Polymer & Plastics Sustainability      

What is a polymer? What is plastic?     What are the types and properties of plastics?   What are the additives?

  How are they made?    What are bioplastics?    What happens to them?    Why are they 'forever' chemicals?  

 What is a microplastic and why do these exist?   What is a nanoplastic?  What is the current environmental status?

   How do they fit within the circular economy?    Energy vs. Chemical Balance?     How can we change?           

• This is a 15-week course that covers the structure and properties of polymers and plastics, their use in infrastructure, and the environmental impact as a result of their prevalence. We will consider the circular economy as related to chemical precursors and recycling. 

• The course is mainly delivered online with multiple activities built in. Zoom will be used for synchronous delivery and discussion.

• Some of the class periods will be asynchronous - meaning you will be assigned work and asked to complete a brief comprehension assignment in lieu of Zoom class. However, I will usually be available on Zoom should you have any questions during this time.

The Essentials

• This course combines concepts in chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering, with a sprinkle of mathematics as we calculate the impact and properties of polymers on the environment.

• We will be meeting synchronously most days, and have a mix of group and individual assignments. 

• Regular reading assignments will be utilized to allow more group work and discussion in class.

• Please be prepared to interact with me and each other. Remote instruction does not equate to less interaction!

• I appreciate if you keep your cameras on for at least a portion of the class, but this is not a requirement each day. 

• Please turn on your cameras when presenting, thank you!

How to be Successful

• Attend lectures and be actively present, take notes and ask questions.

• Keep up with readings to stay on track.

• Strive to turn in assignments on time so you don't get overwhelmed.

• Attend office hours and ask questions, this is always welcome.

• Engage with your classmates and help one another out.

• Prepare to spend 2-3 hours per course credit (4 credits) studying each week.

• Direct messages - cbauer@whittier.edu or Moodle messaging

• Zoom - private or group office hours, email to schedule outside of regular office hours.

• I will generally be available on weekdays 8am-5pm, and usually answer emails on the same day. If urgent, please mark with 'urgent' on the email. Should you not receive a response withing 24 hours, please resend your email as it is possible it was simply missed. 

About me

I am thrilled to teach this course for the third time!  I have developed a unique course for us to explore the many aspects of polymers and plastics in our environment. We will also delve into nano and microplastics to understand what happens when plastics degrade and the ultimate fate of plastics. You make this class work, please bring your life experiences and story to the table as this is an all-hands-on-deck type of situation!

Please contact me at any time with concerns or questions. Your success is my top priority!

“Everybody is a genius.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”           -Albert Einstein