Minor in Polymers and Soft Matter

Polymers and soft materials are critical components of existing and next-generation technologies. The Minor in Polymers and Soft Matter is designed to equip students with the basic knowledge of polymer science and engineering required to solve problems in this diverse and essential field. Students pursuing the minor complete four foundational subjects focusing on organic chemistry, polymer physics, and polymer engineering; a half-subject (6 units) on the basics of ethical guidelines for research; and one elective subject or approved UROP experience. Only one subject taken for the Minor in Polymers and Soft Matter can also count toward a student's major or another minor.

Required Subjects
3.063Polymer Physics12
5.12Organic Chemistry I12
10.01Ethics for Engineers6
Select one of the following:12
Introduction to Symbolic and Mathematical Computing
and Mathematics and Computational Thinking for Materials Scientists and Engineers I
Differential Equations
Select one of the following: 112-15
Mechanics and Materials I
Thermodynamics of Materials
Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems
Electives 2
Select one of the following: 39-15
Mechanics and Materials I 1
Fundamentals of Photovoltaics
Structure of Materials
Mechanics of Materials
Synthesis and Design of Materials
Biomaterials Science and Engineering
Introduction to Biological Chemistry
Organic Chemistry II
Advanced Organic Chemistry
Thermodynamics and Kinetics 1
Molecule Builders
Introduction to Chemical Engineering 1
Future Medicine: Drug Delivery, Therapeutics, and Diagnostics
Structure of Soft Matter
Polymer Science Laboratory
Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems
Total Units63-72
1

 These subjects can count as part of the required subjects or as restricted electives, but not both. Students majoring in Course 2, 2-A, or 2-OE cannot count 2.001 toward the minor. Students majoring in Course 3, 3-A, or 3-C cannot count 3.020 toward the minor. Students majoring in Course 5 cannot count 5.60 toward the minor. Students majoring in Course 10, 10-B, 10-C, or 10-ENG cannot count 10.10 toward the minor. Students majoring in Course 20 cannot count 20.110[J] toward the minor.

2

 Students must select an elective subject that is outside of the major field of study as approved by their minor advisor. As a general guideline, the elective should be from outside of the student's major department.

3

 Students can substitute a one-semester UROP (12 units) in an area of research relevant to polymers and soft matter science or engineering. The UROP must be approved by minor advisor.

Further information on the minor can be obtained from Professor Jeremiah A. Johnson, Room 18-296, 617-253-1819.