Course and Examination Regulations for the joint English Language (Non-Consecutive) Master of Science in Polymer Science Program

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1 Course and Examination Regulations for the joint English Language (Non-Consecutive) Master of Science in Polymer Science Program Preamble Based on 24, 31 and 74 of the law for Berlin universities (Berliner Hochschulgesetz - BerlHG) from October 12, 1990 (GVBl p. 2165) in the version of February 13, 2003 (GVBl p. 82), last amended per law on July 6, 2006 (GVBl p. 713) the Joint Commission of the Department Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy of the Freie Universität Berlin, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences I of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the Technische Universität Berlin as well as the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the Universität Potsdam issued on December 7, 2006 and January 11, 2007 the following course and examination regulations for the joint English language (non-consecutive) Master of Science in Polymer Science Program: * Table of Contents 1 Purview 2 Mentors 3 Objective and Content of the Program 4 Examination Committee 5 Designated Period of Study, Course and Examination Requirements (Credit Points required), Structure of the Program 6 Registration for the Master s Thesis 7 Master s Thesis and Defense 8 Grading System 9 Enrollment to Courses and Examinations, Retaking Examinations 10 Master s Degree 11 Transfer of Credit Points 12 Course and Examination Requirements in Case of Physical Impairments and Disabilities as well as in the Case of Family Burdens 13 Absence, Withdrawal, Cheating, Violation of Examination Procedure, Annulment of Decisions 14 Enactment and Transitional Provisions Attachment 1: Module Descriptions Attachment 2: Exemplary Course Schedule Attachment 3: Certificate (sample, English version) Attachment 4: Certificate (sample, German version) Attachment 5: Degree Certificate (sample, English version) Attachment 6: Degree Certificate (sample, German version) Attachment 7: Diploma Supplement (sample, English version) Attachment 8: Diploma Supplement (sample, German version) * The senatorial administration responsible for academia approved the present regulations on... 1

2 1 Purview The present regulations lay down objectives, content, structure, stipulations and procedures for the provision of course and examination requirements for the English Master of Science in Polymer Science Program. This program is jointly offered by the Freie Universität Berlin, the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Technische Universität Berlin as well as the Universität Potsdam. 2 Mentors At the beginning of the program each student is assigned to a mentor. The mentor is responsible for course guidance and counseling as well as further tasks assigned to her or him in these regulations. Mentors are members of the regular scientific staff. 3 Objective and Content of the Program (1) The educational objective of the non-consecutive, stronger research-oriented, joint English Master of Science in Polymer Science Program is to provide the qualification for a professional career in the scientific and industrial field of Polymer Science. The Master s program imparts the skills necessary to apply scientific methods and knowledge to gain and interpret research results and to communicate the results to the outside world. (2) As the requirements in the scientific as well as in the industrial environment are much diversified the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program offers an interdisciplinary training in the fields of chemistry, physics and material sciences. However, to gain sufficient depth of knowledge of the individual fields the program pursues the following strategy: The different subjects are taught by instructors who are experts in the respective fields. This will be achieved through the participation of the four universities. During laboratory internships students have contact with current research topics, thus introducing them at an early stage to practical research. Physical, chemical or technical basics are taught with examples from Polymer Science, thus enabling an efficient and in-depth training in a new subject. Besides the broad, basic skills in all fields of the Polymer Sciences, the Master s program provides an opportunity to specialize in one of the subject areas of Polymer Physics, Polymer Chemistry or Polymer Technology which cover adequately the spectrum of the scientific and economic activities. (3) The Master s Program Polymer Science provides the scientific basis for manifold later activities in scientific institutions, as well as in commercial enterprises. Possible fields of activity range from research and development, over production and extend to consulting and administration. 2

