Mar 14, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
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CHM 3710 - Polymer Chemistry

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
Polymers are an integral part of everyday life and essential in almost every industrial field. The course will cover the basics of polymer nomenclature, molecular weight, naturally occurring polymers, inorganic polymers, functional polymers, step-reaction polymerization, free radical chain polymerization, ionic polymerization, coordination polymerization, ring-opening polymerization, copolymerization, and testing and characterization of polymers.
Prereq: CHM 1010  or CHM 1010A  or equivalent (quarter system prereq: CH 200 or CH 200A or CH 200B)
Note: None
This course meets the following Raider Core CLO Requirement: None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Identify structures of polymers
  • Understand and identify different types of naturally occurring, inorganic polymer, and functional polymers
  • Differentiate different types of average molecular weight and characterize and determine molecular weight of polymers
  • Understand the mechanisms of step-growth, chain-growth polymerization, ionic polymerization, coordination polymerization, ring-opening polymerization, copolymerization, and reaction of polymers
  • Discuss the methods for polymer testing and characterization, and interpret testing and characterization data
Prerequisites by Topic
  • Atomic structure
  • Chemical bonding
  • Polarity
  • Intermolecular forces
  • Types of chemical reactions
  • Qualitative overview of chemical equilibrium and reaction rates
Course Topics
  • Introductions to polymers
  • Polymer structure
  • Molecular weight of polymers
  • Naturally occurring polymers
  • Step-reaction polymerization
  • Free-radical chain polymerization
  • Ionic polymerization
  • Coordination polymerization
  • Ring-opening polymerization
  • Copolymerization
  • Inorganic and organometallic polymers
  • Elastomers
  • Polymer characterization and testing
  • Additives
  • Functional polymers
  • Reactions of polymers
  • Polymer technology
Coordinator
Dr. Bailee Barratt


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