processing and properties
• Polymer nanocomposites
• Polymer materials for energy
• Bio-based polymers
• Sustainable polymers
The program also includes a significant research component, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and develop their research skills. Students will have the opportunity to work on research projects with leading academics and contribute to the development of new knowledge and technologies.

Accreditation:

The Advanced Polymer Science and Engineering MSc program is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), demonstrating the program's high quality and its relevance to the needs of the industry.

Outline

Program Structure:

The program is delivered over one year, full-time. Full-time study commences in September each year.

Course Schedule:

The course schedule is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of polymer science and engineering, as well as more advanced topics in specialized areas. The program also includes a research project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and develop their research skills.

Modules:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Environment, Ethics and Economics in Engineering Design
• Macromolecular Engineering
• Extended Research Project
• Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine
• Advanced Mechanical Modelling of Materials
• Advanced Nanocomposites
• Solar Energy Engineering
• Optional modules:
• Polymer Chemistry
• Polymer Physics
• Polymer Processing
• Advanced Polymer Characterisation Techniques
• Polymer Blends and Composites
• Functional Polymers
• Biodegradable Polymers
• Polymer Rheology
• Introduction to Polymer Science

Individual Modules:

Environment, Ethics, and Economics in Engineering Design:

This module will introduce several dimensions of ethical design, considering the system's life cycle, including the impact of end-of-life and potential replacement for one problem for another. Elements incorporating ethics into effective system design using a modern set of theoretical frameworks, including circular economy, planetary boundaries, and environmental life cycle assessment, will be considered. The consequential impact of large-scale technology shifts to guard against replacing one problem for another will be covered. The role of meeting and contributing to environmental regulation and policy will be explored and an 'ethical cost benefit analysis' will be introduced that internalizes otherwise external environmental costs. It will focus on key areas for industrial applications and help students draw structure-property relationships and link these to synthetic approaches. Specifically, macromolecular engineering in the fields of high-performance materials, tissue engineering and biotechnologies, sensors, and materials for energy production and in the micro-electronics area will be discussed and applied. The module will cover advanced polymer synthesis techniques and their application to the design of conjugated polymers, the application of these concepts to macromolecular engineering in microfabrication and 3D printing, and the design of biomaterials and hydrogels, and their biofunctionalization. The module will present state-of-the-art platforms for solid-phase synthesis of peptides, oligonucleotides, and recombinant protein production.

Extended Research Project:

The module is an intensive research module that spans all three MSc semesters. It draws together the knowledge and skills from the taught component to address a research challenge of significant scope to be undertaken independently, under supervision. It focuses on the technical, project management, and communication skills needed to successfully execute academic- and/or industry-oriented research. The project entails to apply research methods to solve original problems of fundamental or applied nature.

Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine:

This module will define and describe nanostructures and nanomaterials. It will include how they are manufactured, appropriate characterisation technologies, and a description of their application in a range of fields. In particular, the application and challenges in the use of nanotechnology in medicine will be considered, including the regulatory issues to be considered, the use of nanomaterials for drug delivery, and the development of lab in a chip technologies.

Advanced Mechanical Modelling of Materials:

Students will gain knowledge on the mechanical properties and constitutive models of engineering materials along with the associated computing techniques. Topics covered will involve advanced-level content related to elasticity (including anisotropy), viscoelasticity (using a Voigt model or Prony Series), plasticity (using Druker-Prager) and fracture mechanics (J-Intergral) of a wide range of engineering materials (including polymers, composites, metals & ceramics). Students will interpret experimental data (such as stress-strain curves) to determine the correct constitutive model for the observed mechanical properties of the materials. The module will focus on the link between material properties and structure and will provide underpinning knowledge to allow successful modelling using finite element analysis package of a wide range of engineering applications.

Advanced Nanocomposites:

This module will explore the role of advanced nanocomposites in modern engineering. It will cover the micromechanics of these materials with a particular focus on particulate micromechanics and the role of the filler shape, size, and morphology. A widerange of nanomaterials will be introduced, and methods for manufacturing these nanocomposites will be explored. The understanding of key processes within solar energy will provide students with the knowledge needed to progress further within relevant industries within Solar Energy.

Optional Modules:

The optional modules listed above cover a variety of topics related to polymer science and engineering. Students can choose from these modules to tailor their learning to their specific interests. The optional modules are only available to those enrolled in the MSc program.

Assessment

Assessment Methods:

• Coursework: Students will be assessed on their understanding of the course material through a variety of coursework assignments, including essays, presentations, and projects.
• Examinations: Students will also be assessed through written examinations.
• Research project: The research project is a major component of the assessment, and students will be assessed on their ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and communicate their findings effectively.

Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding: Students will be assessed on their understanding of the key concepts and principles of polymer science and engineering.
• Application of knowledge and skills: Students will be assessed on their ability to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
• Communication and presentation skills: Students will be assessed on their ability to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely.
• Critical thinking skills: Students will be assessed on their ability to critically analyze information and draw their own conclusions.

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

The program is delivered through a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures will provide students with an overview of the key concepts and principles of polymer science and engineering.
• Seminars: Seminars will be used to explore specific topics in more detail, and allow students to discuss their understanding of the material with their peers and instructors.
• Laboratory work: Laboratory work will provide students with hands-on experience with the techniques and equipment used in polymer science and engineering.
• Independent research: Students will be expected to carry out independent research for their research project.

Faculty:

The program is taught by world-leading researchers and academics who are actively engaged in pushing the boundaries of this exciting field. The faculty are all experts in their field, and have a passion for teaching and research.

Unique Approaches:

The program offers a number of unique features that set it apart from other similar programs. These features include:

• A strong focus on research: The program has a strong research focus, which allows students to develop their research skills and contribute to the development of new knowledge.
• A flexible curriculum: The curriculum is designed to allow students to tailor their learning to their specific interests.
• A close-knit community: The program is delivered by a small group of faculty, which allows students to develop close relationships with their teachers and peers.
• A strong network of alumni: The program has a strong network of alumni who can provide support and guidance to graduates entering the workforce.

Careers

Career Paths:

The Advanced Polymer Science and Engineering MSc program can open doors to various career paths in this rapidly expanding field. Graduates can choose to pursue careers in research and development, process engineering, product development, or technical sales. The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue further study, such as a PhD.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a variety of different sectors, including:

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Electronics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Healthcare
• Energy
• Research and development

Average Starting Salary:

The average starting salary for graduates of the Advanced Polymer Science and Engineering MSc program is competitive and reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in this field.

Other:

• The program has been accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), demonstrating its high quality and relevance to the needs of the industry.
• The program is designed to allow students to tailor their learning to their specific interests.
• The program has a strong focus on research, which allows students to develop their research skills and contribute to the development of new knowledge.
• The program is delivered by world-leading researchers and academics, who are actively engaged in pushing the boundaries of this exciting field.

Home: £12,650 Overseas: £28,900