Polymers are very large macromolecules composed of repeating units called monomers. Such materials are everywhere around us – examples are wood, plastic, etc. Polymers are used in the manufacture of clothes, toys, tires, construction materials, etc. In the course of the unit, you will learn about the synthesis mechanisms of different polymers and their applications. You will understand why shopping bags cannot be made from nylon or why a car’s windshield won’t shatter into many pieces after being broken. In the practical exercises, you will synthesize some of the most common polymers and study their properties.