University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (4): 94-99.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202405170

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Design and Practice of Ideological and Political Cases in the Course of Polymer Physics Experiments: Molecular Weight Determination of Polymers by Dilute Solution Viscosity Method as an Example

Pingping Zhu1,2, Qiang Zhou2, Yu Huang1, Haiyang Yang1, Pingsheng He1, Shiyan Xiao1   

  1. 1 School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China;
    2 National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education (University of Science and Technology of China), Hefei 230026, China
  • Received:2024-05-27 Accepted:2024-07-16 Published:2025-04-25
  • Contact: Pingping Zhu E-mail:zhupp@ustc.edu.cn

Abstract: “Molecular weight determination of polymers by dilute solution viscosity method” is a classic experimental project in the courses of "Polymer Physics Experiment" and "Physical Chemistry Experiment". This project incorporates ideological and political education elements into the teaching process to enhance educational impact. For example, the introduction of Nobel laureate H. Staudinger’s definition of macromolecules aids students in appreciating the significance of molecular weight determination in the development of macromolecular science. Furthermore, the program encourages students to deepen their understanding of polymer molecular weight polydispersity and solubility properties through philosophical inquiry, and to groom the cultivation and application of scientific thinking.

Key words: Dilute solution viscosity method, Nobel Prize achievements, Quantitative to qualitative change, Global and local properties of polymers, Scientific thinking