Department of Polymer Technology and Engineering

Introduction

The BTech (Hons) in Polymer Technology and Engineering is a unique programme designed to provide optimal education and training in polymer technology and engineering. The programme places great emphasis on the applications of science and engineering to produce highly skilled graduates who will assume leadership positions in the chemical industry, research, academia, and government.

Polymers are organic macromolecular materials that include plastics, rubbers, fibres, coatings, and adhesives. They have wide-ranging applications and play a significant role in our daily lives. Polymer Science focuses on the chemical synthesis, characterisation, processing, and applications of polymers. Polymer Technology involves the manufacture, processing, analysis, and application of polymers. Polymer Engineering encompasses the design, development, analysis, modification, processing, and manufacture of polymer materials.

Key Areas of Study

  • Polymer Science
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymer Structure & Properties
  • Analytical Polymer Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry of Polymers
  • Polymer Rheology
  • Plastic Materials and Applications
  • Plastic Processing Operations
  • Rubber Materials & Applications
  • Rubber Processing Operations
  • Polymer Testing Methods
  • Polymer Composites and Blends
  • Specialty Polymers
  • Adhesives and Surface Coatings
  • Fibre Reinforced Plastics
  • Polymer Recycling & Environmental Protection
  • Chemical Kinetics & Chemical Reactors
  • Process and Product Design
  • Process Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization
  • Health & Safety in Industrial Plants
  • Industrial Instrumentation and Control
  • Mould and Die Design
  • Tool and Die Manufacture
  • Engineering Design
  • Workshop Technology
  • CAD/CAM
  • Technopreneurship
  • Capstone Design Project

Entry Qualifications

Candidates must have 2 Advanced Level passes in Chemistry and either Mathematics or Physics or a National Diploma (ND) in Polymer Science/Engineering or equivalent with two years of relevant working experience.

Programme Structure

This is a full-time program of study to the honours degree level structured to be delivered over four years. Each academic year, except Part III, is divided into two semesters, each being fifteen weeks in duration, including examination time. Part III consists of semester 1 of 15 weeks duration, followed by an industrial placement of 30 weeks.

For Part I, II, and IV, the academic year commences at the end of August and concludes at the end of May. A semester will normally comprise 15 weeks, with 12 weeks assigned to teaching, 1 week for a semester break, 1 week for revision, and 2 weeks for examinations.

For Part III, the first semester commences at the end of August and concludes in mid-December. The internship commences at the end of Semester I of Part III.

Career Prospects

The Polymer Industry is one of the most rapidly expanding industries in the world, employing a majority of scientists, technologists, and engineers working in the chemical industry. Graduates in Polymer Technology can find employment in various sectors, including the Polymer, Petrochemical, Plastics, Rubber, Paint, Adhesives, Textiles, Paper, Construction, Agricultural, and Pharmaceutical Industries. Upon completion of the degree program, graduates can occupy key positions such as:

  • Polymer Technologist/Engineer
  • Process Technologist/Engineer
  • Research Technologist/Engineer
  • Product Development Technologist/Engineer
  • Materials Technologist/Engineer
  • Production Managers
  • Plant Managers
  • Project Managers
  • Technical Managers
  • Quality Assurance Managers
  • Industrial Trainers
  • Business Consultants
  • Technopreneurs