University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (4): 27-32.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202403029

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Philosophical Reflections in Polymer Physics Course: Emphasizing Reverse Thinking

Pingsheng He1, Haiyang Yang1, Pingping Zhu1,2   

  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:2024-03-11 Accepted:2024-04-09 Published:2024-04-19
  • Contact: Pingping Zhu E-mail:zhupp@ustc.edu.cn

Abstract: The course of polymer physics is rich in philosophical content, and this paper highlights the use of reverse thinking to tackle complex issues. For example, viewing the aggregation process of polymer chains as the reverse of dissolution, preparing macroscopic polymer single crystal by crystallizing monomers before initiating polymerization, rather than crystallizing polymers directly, and shifting from free volume approaches to understand the glass transition in polymers are discussed. This article shares insights from teaching experiences that help students deeply understand the fundamentals of polymer condensed states and molecular motions through reverse thinking.

Key words: Reverse thinking, Philosophical thinking, Polymer physics, Course ideological and political education