Polymer Analytics

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 27.02.2026.

Module identifier

11B2340

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

only winter term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

The chemical structure of polymers, their general composition, their processing conditions and the final material properties are closely linked. The focus of this module is on expanding the knowledge of polymer chemistry with polymer analytical methods and acquiring practical experience with analytical tools for investigating the composition and properties of polymers. After successfully completing the module, students will have theoretical and practical knowledge for planning, carrying out and evaluating laboratory experiments in the field of polymer analysis.

Teaching and learning outcomes

Theoretical teaching and implementation of polymer analytical methods, including:

1) Molar mass determination via Ubbelohde viscometry

2) Thermal polymer analysis using DSC and TGA

3) Infrared spectroscopy

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
30Lecture-
30Laboratory activity-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
60Preparation/follow-up for course work-
30Creation of examinations-
Graded examination
  • Field work / Experimental work
Exam duration and scope

  • EA: 5 esperiments of 180 minutes each - written presentation in the form of protocols. Oral presentation and consultation. 

Recommended prior knowledge

The module assumes basic knowledge of the chemical structure of polymers and some physical measurement principles, as acquired in introductory modules on chemistry, physics and polymer chemistry.

Knowledge Broadening

Students can plan, carry out and evaluate laboratory experiments in the field of polymer analysis and explain the measuring principle of polymer analytical methods.

Knowledge deepening

Students can select suitable experimental methods for solving polymer analysis problems. Students can evaluate the experimental data and derive general relationships between chemical structure and properties.

Knowledge Understanding

The students can estimate the limits and advantages of different methods of polymer analytics. After the successful completion of the module the students will be able to apply the analytical tools for the solution of different unknown analytical problems in polymer chemistry.

Communication and Cooperation

The students are able to present their experimental results and the deduced correlations in comprehensive laboratory protocols. The students are able give an oral presentation of their experimental results.

Literature

Makromolekulare Chemie: Ein Lehrbuch für Chemiker, Physiker, Materialwissenschaftler und Verfahrenstechniker , M.D. Lechner, K. Gehrke, E.H. Nordmeier, 6. Auflage, Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, 2020

Makromolekulare Chemie, Eine Einführung, B.Tieke, Wiley-VCH Verlag Weinheim, 4. Auflage, 2024

Applicability in study programs

  • Sustainable Materials Technology and Product Development
    • Sustainable Materials Technology and Product Development B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Sustainable Materials Technology and Product Development in Practise Network
    • Sustainable Materials Technology and Product Development in Practise Network B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Petersen, Svea
    Teachers
    • Petersen, Svea
    Further lecturer(s)

    Schmidt, Hannelore