Macromolecular Science and Engineering is an interdisciplinary program that provides the academic and research basis for studies in the science and technology of synthetic and natural macromolecules. Such large molecules exhibit unusual and specific properties as compared to small molecules and a large field has developed in unraveling the scientific foundations of this behavior, both in the synthetic and the biological areas.
The program at U-M is one of the very few where students can achieve competence in both the traditional discipline of their choice and the interdisciplinary field of Macromolecular Science and Engineering. It is a unique graduate program structure that allows a tailor fitting by the students to their individual interests while permitting the faculty to train the students in the program to a high level of competence. A Ph.D. and Master’s degrees are offered in Macromolecular Science and Engineering with concentrations in the areas of Biomaterials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Organic Electronics or Physics. Other areas of interest include Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering.
The faculty members are drawn from the College of Engineering, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the Dental School, and the Medical School. The Macromolecular Science and Engineering program is an interdisciplinary endeavor, permitting students to acquire a broad understanding of macromolecular science. The faculty believes the approach taken permits the students to eventually make a more significant contribution to macromolecular science. It also allows the students to develop the self-confidence needed to adapt to the changes inherent in modern research and development.
Counseling on both the general and specific requirements is provided by a faculty advisor representing the Executive Committee of the Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program. The advisor is designated through a selection process during the student’s first term. The student then chooses among several major options: Biomaterials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry (organic or physical), Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Organic Electronics or Physics. An individualized option is also available for students who have previously earned a Master’s degree.
The progress to a Ph.D. is normally four- to five-years with coursework being emphasized during the first two years. Students are approved for candidacy after they have completed 18 credits of coursework which includes three specific Macromolecular courses, passing the comprehensive exam, and the Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship Workshops. Additionally, students are required to form a dissertation committee and pass a dissertation proposal oral preliminary examination.
There are also some general Ph.D. degree requirements set by the Rackham Graduate School.
Course Guide
Macromolecular Science and Engineering Courses
Contact
Department Website:
macro.engin.umich.edu
2800 Plymouth Road
3003E, Building 28, NCRC
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: 734-763-2316
Program Administration
Program Director
Jinsang Kim
Professor of Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Chemistry
Program Manager
Carolina Benn
[email protected]
734-763-2316
Sequential Undergraduate Study (SUGS)
The Macromolecular Program offers SUGS degrees in collaboration with several participating departments (BiomedE, ChemE, Chemistry, MSE, ME and Physics). These degrees make it possible for students to receive both a B.S. and M.S. degree in an accelerated fashion.
Research
An early start in research is encouraged as soon as the students have demonstrated satisfactory progress in courses and have selected a research supervisor. The interdisciplinary nature of the Program allows for a wide range of research possibilities.
Representative Ph.D. Course Programs
It is recommended that in all the options an introductory course such as MACROMOL 412 be taken as part of these credits by all students who do not have a strong polymer background. The majority of the option courses taken should be 500- level or above. See “Course Descriptions” for individual course information. The following course plans are suggestions from Macromolecular faculty for good academic training.
Biomaterials Engineering Option
A minimum of 30 hours of coursework from Biomaterials Engineering and Macromolecular Science Courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from Biomaterials and 12 hours from MACROMOL. These courses must include a graduate course in biomaterials, biochemistry and biophysics.
Biomedical Engineering Option
A minimum of 30 hours of coursework from Biomedical Engineering and Macromolecular Science Courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from Biomedical Engineering and 12 hours from MACROMOL. These courses must include a graduate course in biomaterials, biochemistry and/or biophysics and biomedical engineering.
Chemical Engineering Option
A minimum of 30 hours of coursework from Chemical Engineering and Macromolecular Science courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from ChE and 12 hours from Macromolecular Science. These courses must include: MACROMOL 790, MACROMOL 800, MACROMOL 535 or MSE 412 or 512, MACROMOL 536, ChE 528, graduate courses in transport phenomena, numerical methods or mathematical modeling and polymer processing.
Chemistry Option (Synthetic or Physical)
A minimum of 30 hours of coursework from Chemistry and Macromolecular Science Courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from Chemistry and 12 hours from MACROMOL.
For a Synthetic option, these courses must include: MACROMOL 790, MACROMOL 800, MACROMOL 536, MACROMOL 538, two courses from CHEM 507, 540, 541 or 543, and one from CHEM 511, 542 or 616.
For a Physical option, these courses must include: MACROMOL 790, MACROMOL 800, MACROMOL 536, CHEM 571, CHEM 576, CHEM 580 and another approved Chemistry course.
Materials Science and Engineering Option
A minimum of 30 hours of coursework from Materials Science and Engineering and Macromolecular Science courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from MSE and 12 hours from MACROMOL.
These courses must include: MACROMOL 790, MACROMOL 800, MACROMOL 535 or MSE 412 or 512, MACROMOL 536, a graduate course in metals and a graduate course in ceramics.
Organic Electronics and Photonics Option
A minimum of 30 hours of coursework must be selected, including at least 9 hours in Macromolecular Science and Engineering and at least 9 hours in the field of organic electronics. Macromolecular courses should include MACROMOL 412, 512, and 538.
Organic Electronic courses should include a course in device physics, device applications, and device fabrication.
Physics Option
A minimum of 30 hours of coursework from Physics and Macromolecular Science courses. This must include a minimum of 12 hours from Physics and 12 hours from MACROMOL.
These courses must include: MACROMOL 790, MACROMOL 800, MACROMOL 536, graduate Physics or Applied Physics courses, and an advanced course in physical properties of polymers.
Individualized Options
An individualized option may be proposed by students. Such students must submit a detailed program in writing to the Executive Committee for approval.
Enrollment and Graduation Data
The University Registrar publishes the number of students enrolled annually in this program, and the number of degrees granted each term by this program.