A polymer is a chain of small molecules linked together to form a larger single molecule. Chemists make polymers because of their unique properties, which they impart to products such as paints and adhesives, drug delivery systems and artificial skin. The polymer chemistry option at IIT emphasizes the techniques involved in the synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials.
The following courses are required as technical electives for a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
|CHEM 455||Advanced Organic Chemistry||3 Credits|
|CHEM 470||Introduction to Polymer Chemistry||3 Credits|
|CHEM 535||Polymer Synthesis||3 Credits|
|CHEM 537||Polymer Chemistry Laboratory||1 Credit|
|CHEM 542||Polymer Characterization and Analysis||3 Credits|
Students interested in pursuing the polymer chemistry degree option must submit a formal letter of intent to a program advisor by the end of their second year. To insure adequate performance in CHEM 455 and graduate level organic chemistry courses, students should have completed CHEM 237 and CHEM 239 with grades of B or better. Students must also take the American Chemical Society placement examination in organic chemistry after they complete CHEM 239. The results will be used for advising and tracking purposes.