3 4 Examination Committee (1) The Joint Commission appoints an Examination Committee from all participating universities. It consists of three members from the body of university professors, one member from the body of university research associates and one student of this program. For each member a deputy is to be named. The members and their deputies hold a term of two years, student members and their deputies hold a term of one year. Each of the participating universities must be represented in the Examination Committee; the same applies to their deputies. (2) Out of its members, the Examination Committee appoints the Head of the Committee as well as the Deputy Head of the Committee. Both have to be members from the body of university professors. The Examination Committee has the authority to assign as well as to revoke general or particular tasks to the Head of the Committee. In urgent cases, she or he can take the necessary decisions. The Head of the Committee has to report to the Examination Committee on urgent decisions taken. The authority of the Examination Committee, to take independent decisions, remains untouched. (3) The Examination Committee is responsible for the correct assessment of the course and examination requirements (credit points required), the transfer of credit points, the organization of examinations, the appointment of examiners and examination witnesses, as well as the verification of the final degree. The Examination Committee will ensure that the provisions of these regulations are adhered to, and work towards the adequacy of the course and examination requirements as well as the adherence to scientific standards. It reports annually to the responsible bodies on developments. It will also report on gender specific aspects, particularly with regard to course and examination periods, and prompt provisions and reforms as necessary. (4) The members of the Examination Committee and their deputies do have the right, to participate as observers in all examinations of the partner universities. They can also seek extensive information on the stipulation and establishment of course and examination requirements, and on the adherence to the respective legal basis. (5) The meetings of the Examination Committee are not public. Members and deputy members must abide the obligation of official secrecy. So long as they are not in public service, they are to be sworn to secrecy by the Head of the Committee. 5 Designated Period of Study, Courses and Examination Requirements (Credit Points required), Structure of the Program (1) As a rule, the final degree will be conferred after four semesters (designated period of study). (2) Examinations can be taken in English or German. (3) Altogether, an overall of 120 credit points (CP) have to be accounted for, thereof CP in the basic stage CP in the specialization stage 3

4 3. 20 CP in the Master s thesis and CP in the defense. (4) During the basic stage the following key areas are to be completed: 1. Polymer Synthesis with the modules Module 1: Polymer Synthesis Theory and Methods Module 2: Polymer Synthesis Practical Experience 2. Polymer Physics with the modules Module 3: Polymer Characterization Module 4: Introduction to Polymer Theory 3. Polymer Technology and Processing with the modules Module 5: Polymerization Technology Module 6: Polymer Processing and Surface Science of Polymers 4. Polymer Properties and Colloids with the modules Module 7: Physical and Engineering Properties Module 8: Colloids and Biopolymers (5) After successful completion of the basic stage modules, research internships and accompanying courses need to be completed within the specialization stage. Goal is the consolidation and enhancement of the knowledge and abilities gained in the basic stage, in one of the specialization fields in Polymer Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, or Technology of Polymers) and preparing for the Master s Thesis in this area of specialization. Until the start of the second academic year ( 6 par. 2), the students with the mentor s assistance work out a plan for the specialization period determining the specialization area, the course and examination requirements to be completed, as well as the credit points assigned to them. The credit points allotted to the laboratory internship must not exceed 15 CP. Course and examination requirements that have been utilized for the compliance with the entry requirements for the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program cannot be recognized for the specialization period. The course plan has to be approved by the Examination Committee. The Joint Commission duly issues a list of approved courses. (6) If Physics is chosen as field of specialization, 15 of the 30 CP have to be utilized for a research preparation. This serves as preparation of the composition of the Master s thesis and comprises work in the laboratory for three months in order to assemble the necessary experimental equipment under the direction of the supervisor of the Master s thesis and to familiarize oneself with the corresponding measuring technique. Of the remaining 15 CP a maximum of 7 CP may be allotted to laboratory internships. 4

