Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
Polymer synthesis & characterisation. Dependence of properties on molecular structure & microstructure. Polymer rheology. Unit processing operations, formulation & uses of polymers, mechanical properties, degradation & failure methods.
This Polymers course (CHEE3301) is intended to provide a broad overview of polymers from an engineering perspective. It considers the basics of polymer structure and properties (chemical and physical properties), polymerisation mechanisms, polymer processing, polymer viscoelasticity and mechanical properties, and degradation and sustainability issues. The links between structure, processing and properties are emphasised.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There are no prerequisites for this course. Some basic organic chemistry and/or materials engineering knowledge would prove useful, but is not compulsory.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHEM1020 or CHEM1100 or MECH2300
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEE7331 or MMME3301
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Ms Mina Sharifi
Dr Hale Oguzlu-Baldelli
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables are subject to change during the beginning of semester. For up to date timetable information please check mySI-Net.
Labs are held at various times and in various places. You will need to select and register for one stream - see information later in this course profile. The actual location for each lab will be advertised on Blackboard (SI-net shows them all in a generic location and has no flexibility in this, so please ignore that).
Aims and outcomes
This polymer engineering course provides a broad overview of polymers from an engineering perspective. It considers the basics of polymer structure and properties (chemical and physical properties), polymer processing, polymer viscoelasticity and mechanical properties, and degradation and sustainability issues.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Polymer chemical structure: Describe the basic molecular structure of common polymers and relate this to the synthesis route for the polymer.
LO2.
Polymer physical structure: Describe the physical morphology of polymer materials and relate this to relevant features of the chemical structure of the polymer.
LO3.
Polymer characterisation: Interpret data from polymer characterisation tests and relate this to identifying polymers and to solving problems encountered in polymer use.
LO4.
Polymer processing operations: Describe the basic unit operations used to manufacture polymer articles. You should be aware of the appropriate methods for making common articles and the basic characteristics of the polymers required for such operations. Practical work will be completed in a group.
LO5.
Polymer material properties: Describe the basic mechanical behaviour of polymers and relate this to the chemical and physical structure of the material and the molecular and bulk deformation processes. Practical work will be completed in a group.
LO6.
Polymer degradation: Understand the basic mechanisms and the effects of polymer degradation and become familiar with the common measures taken to either encourage or to limit these effects.
LO7.
Polymer selection: Using knowledge of polymer properties and polymer processing, select and justify suitable polymers for engineering uses.
LO8.
Polymers and society: Be able to articulate an engineering based response to contemporary issues relating to polymer use.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Safety Inductions
|
Pass/Fail Hurdle |
28/02/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Polymer Wiki and Student Review
|
6% |
10/03/2025 - 17/03/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Practicals
|
29% |
24/03/2025 - 12/05/2025 |
| Presentation |
Polymer materials selection
|
20% |
23/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
|
45% hurdle |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Safety Inductions
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- Pass/Fail Hurdle
- Due date
28/02/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04, L05
Task description
By Friday 3 PM of week 1 you must complete the online 'UQ Undergraduate OHS Induction', and pass the associated assessment.
You can find this on Blackboard under "UQ Workplace Inductions and OHS Training".
In addition there is information to review on the CHEE3301 Blackboard site to ensure that you have understood some local requirements.
Hurdle requirements
Prior to attending any of the lab sessions for the course it is compulsory to complete safety inductions.Submission guidelines
These are completed online.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Polymer Wiki and Student Review
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 6%
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 17/03/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L07
Task description
Polymer Wiki Due 14 Mar 15:00 Weight: 4%
Research an allocated polymer type such as polyethylene, nylon, polycarbonate, etc. to find summary information e.g. chemical structure, properties, manufacturing processes and key applications for materials. This information is to be placed in a Wiki, available on the course blackboard site for all students in the course to view.
Your Wiki page must be uploaded by 3 PM Friday in Week 3.
Review of other students' Wiki pages Due 21 Mar 15:00 Weight: 2%
You are required to read and comment on other student's Wiki pages by 3 PM Friday in Week 4 - with marks based on quality of review.
