Organic & Polymer Chemistry
Learn more about organic synthesis, polymerizations and biomedical and/or physical behavior of polymers.
The program in a nutshell
Practical and tutor group meetings
Within this minor you will work on a project that starts with the synthesis of a monomer or initiator. You learn to fully characterize your product by e.g. NMR or MS and assess the purity. Thereafter you will polymerize your monomer/initiator via a controlled polymerization techniques like RAFT, ATRP or anionic polymerization. The product is again fully characterized by e.g. SEC or DSC.
All polymers that are being synthesized obtain a unique physical feature relevant to biomedical applications. Some exhibit LCST behavior, others will form nanoparticles for drug delivery and some are able to bind DNA for cell transfections. Finally you need to show these characteristics e.g. by DLS, electron microscopy (SEM) or gel electrophorese measurements.
All the above mentioned techniques, except NMR, are available in our labs and will be operated by our students themselves.
The projects are discussed extensively during tutor hours on the basis of the accompanying articles and work discussions. The tutor hours are supplemented with workshops and presentations that all refer to searching for literature, understanding it and presenting.
Theory lessons
During this minor 7 hours of theory a week are scheduled during which the theory of organic chemistry, organic/retro synthesis, optimization, organic chemistry of polymers and physical chemistry of polymers will the addressed.
Program details
Learning outcomes
What have you learned by the end of the program? You can:
- Learn to search literature
- Learn to master new topics themselves (and present it to others)
- Learn to systematically plan and perform experiments
- Learn to couple results and write a scientific report.
- Deepen theoretical knowledge in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry and polymer physics.
- Work on the following competences: Design, Experimentation, Analysis, Reporting and presentation, Project-based work / project management
Competences
You strengthen these competence areas during the program:
- Knowledge development
- Knowledge application
- Research planning
- Effective collaboration
Dutch way of learning
The atmosphere in a Dutch classroom is quite informal and your lecturers are easy to talk to. In fact, at HAN you’re seen as a partner in the learning process. Class sizes are small and your lecturers encourage you to actively participate in class. To ask questions and give your own opinion. They also stimulate you to be creative and to discover things for yourself.
HAN International Intro
Get a good start to your studies during this week of orientation:
- learn about living in the Netherlands
- become familiar with the campus
- get on board with your exchange program
- make new friends!
What about credits and grading?
At HAN we use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, or ECTS. It’s the standard credit system used in higher education across Europe. How does it work? One credit = 28 hours of study. Think of contact hours. Time spent working on assignments. Preparing for exams.
One semester = 30 credits = 840 hours of study. To earn credits, you need to pass your exams. What counts as a pass? A grade of at least 5.5.
Admission
What are the admission requirements? And how do I apply?