5 (7) Information for each module including contents and qualification objectives as well as teaching and studying methods of the modules 1 to 8, forms of examination, the credit points assigned to the modules, the languages of the program, the students workload, the venue of the courses, the duration of the modules, the frequency of offer and the entrance requirements is available in the module descriptions according to attachment 1. (8) The exemplary course schedule provides information on the recommended course of the study program (attachment 2). 6 Registration for the Master s Thesis (1) As a rule, the admittance to the Master s thesis and to the Master s examination is allocated by the Examination Committee after successful completion of the second semester. Students are admitted to do their Master s thesis, if they 1. were last enrolled for the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program in of the participating universities 2. have successfully completed the modules pursuant to 5 par. 4. (2) The application for admittance to the Master s thesis has to be accompanied by verifications of compliance with the requirements pursuant to par. 1. In addition, a written confirmation by a professor, who is an authorized examiner, on the willingness to take over the supervision of the Master s thesis needs to be presented. Students get the opportunity to suggest their own topics; however, there is no entitlement for their implementation. The responsible Examination Committee decides on the application; in case a written confirmation pursuant to sentence 2 is not presented the Examination Committee shall appoint a supervisor. Upon approval of the Examination Committee, the proof of the successful completion of individual modules pursuant to Paragraph 1 no. 2 may be furnished prior to the expiration of the preparation time of the master thesis. 7 Master s Thesis and Defense (1) The Master s thesis which can be composed, at the student s option, either in English or in German should demonstrate that the student is capable of addressing a problem of Polymer Science within a set time period, using scientific methods. The supervisor guides the student during the preparation of the Master s thesis. (2) The preparation time for the Master s thesis is six months. Upon the student s well-founded request, the Examination Committee in consultation with the supervisor, can extend the deadline to a maximum of three months. (3) After consulting with the supervisor the Examination Committee assigns the topic of the Master s thesis. Topic and problem have to be defined in such a way that the problem can be completed within the preparation time limit. The preparation time begins on the date of issue of the topic. The issuance shall be put on record. 5

6 (4) The Master s thesis is to be submitted to the supervisor by the deadline. In submitting the Master s thesis the student must certify in writing that he or she has independently composed the thesis and has used no other sources other than those indicated, nor aids other than those permissible. The submission is to be recorded. (5) Directly after submission of the Master s thesis the student hands over one copy of the Master s thesis to the Examination Committee and one to a second examiner who has been named to the student. (6) In well-founded cases, the topic and the problem of the Master s thesis can be returned once and only within the first two months of the preparation time. (7) The Master s thesis is to be graded by the supervisor and a second examiner. One of the examiners shall be a member of the Joint Commission. As a rule, the grading of the master thesis occurs within four weeks. (8) The Master s thesis shall be defended in front of the supervisor and a second examiner. The defense takes approximately one hour. One of the examiners shall be a member of the Joint Commission. The defense starts with a circa 15-minutes introduction of the thesis by the student. This shall be followed by a discussion and questioning on topics in the wider field of the thesis. This will take approximately 45 minutes. The defense shall be public, insofar as the student does not disagree. 8 Grading Scheme (1) For the grading of an examination result, the following grades are to be used 1 = very good an excellent achievement 2 = good an achievement that is considerably above the average 3 = satisfactory an achievement which does in every respect correspond to average requirements 4 = sufficient an achievement that, despite some deficiencies, still corresponds to the requirements 5 = insufficient an achievement with considerable deficiencies that does not correspond to the requirements. To differentiate grading of the achievements, interim values between 1,0 and 4,0 can be given by decreasing or increasing the grade numerals by 0,3. Valid values are: 1.0; 1.3; 1.7; 2.0; 2.3; 2.7; 3.0; 3.3; 3.7; 4.0 and 5.0. (2) In case an examination result is graded by several examiners, the grade is calculated as an arithmetic mean. For the determination of the overall grade the respective grades shall be multiplied with the number of the corresponding credit points pursuant to par. 1, then added up and divided by the sum of the credit points included. For the determination of the grade for a module in which several sub module examinations have to be passed, sentence 2 shall apply accordingly. 6

7 For the identification of the grade value on a confirmation or on the certificate only the first digit behind the comma shall be considered; all further digits are deleted without rounding. (3) The grades formed pursuant to par. 2 are as follows: For an average of 1.0 up to and including 1.5 = very good For an average of over 1.5 up to and including 2.5 = good For an average of over 2.5 up to and including 3.5 = satisfactory For an average of over 3.5 up to and including 4.0 = sufficient For an average of over 4.0 = insufficient The examination is passed when all requirements have been met and all examinations have been assessed with at least the grade of sufficient (4.0). (4) For those students who have passed the general examination, the Diploma Supplement has to show a relative grade, besides the final grade, in accordance with the following ECTSevaluation scheme: A the best 10 % B the next 25 % C the next 30 % D the next 25 % E the next 10 % 9 Enrollment to Courses and Examinations, Retaking Examinations (1) The participation in courses, which are completed through an examination, requires registration. The professor informs the Head of the Examination Committee on registrations made. Changes have to be approved by the Head of the Examination Committee after receiving comments from the mentor. (2) The registration for a course serves simultaneously as the registration for the corresponding examination and for the first repetition of the examination. Appointments for further repetitions of examinations shall be determined in consultation with the student. (3) The terms of application shall be duly announced by the Examination Committee. (4) An examination or possible first repetition must occur prior to the beginning of the subsequent semester. In the case of failure a further repetition must occur within one year at the latest. 7

