2017-2018 / CHIM0659-1

Polymers and Environment

Duration

15h Th

Number of credits

 Master in chemistry (120 ECTS)2 crédits 

Lecturer

Philippe Lecomte

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The impact of polymers on the environment will be discussed while taking into account the whole life cycle of the polymer (from cradle to grave).
An important section will be devoted to the synthesis of environmentally friendly polymers and more particularly biodegradable and/or bio-based polymers. The efficiency of the synthetic processes in terms of respect of the environment will be discussed in line with the concepts of green chemistry.
Environmentally friendly polymers are also many times biocompatible. A special section will be devoted to their application as biomaterial with a special attention on smart polymers reponding to different stimuli such as the pH and the temperature. This section will be given by Jutta Rieger.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The student will have to discuss with a critical view the impact of a polymer on the environment taking into account its whole life cycle (production of raw materials, synthesis of the monomer, polymeriztation, transport, application, end of life). He will have to take into account aspects related to energy, green gaz effects and toxicity. A special attention will be paid on the methods of synthesis of environmentally friendly materials.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

The student has to master the basis of organic chemistry and macromolecular chemistry.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The oral course is made up of 7 modules of 2 hours and one last module of one hour. A copy of the slights will be given to the students.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

The mode of delivery is face-to-face. The course will be delivered in English. If all the students speak currently French, the course could then be given in this language provided the unamimous agreement of all the students and the teacher. The written support including the slights will remain written in English in every case.

Recommended or required readings

No reading is required.

Assessment methods and criteria

The assessment method is a Oral exam with a written preparation.

Work placement(s)

No training is foreseen

Organizational remarks

The schedule will be decided with the student who will follow this course.

Contacts

Please contact Philippe Lecomte at the following address: philippe.lecomte@ulg.ac.be