Natural Sciences

Macromolecules are very large molecules comprised of small sub-units which are present in our daily lives and even inside our bodies. They include synthetic or naturally-occurring polymers as well as biopolymers, such as proteins, and even DNA. These molecules are held together mainly by covalent bonds, but other types of inter- and intramolecular interactions also play an important part. These interactions beyond the covalent bond are what defines Supramolecular Chemistry, and their understanding allows us to design molecules with specific functions.

This module is divided into two parts:

1. Macromolecular chemistry (polymers and biomolecules);
2. Supramolecular chemistry.

In this module you will learn how polymers are synthesised, their properties and applications, and some characterisation methods. You will also learn what supramolecular arrangements are and how important molecular design is to achieve functional materials with a myriad of applications.

The aim of this module is to explore the rich chemistry of large molecules and molecular arrangements beyond the covalent bond, how the lessons we learn from biological systems can inspire molecular design targeted at achieving certain functionalities, and the applications that all these molecular systems have in our daily lives.

Examples of historic relevance to polymer chemistry, such as Nylon, and Kevlar, will be discussed. Besides the historical examples given, the module content will be updated every year to reflect current research in the areas of macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry. Furthermore, in order to connect the module content to current research at Exeter, several lab visits will be arranged.

You will develop the following graduate attributes:

• Team work in the tasks given for the group essay and presentation assessment
• People skills in communicating with peers and discussing scientific ideas
• Independent research skills related to literature review
• Applied thinking and problem-solving – applying the knowledge you have gained to solve problems related to macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

• 1. Explain the concept of macromolecules, different classes, and other basic concepts in polymer science
• 2. Describe in detail the physical properties of polymers, how to measure them, and the impact in the applications of each polymer
• 3. Illustrate the polymerisation reactions and some degradation mechanisms through examples of polymers with historical interest
• 4. Outline the different types of chemical bonds and molecular interactions that contribute to the structural features of certain materials, and explain how these relate with the functionality of such materials
• 5. Explain in detail the basic concepts of supramolecular chemistry, how we can use them for the rational design of materials with specific functionalities, and the parallels between supramolecular systems and biological systems to interpret bio-inspired synthetic systems

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

• 6. Evaluate and analyse in depth essential facts and theory in the area of chemistry
• 7. Apply the concepts and methods of macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry to research-relevant problems and questions
• 8. Evaluate independently and with limited guidance, a range of research and research-informed literature in the area of macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry, and synthesise these ideas into written and oral work

Personal and Key Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge:

• 9. Analyse and evaluate appropriate data with very limited guidance
• 10. Work as a group towards a common goal
• 11. Participate effectively and professionally in group discussions of scientific ideas
• 12. Devise and sustain, with little guidance, a logical and reasoned argument with sound, convincing conclusions
• 13. Communicate effectively and professionally arguments, evidence and conclusions using written and oral means

• Introduction, definitions, and history of supramolecular and macromolecular chemistry

• Macromolecular Chemistry
  • Basic concepts in polymer science
  • Macromolecules in biology
  • Chemical bonding in polymers
  • Polymerisation reactions and biodegradability
  • Properties and characterisation of polymeric materials
  • Examples of functional polymers for different applications

• Supramolecular Chemistry
  • Basic concepts in supramolecular chemistry
  • Self-assembly and non-covalent interactions
  • Synthetic, biological and bio-inspired systems
  • Crystal engineering
  • Examples of supramolecular functional materials for different applications

You will be asked to work in groups to write an essay and give a group oral presentation on that essay during the workshop sessions. The groups will be given a list of topics to select from, but we will consider alternative topics proposed by the groups; these alternative topics are subject to approval by the module convenor.

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment; in the case of the group essay and group presentation assessments, these will be replaced by an individual essay and individual presentation. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 40%.

Reading list for this module:

• M. P. Stevens, “Polymer Chemistry, An Introduction”, 3^rd ed.  Oxford University Press, 1999
• P. C. Hiemenz, “Polymer Chemistry”, 2^nd ed. CRC Press, 2007
• L. H. Sperming, “Introduction to Physical Polymer Science”, Wiley, 2006
• J. W. Steed, J. L. Atwood, “Supramolecular Chemistry”, 2^nd Edition, Wiley, 2009
• K. Ariga, T. Kunitake, “Supramolecular Chemistry – Fundamentals and Applications”, Springer 2006

Yes

• Primary literature