8 The examination dates are duly announced to the students. An examination may be repeated only once during the semester in which the first attempt was made. (5) As a basic principle, examinations assessed with insufficient (fail) (5,0) may be repeated once. Every further repetition results in a deduction with a malus point. This malus point shall be officially communicated to the student. The maximum of malus points permissible is three. In case of exceeding the permissible maximum the examination will be declared failed. (6) If the Master s thesis has not at least been assessed with sufficient (4,0) it may only be repeated once; the same applies to the oral examination. 10 Master s Degree (1) Prerequisites for the final degree are 1. the student was last enrolled in one of the participating universities for the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program. 2. the requirements pursuant to 5 par. 3 have been met and the number of three malus points has not been exceeded. Conferment of the Master s Degree is debarred if the student is enrolled in another university under purview of the Basic Law in the same study program, in the same subject or in a module comparable or identical with one of the modules pursuant to 5 par. 4 and failed to provide the required credits or failed examinations or is currently in a pending examination procedure. (2) The application for the permission to graduate has to be accompanied by proofs that the candidate complied with the requirements pursuant to par. 1 sentence 1. Furthermore the candidate needs to provide an assurance that there exist no cases pursuant to par. 1 sentence 2. The responsible Examination Committee decides on the application. (3) As a result of the passed examinations, certificates, a record as well as a Diploma Supplement will be handed out in English and German (attachments 3 to 8). Furthermore, a Diploma Supplement with details on the individual modules and their sub modules (transcript) will be issued. 11 Transfer of Credit Points (1) Credits points earned in study programs or in subsidiary subjects at a university or commensurate academy shall be recognized and transferred provided their equivalence has been established. Credits are equivalent if they correspond essentially in content, extent and requirements to those of the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program. Thereby no schematic comparison but a comprehensive survey and overall assessment is to be made. (2) Relevant practical experiences can be recognized and transferred. The same applies to further knowledge and skills; for this purpose a special evaluation test can be carried out. Knowledge and skills that were not acquired in a study program or subsidiary subject of a university or commensurate academy, can substitute at most 50 % of the requirements prescribed within the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program. 8

9 (3) missing (4) The recognition and transfer of credit points to the Master s thesis or defense is debarred. (5) If credit points are recognized grades shall be transferred inasmuch as the grading systems are comparable and shall be incorporated into the final grade. In the case of non-comparable grading schemes the annotation passed shall be made. A designation of the accreditation in the certificate or Diploma Supplement is permissible. (6) In case of fulfillment of the conditions of the paragraphs 1 and 2, there is a legal claim for accreditation. The accreditation of courses and examinations is officially done by the responsible examination board. The students have to submit the documents required for the accreditation. 12 Course and Examination Requirements (Credit Points required) in Case of Physical Impairments and Disabilities as well as in the Case of Family Burdens (1) Should a student establish by means of a doctor s certificate that he or she be unable to participate in part or in whole in the designated examination format the chairman of the Examination Committee shall permit the student to perform examinations in another format or by extending the preparation time. If after the submission of such a doctor s certificate there still remain doubts regarding the compliance with the requirements pursuant to sentence 1, the submission of a doctor s certificate by a public health officer can be requested; the costs are to be borne by the student. The same applies to course requirements. (2) In regards to time limits for initial exam registration, where the taking of examinations, the repetition of examinations, the reasons for the omission of examinations and the observance of processing times for examinations papers are concerned, the illness or caretaking of a dependent has the same importance as an illness of the student. Immediate dependents are children, parents, grandparents, spouses and partners. The same applies to pregnant women and women nursing children similar to the regulations in 3 and 6 of the law on the protection of (expecting and nursing) mothers. (3) For the claim of maternity protection or maternity leave, a leave of absence can be applied for pursuant to the respective charter of the universities. 13 Absence, Withdrawal, Cheating, Violation of Examination Procedure, Annulment of Decisions (1)The examination is considered to be insufficient (fail) (5,0) if the student, without sound reason, fails to appear at the examination, for which he or she has registered, or if he or she without sound reason withdraws from an examination after it has begun. The same applies when an examination is not completed and submitted by the given deadline. The reason must be notified to the Examination Committee immediately, in writing with appropriate, accompanying proof. In the case of illness of the student or of a child dependent on him or her, a doctor s certificate can be requested. If, after the submission of such doctor s certificate there still remain doubts about the student s examination ability the submission of a doctor s certificate from a public health officer for the purpose of substantiation can be requested. (2) If a student tries to influence the result of an examination by means of cheating, the use of unauthorized aids, menace, granting of an undue advantage or bribery the respective performance shall be graded insufficient (fail) (5.0). Persons interfering with orderly 9

