Science Degrees Online

97-503 Advanced Polymer Science I (3-0)3
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A study of the principles of condensation, free radical, ionic, coordination and ring-opening polymerization. The topics include the effect of polymerization techniques on reaction kinetics and molecular weight, and the evaluation of reactivity ratios in copolymerization reactions.
97-504 Advanced Polymer Science II (3-0)3
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Introduction to chain statistics and thermodynamics of macromolecular solutions, methods of study of molecular weight and chain conformation, and the properties of polymers in bulk including viscoelasticity and crystallinity.
97-505 Polymer Preparation and Characterization (0-4)2
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A laboratory course designed to acquaint the graduate student with the techniques used in the synthesis and characterization of macromolecules with the instrumental study of macromolecules by utilization of osmometry, light scattering, gel permeation chromatography, vapor pressure osmometry and infrared spectroscopy.
97-553 Organic Chemistry of Macromolecules (3-0)3
Prerequisite: 97-503,504
An advanced study in polymer science concerned with the synthesis of macromolecules and their mechanisms of formation.
97-602 Polymer Science Seminar (1-0)1
Required of all Polymer Science graduate students.
Presentation of current topics in polymer science by graduate students.
97-603-604 Polymer Science Colloquium (1-0)1
Required of all Polymer Science graduate students.
Presentation of current topics in polymer science by visiting scientists and staff.
97.649. Introduction to Conjugated Polymers (3-0)3
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course presents an introduction to the synthesis, characterization, and study of the electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of conjugated polymers in both insulating and conducting forms. Topics covered include solid state polymerization, electronic structure,doping, and assembly methods. Physical properties emphasized include electrical conductivity, light emitting materials and devices, and nonlinear optical properties.
97-651 Selected Topics in Polymer Science (3-0)3
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Advanced topics in various aspects of polymer science. Content may vary from year to year so that students may, by repeated enrollment, acquire a broad knowledge in the field of macromolecules.
97-751 Advanced Projects in Polymer Science (3-0)1
Special projects undertaken by a student to expand knowledge in a specific field not necessarily related to the thesis. Content of project and hours assigned must be approve by the Department Chair.
97-743 M.S. Research in Polymer Science
3 credits
97-746 M.S. Research in Polymer Science
6 credits
97-749 M.S. Research in Polymer Science
9 credits
97-753 Ph.D. Research in Polymer Science
3 credits
97-756 Ph.D. Research in Polymer Science
6 credits
97-759 Ph.D. Research in Polymer Science
9 credits

a. Polymer Science:
84.523 Organic Reaction Mechanisms
84.568 Structural Analysis
84.532 Advanced Physical Chemistry
97.503 Advanced Polymer Science I
97.504 Advanced Polymer Science II
97.553 Organic Chemistry of Macromolecules
97.505 Polymer Preparation & Characterization
The following course schedule is suggested to prepare the students for the cumulative examinations:
First Semester
97.503
Advanced Polymer Science 1
3 cr
84.568
Structural Analysis
3 cr
26.503
Mechanical Behavior of Polymers
3 cr
Second Semester
97.504
Advanced Polymer Science II
3 cr
97.553
Organic Chemistry of Macromolecules
3 cr
84.532
Advanced Physical Chemistry
3 cr
Third Semester
97.505
Polymer Preparation and Characterization
2 cr
Cumulative Examinations
The remaining required courses may be taken in the following semesters.
In addition, the student must register for Polymer Seminar 97.601/602 and 97.603/604 Polymer Science Colloquium each semester.
b. Polymer Science/Plastics Engineering Option:
84.523 Organic Reaction Mechanisms
84.568 Structural Analysis
84.532 Advanced Physical Chemistry
97.503 Advanced Polymer Science I
97.504 Advanced Polymer Science II
97.553 Organic Chemistry of Macromolecules
97.505 Polymer Preparation & Characterization
26.503 Mechanical Behavior of Polymers
26.506 Polymer Structure
26.509 Plastics Processing I
26.510 Plastics Processing II
The following course schedule is suggested to prepare the students electing the Polymer Science/Plastics Engineering option for the cumulative examinations:
First Semester
97.503
Advanced Polymer Science I
3 cr
26.503
Mechanical Behavior of Polymers
3 cr
26.509
Plastics Processing I
3 cr
Second Semester
97.504
Advanced Polymer Science II
3 cr
97.553
Organic Chemistry of Macromolecules
3 cr
26.510
Plastics Processing II
3 cr
Third Semester
97.505
Polymer Preparation and Characterization
2 cr
Cumulative Examinations
The remaining required courses may be taken in the following semesters.
In addition, the student must register for Polymer Seminar 97.601/602 and 97.603/604 Polymer Science Colloquium each semester.

Of the 45 minimum credit requirements a minimum of 27 credits in course work, exclusive of thesis and seminar, is required with at least 18 to be taken in chemistry and polymer science (84 and 97 prefixes). The remaining course credits (nine or more, with a student’s Advisory Committee having the authority to add six additional credits to the minimum in special situations) may be taken in chemistry or in a related field such as biology, physics, mathematics or engineering. Credit normally is not allowed for undergraduate subjects in chemistry except for those so designated in the catalog. Research credits would then make up the remainder of the 45 credit requirement. The program of courses is the responsibility of a student’s Advisory Committee and must include advanced subjects in the appropriate areas of chemistry, polymers, and plastics. When it is necessary to carry less than the normal credit load of 9 per semester, the student must apply to the chairman of the department through the chairman of his/her Advisory Committee for approval.

