Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to understand the nature of polymers, the mechanisms by which they are made and how their physical properties are related to their chemical structure; recognise the main classes of polymers, their properties and the methods used for their preparation and characterisation; understand and know the composition of air and of the structure within the atmosphere; understand the chemistry (including photochemistry) which is responsible for the generation of pollutants and for change which occurs within the atmosphere; knowledge and skills in the methods for detection and monitoring (sampling and analysing) of air pollutants; understand some of the specialised and automatic methods of analysis in general use today, including specific ion electrodes, polarography, particle size measurement, ion chromatography and ion exchange; review examples of unit industrial operations and acquire an appreciation of process instrumentation; demonstrate communication skills between chemists and chemical engineers; show the relationship between chemical composition and the properties of materials; foster an appreciation of water as a limited resource and to gain an understanding of water management from the source, through use and treatment, until it is discharged back into the environment.
Synopsis This subject covers a range of chemical topics related to final products such as polymers; air and water chemistry, waste management and monitoring, electrical methods of analysis, thermal analysis, metallurgy, industrial operations and process control. The subject is taught by lectures, practical work, and excursions, supplemented by films, slides and overhead transparencies etc.
Assessment Theory component by subject tests and assignments 75% + Laboratory work: 20% + Excursion: 5% + Relevance of laboratory work to theoretical study: one-to-one correspondence, where equipment resources permit.