10 examination procedure may be barred from continuing the examination by the examination proctor. In this case this shall be graded insufficient (fail) (5.0). (3) In grave cases of par. 2 which would justify the withdrawal of the aspired university degree, the Examination Committee can furthermore finally determine that the general examination has not been passed. (4) The decision about individual examination results or the entire examination or the determination of the overall final degree can subsequently be corrected or annulled by the Examination Committee should it come to light out that it was obtained through cheating, the use of unauthorized aids, menace, granting of an undue advantage or bribery. (5) The student shall be given the opportunity to comment prior to an incriminating decision pursuant to paragraph 1 to 4. Incriminating decisions are to be communicated to the person concerned in writing and are to be substantiated. The false evidences of academic achievement, certificates and documents are to be confiscated. (6) For adequate examination methods and -contents software facilitating the detection of plagiarism shall be utilized. The particulars are determined by guidelines of the Steering Committee. (7) In order to examine the identity of a student in the context of the fulfillment of a requirement the submission of the identity card or of an equivalent document can be requested. 14 Enactment and Transitional Provisions These regulations shall come into effect on the day following the publication of the Official Communication of the Freie Universität Berlin, the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Technische Universität Berlin as well as the Universität Potsdam. With the coming into force of these regulations the Course and Examination Regulation for the Joint English Master Program Polymer Science of the Freie Universität Berlin, the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Technische Universität Berlin and the Universität Potsdam of May 17, 1999 becomes invalid. 10

11 Attachment 1: Module Descriptions Explanation: The following module descriptions for the modules 1 to 8 of the Master s Program Polymer Science denominate: the title of the module contents and qualification objectives of the modules the language used in the program the venue of the courses the duration of the modules the frequency of offer entry requirements instruction and learning methods of the module forms of examination weekly hours per semester the student s workload estimated for the successful completion of a module, divided into time which students are requested to attend and time for self-study the credits assigned to the modules Decisive for the credit points assigned to a module is the student s workload per hour, estimated for the successful completion of a module. Therein included are times in which students are requested to attend as well as times for self-study. One credit point corresponds to approximately 30 hours. The credit point equivalents assigned, to the forms of examinations, show how the grades for the individual examinations influence the module grades. The time specification of workload in front of the bracket identifies the duration of the respective module part; within the bracket, firstly the time of presence and secondly the time for self-study is specified. The time specifications for self-study (for, amongst other, preparation and postprocessing, and preparation for examination) are reference values and should help the students to schedule their module workload. The active participation in the instruction and learning formats as well as the successful completion of examinations of a module are requirements for the acquisition of credits points assigned to the respective module. Credit points are assigned to the student only when the whole module was successfully completed. If there are entry requirements defined for a module, the presentation of their fulfillment at the registration can, as a special exception, be forgone, if the successful completion is presumable under consideration of all applicable circumstances, in particular based on the students previous university work. This decision is made by the Examination Committee. 11