Requirements for Admission
Requirements for admission into the program are the same as those for students entering other Ph.D. programs in Chemistry. It is the student’s responsibility to satisfy any admission requirements stipulated for the Ph.D. in Chemistry.
Undergraduate deficiencies in the student’s background must be remedied promptly, usually by the end of the student’s second semester. During this period, the student must also successfully complete graduate courses appropriate to his/her background. Students will not be formally admitted to the Ph.D. program if their grade point average is below B.
Advisory Committee
Upon admission the student will be assigned a temporary adviser by the Coordinator of the Graduate Polymer Program. The student’s major thesis adviser will become the chairperson of the permanent Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee will meet at least once each semester to monitor the progress of the student’s research.
Program Outline
The initial part of the program is devoted to formal course work. The first year usually is devoted to subjects in major branches of chemistry, polymers, and plastics in preparation for the student’s area (cumulative) examinations. The student must choose a research Adviser before the end of the second semester and is normally expected to start research during the first summer.
Language Requirements
Pathways for satisfying the language requirements have been described previously under the Chemistry section of this catalog.
Written Area Examinations
Upon formal admission to the Ph.D. program the student is required to pass a series of consecutive cumulative area examinations. This requirement must be completed by the end of the third semester for students entering in the fall semester, and by the end of the fourth semester for students entering in the spring semester. Policy and grading underlying each examination will be announced at the beginning of each academic year.
Each student must also present an oral defense of an original research proposal within six months after the completion of the last area exam.

Students in the Ph.D. Program in the Department of Chemistry may elect the Polymer Science or the Polymer Science/Plastics Engineering Option. The Polymer Science/Plastics Engineering Option doctoral program is organized jointly with the Department of Plastics Engineering. The program is designed to provide students with a background in advanced course work and laboratory techniques that will prepare them to carry out an original investigation leading to an acceptable contribution to the body of contemporary knowledge in the fields of macromolecules or plastics.
1. Plan of Program
The doctoral degree normally requires four years of full-time study beyond the bachelor’s degree or a minimum of two to three years of full-time study beyond the master’s degree. The plan of study pursued by each student is dependent on individual requirements and is developed through conference with his/her Advisory Committee (or temporary advisor).
All students entering the program must take the American Chemical Society Graduate Level placement examinations in organic, physical and analytical chemistry. An evaluation examination in polymer science is given to those who wish to be exempted from 97-503-504.

A candidate for the Master of Science degree in Chemistry must have a minimum of 18 credit hours of course work, exclusive of research and seminar, as well as complete of thesis based upon original research. Of the credit requirement, a minimum of 15 credits must be taken in the Department of Chemistry. The remaining course credits (three or more) may be taken in chemistry (polymer science) or in such related fields as plastics, physics, mathematics, biology or engineering. Credit normally is not allowed for 400 level subjects in chemistry, except for those so designated in the catalog or approved by a student’s adviser. All students must take 97-601-602, Polymer Science Seminar and 97-603-604, Polymer Science Colloquium each year they are in residence. The first semester of Polymer Science Seminar and Colloquium may be given concurrently with the first semester of Chemistry Seminar and Colloquium.

The Polymer Science Program of the Department of Chemistry offers the student a unique opportunity for advanced study and research training in the growing field of macromolecular science. Provision is made to include the broadest coverage of both practical and theoretical aspects of polymer science, taking advantage of the unique facilities at UMass Lowell in chemistry of macromolecules, plastics engineering, and other related fields.

The goal of the graduate program is to educate incoming students in the theory and practice of polymer science. As a student in our program, you will receive valuable training for a future career in academia, commerce or industry, particularly in industries which manufacture, process and use polymeric materials.
The thrust of our program is to educate by active participation. Students engage in their research under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member. The current state of polymer science is revealed to students through formal courses, seminars, colloquia, independent reading and daily interactions.
The environment is exciting and stimulating – the variety and vigor of the wide ranging research areas provide an impetus for achievement.
The Polymer Science Program of the Department of Chemistry offers the student a unique opportunity for advanced study and research training in the growing field of macromolecular science. Provision is made to include the broadest coverage of both practical and theoretical aspects of polymer science, taking advantage of the unique facilities at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in chemistry of macromolecules, plastics engineering and other related fields.

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The undergraduate program in Movement Science emphasizes the cross-disciplinary study of the causes and consequences of movement from biological, biomechanical, and motor control perspectives. The program includes required and elective courses, laboratory research opportunities and out-of-class activities. Successful completion of the program can lead to careers in such diverse areas as athletic training, cardiac and physical rehabilitation, worksite wellness, sports biomechanics, personal fitness training, performance evaluation and injury prevention. Students earn a BS in Movement Science which also provides preparation for continuing training in the allied medical profession.
Movement Science consists of three disciplines: biomechanics, exercise physiology and motor control.
Biomechanics applies the principles of classical mechanics to the study of the human body in motion. Students develop the skills to analyze movement and to quantify the internal and external forces acting on or within the body during normal or pathological movement.
Exercise physiology focuses on the body’s response to exercise and movement. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of knowledge in such areas as muscle mechanics, anatomy, endocrinology, microbiology, biochemistry, nutrition and systems physiology as they relate to human movement. Exercise physiology lays a foundation for graduate studies and certification for careers in personal fitness training, athletic training, strength and conditioning, coaching and worksite wellness.
Motor control examines the ways movement is learned and controlled through both neural and behavioral mechanisms. Students study such issues as skill acquisition, coordination and motor disorders with respect to balance and locomotion, and eye, head and limb movements. Motor control knowledge is applied in clinical settings such as physical and occupational therapy, the instructional fields of physical education, coaching, music and the arts, as well as ergonomics and human engineering in a variety of industries.