2.0 Very useful and insightful comments added to both allocated pages to review
1.5 Generally useful and insightful comments added to both allocated pages to review, but with some gaps and issues missed
1.0 Some useful comments added to both allocated pages to review
0.5 Limited comments of low usefulness, or just one page reviewed
0 Irrelevant (or no) comments added
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Polymer Wiki: To be added to the Wiki on the course blackboard site by 3 PM on the first due date.
Review: Online through other Wiki site on BB.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The extension of 14 days maximum is due to the fact that students will need the feedback from each of these tasks in order to understand how to prepare subsequent assessment items, particularly with pracs.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Practicals
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 29%
- Due date
24/03/2025 - 12/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
Practical 1 Lab report - Polymer identification Due 28 Mar 15:00 Weight: 8%
Practical 1 report to be completed on an individual or two-person basis using the template provided and submitted via Blackboard.
Details will be presented in Practical handouts.
Note that completing the online Safety Briefings before the end of week 1 is compulsory before attending labs.
Also Note: for this practical, we will be providing a video of the prac in operation as additional support.
Practical 2 Lab report - Polymer melting/blending Due 17 Apr 15:00 Weight: 8%
Practical 2 report to be completed on an individual or two-person basis using the template provided and submitted via Blackboard. A video is also provided.
Practical 3 Lab report - Mechanical properties Due 16 May 15:00 Weight: 11%
Practical 3 report to be completed on an individual or two-person basis using the template provided and submitted via Blackboard.
Details will be presented in Practical handouts.
Note: for this practical, we will also be providing a video of the prac in operation.
Practical 4 lab assessment Submitted at end of prac in class Due Wk 11 Weight: 2%
In-prac questionnaire - to be submitted at the time of the practical on an individual basis.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Pracs 1, 2, 3: Submissions will be electronically submitted through blackboard. A turnitin link will be made available before the due date.
Prac 4: Questionnaire to be submitted at end of prac class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The extension of 14 days maximum is due to the fact that students will need the feedback from each of these tasks in order to understand how to prepare subsequent assessment items, particularly with pracs.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Polymer materials selection
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
23/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05, L07, L08
Task description
This task requires you, as a member of a two-person team, to select a polymeric material for use in making a product for a specific application, to be detailed later in semester. It will require you to research databases and other information sources and prepare a 10 minute presentation on materials selection and manufacturing, outlining the background to your choice and justifying your final selection.
Full details will be posted to Blackboard.
This piece of assessment constitutes the Identity Verified Assessment Task (IVAT) for this course. This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Presentations on your polymer materials selection report will be given in your teams of 2 and will last 10 minutes per team with 5 minutes for questions. These presentations will be both lecturer and peer assessed. You will also be required to provide critique and assessment of other teams' presentations.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Polymer materials selection is an oral presentation presented by pairs and given on the last day of semester (Friday of week 13) between 12 and 4 PM. Any extension will move into the post-semester (swot vac) period. If the extension was any longer than 7 days this would move it into the exam period, which would interfere with exam prep as well as prejudice the other member of the team.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Exam During Exam Period (Central)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45% hurdle
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
The exam is an invigilated closed book examination of 2 hours duration with 10 minutes for perusal, which tests all course content. Five double-sided pages of written or typed A4 notes can be brought into the exam. A Casio FX82 series or UQ approved and labelled calculator will be required for this exam. This piece of assessment constitutes the Identity Verified Assessment Task (IVAT) for this course.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
This exam is an assessment hurdle. Students must achieve at least 45% on this exam to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Five double-sided pages of written or typed A4 notes can be brought into the exam. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Absence of achievement of course learning objectives: Final mark less than 20%. The student fails to demonstrate any relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts. Most information provided is inaccurate and/or irrelevant. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Minimal achievement of course learning objectives: Final mark generally 20-44%. The student demonstrates little relevant knowledge or understanding of the underlying concepts. Much of the information provided is inaccurate and irrelevant. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Developing achievement of course learning objectives: Final mark generally 45-49% AND/OR received less than 45% on the final exam. Some knowledge of the subject is evident but the student only demonstrates a limited understanding of the underlying concepts and the information provided is largely inaccurate or irrelevant. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Functional achievement of course learning objectives: Final mark generally 50-64%. The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and at least a partial understanding of the underlying concepts. Has some correct and some incorrect information. Safety briefing completed. Final exam mark at least 45%. