What will we learn about polymers and plastics? This course will cover the chemistry and origins of plastics and the relationship to the oil industry. The sources of pollution and the fate of plastics upon exposure to sun and salt, the current state of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and environmental concerns with persistent plastic pollution will be covered. This will also include synthesis and decomposition products of biodegradable plastics, thermal stability, recycling, and mitigation. In the laboratory portion of the course, we will make and explore the properties of various plastics. We will also test and develop methods for detection of micro and nanoplastics, via collection of soil and sand from our local water sources.
Grade Breakdown
We will be utilizing a number of assignments, quizzes, and lab reports to assess your learning and progress in the course.
Homework and Presentations- 20%
Quizzes (5, lowest dropped)- 25%
Participation and Discussions - 15%
Laboratory/Case Studies/Activities - 25%
Final Project - 15%
Assignments
Homework and Reflections
Knowledge Checks - for your practice, graded on completion (not correctness).
Reading Assignments (materials provided)
Application of course material and self-evaluation
Video Assignments
Quizzes
5 quizzes will be used to check for understanding.
The lowest quiz grade will be dropped
Presentations
Semi-formal presentations in which students present based on articles/readings
3 per student throughout the semester
Use of Google slides, Powerpoint, Canva, or other presentation-ready software will be required
Participation and Discussion
Regular interaction will be an important part of this course.
Google Docs, sheets, forms will be used for interactions
We will also speak and utilize the chat function in Zoom
This work will be regularly graded.
Lowest 3 grades will be dropped.
Activity/Case Study Assignments
Formal reports will be used for the final project (Introduction, Procedure, Results, Discussion, Conclusion)
Regular activities and case studies will occur throughout the class
Some lab-like activities will also be completed
Course Materials
Plastics in the Environment edited by Alessio Gomiero; individual chapters available here.
Reading supplements will be available on Moodle as well.
Portions of Polymers, the Environment and Sustainable Development will be scanned and placed on Moodle as well.
Moodle for access to documents, turning in assignments, etc. Grades are also maintained on Moodle.
Course Goals and Learning Outcomes
Understand the basic physics and chemistry terms and principles that are used to describe polymers and plastics.
Learn the basic concepts of organic molecules and biopolymers, how structure effects function and environmental impact.
Learn how to name and describe polymers, plastics, cross-linkers, etc.
Learn about micro and nanoplastics and their environmental impact, prevalence.
Learn how to measure and detect polymers in the environment.
Understand and study chemical and physical properties of polymers and measurements.
Learn equilibrium principles and description of such systems in the environment.
Learn kinetics and time-based pollution and remediation scenarios.
Present results derived from data analysis in the form of graphs and tables.
Communicate ideas effectively in writing and in speaking to small and large groups.
Critically read literature and analyze the scientific arguments within.
Main Goal
At the end of this course, students will be able to identify polymers and plastics, understand their properties as related to structures, and how this effects their behavior. The complex issues of their origins and fate upon disposal will be understood from a scientific perspective as well as social. Students will understand how polymers degrade or can be recycled and what they become in the various environments, including land and water. Students will also understand the deep connections betwen the oil industry and plastics, appreciating the entire cycle of polymers and plastics from synthesis to end-of-use.
The course aims to accomplish, to various degree, Whittier College’s students learning outcomes (listed
below as per Whittier College’s website):
• Students should develop the ability to make connections across disciplines in order to understand the convergence and divergence of different fields of knowledge and to understand the nature of an academic community;
• Students should develop an understanding of, and competency in, the use of signs and symbols to construct, create, perceive, and communicate meaning;
• Students should develop the capacity to entertain multiple perspectives and interpretations;
• Students should develop an understanding of culture and of the connections between themselves and others in relation to physical, historical, social, and global contexts;
• Students should develop breadth, defined as familiarity with essential concepts in major fields, and depth, defined as knowledge of at least one field (usually achieved in the major).