12 Abbreviations wch = weekly contact hours h = hours CP = credit points 12

13 Module 1 Contents Qualification Objectives Language Venue Length of module Frequency of offer Entry requirements Instruction and learning methods and weekly credit hours Polymer Synthesis Theory and Methods 1.1 Introduction to Macromolecular Chemistry: polymerization reaction, molecular weights, polymer architecture, polymers in solution 1.2 Methods in Polymer Synthesis: polymerization, poly-addition, poly-condensation, special polymers 1.3 Advanced Topics in Polymer Synthesis: modern methods of synthesis, special polymer architectures, modern methods of analysis, industrial synthesis processes This module ought to impart basic knowledge of the macromolecular chemistry as well as the polymerization reactions. This comprises a deepened knowledge of various classes of polymers as well as the methods for their synthesis. The module imparts special knowledge about modern methods of the polymer synthesis, in particular in view of new materials, novel applications and industrial syntheses. English Freie Universität Berlin First half of the winter semester (1st quarter) Each winter semester Admission to the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program 1.1 lecture (2 wch), tutorial(1 wch) 1.2 lecture (2 wch) 1.3 lecture (2 wch) Workload, examination formats ( ) h (written examination, 2 h) ( ) h (written examination, 2 h) ( ) h (written examination, 2 h) 3 CP 3 CP 3 CP Overall workload, credit points 270 h 9 CP 13

14 Module 2 Contents Qualification Objectives Language Venue Length of module Frequency of offer Entry requirements Workload, examination formats Overall workload, credit points Polymer Synthesis Practical Experience The lab comprises laboratory tests on polymerization reactions as well as on the characterization of macromolecules. Topics are amongst others radicalic polymerization, stereo-selective polymerization, block co-polymerization, condensation and addition-polymerization, gas chromatography (GPC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared spectroscopy(ir), viscometry The module serves as experimental complement of Module 1. It ought to provide deeper insight into synthesis processes of polymer chemistry and impart laboratory experience English Freie Universität Berlin First half of the winter semester (1. quarter) Each winter semester Admission to the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program 180 ( ) h (protocol, oral examination, min) 180 h 6 CP 14

15 Module 3 Contents Qualification Objectives Language Venue Length of module Frequency of offer Instruction and learning methods and weekly credit hours Polymer Characterization 3.1 Polymer Characterization: Methods for the determination of the molar mass, optical spectroscopy, diffusion methods structure determination, mechanical test methods. 3.2 Polymer Characterization and Polymers at Surfaces and Interfaces Lab: The lab comprises test on running research equipment. Subject-areas are: raster-sensor-microscopy, optical spectroscopy, calorimetry, computer-simulation. This module shall impart basic knowledge on experimental methods to characterize macromolecules, in particular polymers. Students shall learn the physical basics that are necessary for their understanding. In practical laboratory experiments insights into selective physical measuring techniques for the characterization of macromolecules shall be imparted. English Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Second half of the winter semester (2nd quarter) Each winter semester 3.1 lecture (2 wch), tutorial (1 wch) 3.2 laboratory placement (6 wch) Workload, examination formats ( ) h (written examination, 1 h) ( )h (protocol, oral examination, min) 4 CP 6 CP Overall workload, credit points 300 h 10 CP 15

16 Module 4 Contents Qualification Objectives Language Venue Length of module Frequency of offer Instruction and learning methods and weekly credit hours Introduction to Polymer Theory 4.1 Introduction to Macromolecular Physics: Introduction into mathematical methods of statistical physics, model of the ideal chain, excluded volume, melting, solution, networks, dynamics of polymer systems. 4.2 Special Topics in Polymer Physics: Topics about the physical background of special characterization methods will be addressed (spectroscopy, diffusion methods, microscopy, surface characterization). In this module basic knowledge about concepts of theoretical physics for the description of macromolecules, in particular linear polymers shall be acquired. In a seminar the skill to present a given topic by means of examples from polymer physics shall be strengthened. English Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Second half of the winter semester (2nd quarter) Each winter semester 3.1 lecture (2 wch), tutorial (1 wch) 3.2 seminar (1 wch) Workload, examination methods Overall workload, credit points ( ) h (written examination 1 h) ( ) h (presentation, approx. 20 min) 150 h 4 CP 1 CP 5 CP 16

17 Module 5 Contents Qualification Objectives Language Venue Length of module Frequency of offer Entry requirements Polymerization Technology 5.1 Polymerization Technology: Types and methods of polymerization reactions, Kinetics of polymerization, process controls. 5.2 Polymerization Technology Lab: Tests on viscosity, calorimetry, thermal degradation and measurement. 5.3 Thermodynamics of Polymer Solutions: Phase equilibriums, thermodynamic models of phase equilibriums, multi-component-systems. Acquisition of basics for the production of polymers in industrial scale. Providing of an overview on the process of polymerization reactions, the collection of data during the reactions and the analysis of kinetic data. Understanding for the thermodynamics of polymer solutions, of the models for phase equilibriums and the methods for the computation of the composition of phase equilibriums. English Technische Universität Berlin First half of the summer semester (3rd quarter) Each summer semester Admission to the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program Workload, examination methods ( ) h (written examination, 2 h) ( ) h (protocol, oral examination, approx. 30 min.) ( ) h (written examination, 2 h) 4 CP 3 LP 2 CP Overall workload, credit points 270 h 9 CP 17