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Proficient achievement of course learning objectives: Final mark generally 65-74%. The student demonstrates a sound knowledge of the relevant information and a sound understanding of the key concepts. There are only minor factual inaccuracies. All practical reports, the Wiki exercise and the case study submitted and at least four of these items, including the case study, received a passing mark. Safety briefing completed. Final exam mark at least 50%. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Advanced achievement of course learning objectives: Final mark generally 75-84%. Key concepts are understood. There is a demonstrated advanced ability to solve previously unseen problems. There are only minor factual inaccuracies and no irrelevant information. All practical reports, the Wiki exercise and the case study received a passing mark. Safety briefing completed. Final exam mark at least 65%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Exceptional achievement of course learning objectives: Final mark generally 85% or over. Key concepts are understood and can be used to solve previously unseen problems. There is evidence of exceptional critical analysis and an ability to synthesise information from different aspects of the subject. There are no factual inaccuracies and no irrelevant information. All practical reports, the Wiki exercise and the case study received a passing mark. Safety briefing completed. Final exam mark at least 75%. |
Additional course grading information
It is compulsory to complete the relevant online safety assessments before attending the labs. No safety briefing = unable to do lab = unable to pass course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Use of Calculators
Only University approved and labelled calculators can be used in allﾠ exams for this course. Please consult ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/sitting-exam/approved-calculators ﾠfor information about approved calculators and obtaining a label for non-approved calculators.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The course lectures (powerpoint slides) and other materials will be made available on Blackboard.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 3 |
Case-based learning |
Polymer Wiki Research information on a given polymer in order to prepare a polymer Wiki page. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 1 Introduction to course and to the polymer industry; overview of history and applications; Polymer Sustainability. Learning outcomes: L01, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Introduction - hands on exercises Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 2 Polymer classification, and terminology. Common polymer types. Overview of properties. Molecular weights. Learning outcomes: L01, L07 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Polymer identification plus polymer overviews, background to polymer types and classifications Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 3 Polymer synthesis. Polymerisation mechanisms. Industrial polymer synthesis. Copolymers, Microstructure and morphology. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Practical |
Lab 1: Polymer ID Polymer identification - practical sessions in Liveris 46-542. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Polymer synthesis, microstructure and morphology. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Case-based learning |
Review of other student's Wikis Review Wiki pages developed by other students. Learning outcomes: L07, L08 |
Lecture |
Lecture 4 Thermal properties: Crystallisation, melting point and glass transition; Solubility and phase behaviour of common polymers ﾖ solutions and blends. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Thermal properties, plus solutions and blends. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 5 Polymer characterisation. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Practical |
Lab 2: Polymer thermal properties Melting, blending and glass transition - practical session for internals; video also provided. In Liveris 46-542. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 Polymer characterisation with a focus on DSC - important for prac 2. Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Lecture 6 Rheological properties of polymer melts, Power law model. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Rheological properties of polymer melts. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Lecture 7 Viscoelasticity, rubbers and elastomers, stress strain behaviour, creep. Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Viscoelasticity, rubbers and elastomers. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Lecture 8 Mechanical properties. Yield, brittle fracture, failure modes of plastics. Composites. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
Practical |
Lab 3: Tensile, creep and fracture testing Laboratory based activity testing the elongation/mechanical/creep/fracture properties of polymers. Video also provided. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Mechanical properties. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Lecture 9 Polymer processing (introduction) and polymer extrusion. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Fieldwork |
Field trip to plastics processing facility 3 hours, time to be determined based on class availability. Learning outcomes: L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Polymer extrusion. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 10 Polymer moulding and other processes. Polymer formulations: filler, dyes, pigments and other additives. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Polymer processing and moulding defects. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
Practical |
Lab 4: Extrusion and Injection Molding Laboratory based activity run in Week 11 demonstrating the extrusion and injection molding processing of polymers. This will be primarily a demonstration, with a small assessment task to be completed at the end of the prac session. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L07 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 11 Polymer Degradation and failure. Polymer biodegradation. Learning outcomes: L06, L08 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 Polymer degradation and failure. Biodegradation. Learning outcomes: L06 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Lecture 12 Plastics in the circular economy. Course summary. Learning outcomes: L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 12 Plastics in the circular economy. General review and open questions. Learning outcomes: L06, L07, L08 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.