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Department of Materials Science and Engineering
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Polymer Science and Engineering Minor

POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING MINOR

Polymer science and engineering is a broad, interdisciplinary field that brings together various aspects of chemistry, physics and engineering for the understanding, development and application of the materials science of polymers. Many of the existing engineering curricula provide a good foundation for work in polymer science and engineering. However, the undergraduate student needs additional courses specifically dealing with the science and engineering of large molecules. With such a background, the student should be able to progress rapidly in industry or at the graduate level. In addition to those students specifically desiring a career in polymers, this minor also can be valuable to students interested in the development, design and application of materials in general.

The courses listed below have been selected specifically to give an undergraduate student a strong background in polymer science and engineering. A minimum of eight courses is required, including three core courses, one course each in Thermodynamics, Mechanical Properties and Chemistry and two additional Polymer Related courses, as listed below. Several of these the student would normally take to satisfy the requirements of the basic degree. To obtain recognition for the polymer science and engineering minor, students must register in the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, 206 Engineering Hall. The student should also consult with Professor Phillip H. Geil, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 301 Materials Science and Engineering Building; 217-333-0149, geil@uiuc.edu, when considering the option and deciding on a program.

Hours

Core Courses

3

MSE 450 - Intro to Polymer Sci and Eng or CHBE 456 - Polymer Science and Engineering

3

MSE 452 - Polymer Laboratory

3

MSE 453 - Plastics Engineering

Hours

Thermodynamics

3-8

Choose one of the following:

4

CHBE 321 - Thermodynamics

8

CHEM 442 - Physical Chemistry I and CHEM 444 - Physcial Chemistry II

3

ME 300 - Thermodynamics

4

MSE 401 - Thermodynamics of Materials

4

PHYS 427 - Thermo and Statistical Physics

Hours

Mechanical Properties

3

TAM 251 - Introductory Solid Mechanics

Hours

Chemistry

4

CHEM 236 - Fundamental Organic Chem I

Hours

Related Courses

6-7

Choose at least two of the following

3

CHEM 436 - Fundamental Organic Chem II

3

CHEM 437 - Organic Chemistry Lab

3

ME 450 - Modeling in Materials Proc

3

MSE 455 - Polymer Chemistry

3

MSE 458 - Polymer Physical Chemistry

3

MSE 480 - Surfaces and Colloids

4

FSHN 469 - Package Engineering

3

TAM 426 - Mechanics of Polymers