18 Module 6 Contents Qualification Objectives Language Venue Length of module Frequency of offer Entry requirements Polymer Processing and Surface Science of Polymers 6.1 Polymer Processing: Mechanical and rheological characteristics of polymer materials, extension-tension-diagrams, viscoelasticity, description of rubber 6.2 Surface Science of Polymers: Surface characteristics of polymer materials, thin polymer films, adsorption of polymers in surfaces, biocompatible polymers Basics of rheology and polymer processing. Providing knowledge of the most important surface phenomena of polymer systems. Theoretical description of the surface phenomena and their significance in application technology. English Technische Universität Berlin First half of the summer semester (3rd quarter) Each summer semester Admission to the Master of Science in Polymer Science Program Workload, examination methods ( ) h (written examination, 2 h) ( ) h (written examination, 2 h) 3 CP 3 CP Overall workload, credit points 180 h 6 CP 18

19 Module 7 Contents Qualification Objectives Language Venue Length of module Frequency of offer Instruction and learning methods and weekly credit hours Physical and Engineering Properties 7.1 Physical and Engineering Properties: Dielectric relaxation, ferro-, pyro- and piezoelectricity, non-linear optical characteristics, conjugated polymers, electroluminescence, photovoltaics. 7.2 Physical and Engineering Properties Lab: Experiments on the topics of dielectric spectroscopy, electrical poling of polymers, electroluminescence, polymer-electronics, elastomers. 7.3 Physical and Engineering Properties Seminar: Special topics of physically-technical application of polymers will be dealt with (e.g. electrets, optical fibers, polymer-electroluminescence and laser) In this module knowledge about the application of special physically-technical characteristics of polymers will be provided. The practical implementation of the knowledge about manufacturing of sensors, actuators as well as electrical and photonic devices will be learned by means of laboratory placements. In a seminar the ability to present a given topic should be strengthened. English Universität Potsdam Second half of the summer semester (4th quarter) Each summer semester 7.1 lecture (2 wch), tutorial (1 wch) 7.2 laboratory placement (2 wch) 7.3 seminar (1 wch) Workload, examination formats Overall workload, credit points ( ) h (written examination, 1 h) ( ) h (protocol, oral examination,approx. 15 min) ( ) h (presentation, approx. 15 min) 240 h 3 CP 3 CP 2 CP 8 CP 19

20 Module 8 Contents Qualification Objectives Language Venue Length of module Frequency of offer Instruction and learning methods and weekly credit hours Colloids and Biopolymers 8.1 Colloidal Phenomena: Colloidal systems, DLVO-theory, applications. 8.2 Biopolymers: Proteins, polysaccharides, polyester, synthetic biopolymers. 8.3 Biopolymer and Colloid Laboratory: Experiments on characterization of colloidal systems (light dispersion, zeta-potential, electron microscopy) as well as on the production of dispersions (latex). 8.4 Polymer Chemistry: Special topics about synthesis of novel polymers will be dealt with. The topics will be taken from the current research literature. In this module basic knowledge about theoretical and experimental concepts of Colloidal Science will be acquired. Basic knowledge about the structure and characteristics of selected biopolymers will be imparted. A seminar should introduce the current research in the area of synthesis of special polymers. English Universität Potsdam Second half of the summer semester (4th quarter) Each summer semester 8.1: lecture (1 wch) 8.2: lecture (1 wch) 8.3: lab placement (3 wch) 8.4: seminar (1 wch) Workload, examination methods Overall workload, credit points 8.1: 60 ( ) h (oral examination, approx. 15 min) 8.2: 30 ( ) h (written examination, 1 h) 8.3: 90 ( ) h (protocol, oral examination, approx.15 min) 8.4: 30 ( ) h (presentation, approx. 15 min) 210 h 2 CP 1 CP 3 CP 1 CP 7 CP 20