This course trains graduates with a chemistry background specifically for a career as a polymer or biopolymer scientist. The content reflects global interest in sustainably-derived polymers which are increasing in demand in a variety of applications including food and beverages, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, personal care, paints and inks.
Our specialist course will equip you with the knowledge to understand the behaviour of both naturally occurring and synthetic water soluble polymers at the molecular level, and how this influences their bulk behaviour. Lectures are reinforced and expanded by study of real-life polymer systems in the laboratory.
You'll learn about the vital roles played by polymers in a rage of products, gain knowledge of biopolymer modification, polymer synthesis and a range of specialist characterisation techniques. During your research project you'll work with specialists from manufacturing industries and perform a programme of experiments designed to help you develop your skills.
Key Course Features
-You will learn about the vital roles played by polymers in a diverse range of high value products – e.g in mayonnaise, sun tan lotion, wound gels, liquid pharmaceuticals, paper, ink, water based paints and flotation aids in mining to name just a few.
-You’ll gain first-hand knowledge of biopolymer modification, polymer synthesis, and a wide range of specialist characterisation techniques.
-In your research project you will interface with specialists from manufacturing industries and undertake a programme of experiments designed to develop the skills you want to learn.
-Through case studies and your research project you will learn how to apply acquired knowledge in real world industrial scenarios, leading the way to success in subsequent employment.
What Will You Study?
The course comprises 6 x 20 credit modules of taught content and a 60 credit research project. The taught element is delivered by a varied programme including lectures, seminars, practical classes and may be studied on a full time or part time basis to suit you. There is a strong emphasis on development of hands-on practical skills using a wide variety of advanced instrumentation.
TAUGHT MODULES
-Advanced Materials Science
-Chemistry & Technology of Water Soluble Polymers
-Formulation Science
-Polymer Characterisation Case Study
-Structure and Function of Industrial Biopolymers
The lectures and workshops are designed to train you in understanding polymer molecules themselves, and the way they interact with each other, and with solvents, surfactants, particles and surfaces.
You will:
-Study the basic principles of polymer characterisation through a range of analytical techniques including FT-IR, UV-vis, NMR, ESR and fluorescence spectroscopy.
-Master the measurement of molar mass distribution using gel permeation chromatography with multi angle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS), and gel electrophoresis.
-Use particle sizing techniques such as digital imaging and laser diffraction to measure aggregates, flocs and emulsion droplets.
-Discover Green Chemistry - exploring a whole range of biopolymers extracted from natural resources….including antimicrobial polymers from shellfish waste, gelling agents from seaweed, and oligosaccharides from locally grown grasses.
-Learn about man-made polymers and importantly, chemically modified biopolymers.
-Measure the viscosity and rheology of liquid formulations and see how this can be interpreted to yield structural information on thickened systems and gels.
-A module in research methods provides training in all aspects of undertaking research, from project management, through data analysis and statistics to communicating your results and writing your dissertation to ensure you are well equipped to undertake your project.
RESEARCH PROJECT
The course culminates in an industry-focussed Research Project. For full-time students this may be partly or wholly undertaken within a local manufacturing company. For part-time students the project provider may be your current employer. The Research Project gives you the opportunity to undertake a piece of novel research, and will often be based around solving a polymer application /characterisation problem for the project provider. It allows you to put into practice the knowledge and skills gained in the taught elements of the course.
Because of the individual nature of the research projects, no two projects are the same. Below are some of the titles of previous research projects undertaken by previous Masters students in our department:
-Aspects of Adhesive Bonding of Low Energy Polymers
-The effects of Surfactants on the Rheological Properties of Hydrophobically Modified Cellulose
-Extensional Rheometry and Dynamic Light Scattering of Telechelic Associating Polymer Solutions
-Simple chemical syntheses of polymer/silver nanocomposites
-Phase separation of Gum Arabic and Hyaluronan in Aqueous Solution
-Shear and extensional Rheology of Electron Beam (EB) Curable Paint
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
Assessment and Teaching
Assessment of the taught modules is intended to allow the learner to demonstrate skills that cover the entire breadth of the programme aims – knowledge and understanding, key practical skills, intellectual skills in planning experiments/interpreting data and communication of information in writing and verbally.
The research project is examined by a final dissertation.
Career Prospects
The EU is the leading chemical production area in the world and the chemical industry is the UK's largest manufacturing export sector.
MSc Polymer and Biopolymer Science combines delivery of key theoretical knowledge with hands-on application in extraction, modification and testing of polymers / biopolymers.
You’ll learn how to develop experiments at bench scale through to processes at pilot and manufacturing scale. A Masters degree in Polymer & Biopolymer Science from Glyndwr University gives you the skills employers are looking for.
You'll be ready to step confidently into a world of manufacturing with a wealth of information and skills to offer. The course provides excellent career opportunities across a wide range of industrial sectors. Graduates can expect to obtain a research and development position in areas related to biomedical devices, pharmaceutical formulation, food and beverages, petroleum recovery, agrochemicals, functional polymers/speciality chemicals, inks, paints and coatings or cosmetics and personal care products.
The course also provides a direct route to doctoral study, for those wishing to undertake further research training or pursue an academic career.
The Careers & Zone at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.
Read less
