• As needed (advance notice is preferred).

• C634

[Course Objectives]
Organic chemistry learned up to the first year has mainly focused on the synthesis and properties of low-molecular-weight compounds. What, then, are polymers? A wide variety of polymers surround us in everyday life, and living organisms are also built from polymers. In this course, based on fundamental knowledge of organic chemistry, students will learn general methods for polymer synthesis, incorporating state-of-the-art synthetic approaches, with the aim of acquiring a broad understanding of how various polymers are synthesized.

[Learning Outcomes]

1. To acquire fundamental theoretical knowledge of polymers.

2. To understand the current status of polymer science and develop the ability to analyze it critically.

[Course Content]
Building on students’ understanding of organic chemistry, this course examines what polymeric compounds—so abundant in everyday life—are and how they are synthesized. Using representative polymer structures as examples, students will study the corresponding synthetic methods and develop an organic-chemistry-based understanding through exercises and problem-solving activities.

[Course Schedule]

1. What Are Polymers?

2. Polymer Synthesis

3. Radical Polymerization I

4. Radical Polymerization II

5. Radical Polymerization III

6. Copolymerization

7. Midterm Examination

8. Ionic Polymerization

9. Cationic Polymerization

10. Anionic Polymerization

11. Coordination Polymerization

12. Polycondensation I

13. Polycondensation II

14. Polyaddition

15. Polymer Reactions
    Final Examination

Learning outcomes will be assessed through the final examination and written reports. Course credit will be awarded to students who sufficiently understand and achieve the learning objectives.
Use of computers: Students are expected to use a computer for preparing reports in each class session.

[Preparation] Read the assigned sections of the textbook/materials specified for each class in advance (15 hours).

[Review] Prepare reports (15 reports; 45 hours).

[Grading Criteria]
Students will be evaluated based on the extent to which they have achieved the competencies (knowledge and skills, critical thinking, judgment, and communication abilities, etc.) described in the course objectives and learning outcomes through their understanding of polymer chemistry and its applications. Grades will be assigned as follows: S (90 points or above), A (80 points or above), B (70 points or above), and C (60 points or above). Course credit will be awarded based on this evaluation.

[Grading Method]
Overall performance will be evaluated primarily based on the final examination (90%) and reports (10%), with class participation (e.g., active engagement and asking questions) also taken into account.

Students are expected to attend class having completed sufficient preparation and review. This includes not only the homework and pre-/post-class study assignments given during class, but also thorough study of the relevant sections of the textbook(s) and other materials indicated in the “Course Content and Schedule.”

This course will be offered at the Himeji Engineering Campus. In principle, classes will be conducted in person; however, depending on circumstances, some sessions may be delivered online using Zoom or similar platforms. Students should ensure in advance that they have an appropriate environment at home or elsewhere to participate in online classes (e.g., a computer and a stable Wi-Fi connection).