University of Brighton Launches New On-Line Master-Class Series

The University of Brighton has launched an on-line polymer master-class programme to meet the growing demand for specialist skills among the industry and in response to a gap within existing engineering curriculum.

The use of polymers for a variety of engineering, medical-device, pharmaceutical, and consumer applications continues to grow.  The polymer processing sector in the UK comprises more than 7,500 companies employing almost 20,000 people and forecasts predict that over the next few years, the market for plastic packaging will increase by over 20%.   As new materials are developed along with new technologies to process the materials, there is a continuous need for people to develop their specialist knowledge and skills.  This new programme helps the sector to meet that demand.

This exciting new programme consists of six independent 1.5 hour sessions covering topics including; The Nature of Thermoplastic Polymer Materials and factors affecting designers, Commodity  Polymers, Engineering polymers, Medical polymers and FDA requirements and additives in polymers, Introduction to high performance Thermoplastics and Modern polymer processing techniques.

The University of Brighton has been running highly regarded polymers training programmes over several years.  Recognising the challenge employers often face in having staff off-site but also realising the business benefits of training, the university invested in developing an on-line programme to enable bite-sized specialist training which can be undertaken without leaving their workplace.

The University of Brighton is a professional, applied university with its roots firmly based in collaboration with industry.  This programme reflects its commitment to supporting continuing professional development and delivering accessible, relevant training. 

Viki Faulkner, Head of Training and Development, University of Brighton says; “This new programme is an exciting development and reflects our ethos of responsive, employer-led training.  This is a  dynamic and growing sector with a need for distinctive expertise.  With our School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics at the forefront of teaching, research and consultancy and a well-established track record of delivering specialised polymers training, making on-line training courses available was the natural next step for the university in supporting the needs of this industry.”

The first session, The Nature of Thermoplastic Polymer Materials and Factors Affecting Designers, is taking place 13 November 2014.

For more details about the programme please visit http://about.brighton.ac.uk/business/opencourses/engineeringanddesign/onlinepolymers.php?PageId=415