Polymer and Material Sciences Certificate
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Polymer and Materials Science (PMS-PBC) is designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree and wish to strengthen their preparation in polymer science, materials science, nanomaterials, computational chemistry, and advanced materials before pursuing graduate study or employment. The certificate emphasizes advanced coursework and hands-on laboratory and research experiences modeled after the M.S. in Polymer and Materials Science.
Program Objectives
General Objectives
- Provide advanced education in polymer and materials science;
- Prepare students for graduate study and industry;
- Develop analytical, computational, and research skills.
Specific Objectives
- Develop knowledge of polymer synthesis, characterization, and applications.
- Gain experience with computational chemistry and advanced materials.
- Develop laboratory, analytical, and research skills.
- Prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, electronics, aerospace, and government laboratories.
Criteria for Admission
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, Biology, or related STEM discipline
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
- TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants (if required)
Certificate Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 16 graduate credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Plan of Study
Year 1: Fall Semester (8 credits)
| Course | credits | name |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 502 | 4 | Computational Chemistry |
| CHEM 571 | 4 | Thermodynamics of Polymers |
| CHEM 590 | 4 | Polymer Chemistry I |
Year 1: Spring Semester (8 credits)
| course | credits | name |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 501 | 4 | Polymer Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Application |
| CHEM 531 | 4 | Foundation of Biomaterials |
| CHEM 595 | 4 | Advanced Materials |
Total: 16 Credits
Graduate Course Descriptions
Learn more about the courses part of the Master of Science in Polymer and Materials Sciences program.
A course that explain, develop skills in cutting edge technology for polymer nanoparticle characterization and properties measurement utilizing state of the art tools for specific purposes.
Prerequisites
- A course in Nanotechnology or
- Advanced Inorganic Chemistry or
- Organic Chemistry II
Exploration of contemporary technology used to access molecular modeling and computational chemistry with topics that include calculation of molecular structures using both classical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites
- Instructor Permission
A course that emphasizes topics related with solid/liquid/gel state matter; molecular 2D, 3D atomic assembly, macromolecules with dipolar and quadrupolar moment, synthesis/characterization of polymers its molecular mass. Analysis of hydrophobic effects, stretching, collapse, swelling and shape changing.
This course is intended to provide an overview of the thermodynamic principles that can apply to polymer characterization strategies leading to evaluation of material properties and possible applications for different classes of polymers (organic, inorganic) discovered previously or currently under development.
The course focuses on the properties of polymerization techniques in solution, emulsion, microemulsion and characterization and overview of the properties of commercial polymers with emphasis on the interrelations between molecular and gross physical properties; polymer structure; methods of polymerization; polymer development; and Industrial applications for polymers.
Prerequisites
- Organic chemistry or equivalent and
- Instructor permission
Advanced Materials is a mastery level course that exposes students to the use of cutting edge technologies to advance their understanding of the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Graduates will understand polymer synthesis, computational chemistry, advanced materials characterization, and current research methods, preparing them for graduate study or professional positions.
Relationship to Existing PMS M.S. Program
The certificate is intentionally aligned with the existing M.S. curriculum by using graduate courses drawn from the Polymer and Materials Science program while omitting the thesis requirement. This provides a streamlined pathway into the M.S. degree.
750+ Course Options
The Coppin State University Academic Catalog has a wide variety of skill-building courses designed to inspire and prepare you to be in-demand professionals and transformational leaders.
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Polymer and Material Sciences lives in the Department of Natural Sciences in the School of Arts & Sciences within the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education.