Apr 23, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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EB 4000 - Biopolymer Engineering

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
The course introduces various classes of biopolymers and their applications in selected subspecialties. An understanding of material bulk and surface properties, biopolymer biocompatibility, manufacturing processes, cost, sterilization, packaging and regulatory issues in terms of developing and engineering polymers are stressed. Topics range from polymerization, polymer characterization techniques, and processes tailoring specific properties to biopolymer purification. (prereq: CH 201 , EB 2910 )
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • be able to define and categorize different kinds of biopolymers
  • be able to discuss the methods for polymerization and biopolymer processing
  • be able to discuss the methods for polymers and biopolymer characterization, and analyze the characterization data using their science and engineering skills
  • be able to discuss the concept ‘biodegradability’ and ‘biocompatibility’
  • be able to discuss industrial applications of polymers in general and biopolymers, and design biopolymers for industrial application
  • be able to discuss market, safe practices and regulations of polymers and biopolymers

Prerequisites by Topic
  • None 

Course Topics
  • Introduction to polymers and biopolymers
  • Natural biopolymers in life science
  • Principles of polymerization
  • Polymer and biopolymer processing
  • Polymer and biopolymer characterization: Physics
  • Polymer and biopolymer characterization: Chemistry
  • Biocompatibility
  • Biopolymers: biomedical applications
  • Biopolymers: environmental applications
  • Project I (biopolymers: agricultural applications)
  • Project I (biopolymers: cosmetic applications)
  • Biopolymers: food industry applications
  • Bioplastics (green plastics): science of biodegradable plastics
  • Engineering biopolymers: market
  • Engineering biopolymers: regulations
  • Project II

Coordinator
Wujie Zhang



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