Polymer Chemistry and Physics

The major in Polymer Chemistry and Physics is a rapidly developing scientific field with strategic importance in modern industries such as new materials, biomedical technology, high-tech sectors, and environmental protection. 

Studying this major in China offers access to an advanced educational system, providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills to meet the global demands of scientific and industrial development.

Program Introduction

Polymer Chemistry and Physics is an interdisciplinary discipline with polymers as the fundamental research object and serves as the foundation of polymer science. Compared with other secondary disciplines of chemistry, it has a closer relationship with modern physics. Its development depends more on advances in both chemistry and physics, while it also profoundly influences the progress of these two core sciences. 

Polymer science is closely related to human civilization and material life advancement. Its products are widely applied in cutting-edge technology, national defense construction, and various fields of the national economy, becoming indispensable necessities in modern life such as clothing, food, housing, transportation, and daily use. 

The fundamental purpose of polymer science is to meet human progress needs by deeply developing and optimizing the properties and applications of natural polymer products, while creating more and higher-quality synthetic polymer materials and products. 

Besides continuous improvements and optimizations of general polymer materials, the pursuit also includes special polymer materials with high strength and resistance to harsh conditions such as high temperature and strong radiation, high-performance materials with special optical, electrical, and magnetic properties as well as efficient energy transfer and conversion capabilities, biofunctional and medical polymers that actively influence life processes, stimuli-responsive polymers, environmentally friendly polymers, etc. 

These represent the vibrant vitality and fertile ground for healthy growth of the discipline.

Training Objectives

Postgraduate students should have a broad foundation in chemistry knowledge, theory, and skills; systematically master the specialized knowledge, theory, and research methods of polymer chemistry and physics.

Understand the current status and development trends; possess good scientific literacy and the ability to conduct scientific research; have innovation and application awareness; master a foreign language and proficiently use computers and modern information tools. 

Graduates will be able to engage in teaching, research, technology development, and management work.

Who is Suitable for This Major?

• Those with a solid foundation in chemistry and physics who have a passion for scientific research and material technology development.
• Individuals with logical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and patience in research and experiments.
• Students aiming to work in fields such as new materials, high technology, biomedicine, environmental protection, or industrial production.
• Those aspiring to study and work in an international environment, especially in China, where there are abundant opportunities in the polymer sector.

Mode of Study and Duration

The duration for master’s students is generally three years, with a maximum study period (including leave) of four years. The mode of study combines coursework and scientific research.

Curriculum

Professional Practice

Practical ability refers to the comprehensive capacity of individuals to solve real problems or produce certain products under the value standards of specific social and cultural environments. The practical abilities cultivated for postgraduate students in this discipline must meet requirements at three levels:

• General practical ability: mastering basic practical skills necessary for current and future professional, life, and social activities, mainly including independent living ability, environmental adaptability, communication and cooperation, computer application, and foreign language proficiency.
• Professional practical ability: mastering practical skills required for related professional activities in the discipline, including drawing ability, chemical and polymer experimental skills, equipment and instrument operation, processing skills, mathematical calculation, and design ability.
• Comprehensive practical ability: possessing strong ability to complete complex tasks and solve new problems in the polymer field by integrating general practical ability, professional skills, and cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills.

Training Mode

• Supervisor responsibility system: combining supervisor responsibility and collective discipline training. Supervisors are the primary persons responsible for student training, caring about students’ growth, and guiding their moral, intellectual, and physical development.
• Equal emphasis on coursework and scientific research: master students must systematically master solid fundamental theories and specialized knowledge, cultivate scientific research and professional technical capabilities through the thesis, with a special focus on developing comprehensive abilities including innovation, activity, and adaptability.

Research Directions

• Functional Polymers
• Polymer Structure and Properties
• Polymer Materials
• Polymer Composites
• Polymer Processing and Performance Evaluation
• Bioactive Polymers

Degree Awarded

Upon completion of the required credits and successful defense of the thesis, students who meet the conditions and pass the school’s degree evaluation committee review will be awarded the Master of Science degree.

Career Development

Graduates can engage in teaching and research in universities and research institutes, work in polymer materials research and development, production, testing, and management in related enterprises and institutions, and participate in technical development and applications in defense, materials, medicine, environmental protection, and other fields.

Related Majors

• Polymer Science and Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Chemical Engineering and Technology 
• Applied Chemistry
• Chemistry

Leading Universities in This Field in China

1. Peking University
2. Tsinghua University
3. University of Science and Technology of China
4. Nankai University
5. Jilin University
6. Fudan University
7. Xiamen University
8. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
9. Nanjing University
10. Zhejiang University

Evaluation of the Major in Polymer Chemistry and Physics

This major focuses on the study of the structure, properties, synthesis, and applications of polymer materials, contributing to the creation of advanced materials with significant economic and social benefits. 

It combines profound theoretical knowledge with practical production and technological development. Students gain multidisciplinary knowledge in chemistry, physics, and engineering, enabling them to solve complex problems related to material innovation, technology improvement, and environmental protection.

Moreover, China has strong advantages in polymer research and applications, hosting many top universities and state-of-the-art research facilities, providing students with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies and international expert networks.

The above provides an overview of the Master’s program in Polymer Chemistry and Physics. Visit the “Major Search” section to explore more details about study programs in China!

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