This course serves as an introduction to polymer synthesis, characterization, and the physical properties of polymeric materials. In this course, you will learn different synthetic procedures of polymer synthesis, polymer characterization techniques, polymer physics and statistical mechanics. Emphasis on the molecular origin of properties of polymeric materials and technological applications. Topics include single molecule properties, polymer mixtures and solutions, melts, glasses, elastomers, and crystals. Experiments in polymer synthesis, characterization, and physical properties (only if lab is included).
No official course prerequisites. You only need junior standing. Although based on course content, it recommended the student have a thorough understanding of basic crystallography, statistical mechanics, and organic chemistry.
Spring 2018 did not have the lab component. Lab component is heavily dependent on available space and time. 3 units are still awarded. Professor Nitash Balsara allows use of all HW, textbook (physical copy), and notes, on all of his exams.
3 hours of class time (MWF), 4-6 hrs HW time per problem set, 10 hrs/wk studying for exams, lab time is unknown due to lack of lab component last time course was offered.
If you have a strong background in statistical mechanics, crystallography, and understand basic organic chemistry and characterization techniques, this is a good class to take to get more exposure to polymers and soft materials.
If you have Nitash Balsara as your professor, he will let you use everything on his exams. I recommend his and the GSI’s office hours. Professor Balsara made a lot of careless math mistakes on his derivations so make sure to check his math during lecture.
Written by: Matthew Chang
Last edited: Fall 2018