KJM-MENA3500 – Polymers, colloids and surfaces

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Polymers: Average molecular mass and polydispersity. Microscopic properties of bulk polymers. The most important techniques for analysis and structure determination. The most important polymerization techniques. Bulk properties of some common polymers, flow properties/rheology. Some special polymer types. Copolymers and functional polymers. Polymer composites. Collides and surfaces: Characterization of colloidal dispersions. Brownian motions, light scattering, surfactants and associating systems. The most important techniques for particle size analysis. Surface tension, contact angles and wetting. Adsoption on the solid/gas (catalysis), solid/liquid, liquid/gas and liquid/liquid interface. Electrically charged surfaces, electro kinetics, attractive and repulsive forces, and stability of nanoparticles. Some important systems and processes: Paper, paint and printing inks, plotation, detergence and colloids in food.

Learning outcome

This course is an important introduction for all students who want to work in material science and/or nanotechnology. The student will obtain an understanding of polymers’ composition, preparation and properties. In addition the student will obtain understanding of colloidal systems’ nature and properties and the interaction between surfaces and gases, pure liquids or solutions. You will also learn how polymers, colloids, and surfaces are part of many technological and natural processes and will be able to use this knowledge for the solution of practical problems.

Admission

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies (in Norwegian).

KJM1001 – Introduction to chemistry (continued), KJM1100 – General chemistry (continued), MENA1000 – Materials, energy and nanotechnology (continued) or similar course.

Recommended previous knowledge

KJM1110 – Organic chemistry I (continued), KJM1120 – Inorganic Chemistry (continued) and KJM1130 – Physical Chemistry I - Thermodynamics and Kinetics.

Teaching

Lectures (34 h), exercises ( 34 h).

The first lecture/group is mandatory. If you are unable to join, the Expedition Office has to be informed in advance (phone 22 85 54 46, or e-mail ekspedisjonen@kjemi.uio.no). If you fail to register as an active student for the course in either of these ways, you will lose the access to the course for the given semester.

Examination

Written exam (4 hours) at the end of the course.

Information about examination rules

Examination support material

Students may bring a calculator.

Language of examination

You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

A student may appeal against an awarded grade and/or file a formal complaint about exam procedures.

Resit an examination

This course does not offer new examination in the beginning of the subsequent term for candidates who withdraw during an ordinary examination or fail an ordinary examination. For general information about new examination, see:

/studier/admin/eksamen/sykdom-utsatt/mn/index.html and http://www.matnat.uio.no/english/academics/edu_info/exam/index.html

Special examination arrangements

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Other

English speaking students must contact the person responsible for the course, and no later than one week before the first lecture is given. English speaking students must also contact the Officer of Academic affairs (eksamenskonsulenten) at VU20 if the final, written examination is required in English.

Facts about this course

Credits
10
Level
Bachelor
Teaching
Every spring

This course will be terminated and replaced by KJM-MENA3300

Examination
Every spring
Teaching language
Norwegian