Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Course in Seaweed-Based Bioplastics
The Course in Seaweed-Based Bioplastics Prepares you to understand and develop seaweed-based bioplastics as an alternative to some conventional plastics. You will study the polymers that macroalgae and microalgae provide, such as
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts23 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Course in Seaweed-Based Bioplastics?
The Course in Seaweed-Based Bioplastics
Prepares you to understand and develop seaweed-based bioplastics as an alternative to some conventional plastics. You will study the polymers that macroalgae and microalgae provide, such as alginates, agar and carrageenans, how they are turned into films, packaging and other materials, how their properties and biodegradability are assessed against recognised standards, and which technical, economic and industrial scale-up challenges remain to be solved in a sector that is still emerging.
Key advantages
- Materials of the future: An emerging field with growing industrial interest.
- A realistic view: Current strengths and limits compared with other plastics.
- From biomass to product: Extraction, formulation and processing.
- Standards and certification: How biodegradability and compostability are assessed.
- Case study: A proposal for a seaweed-based material or package.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Programme highlights
- Know the polymers: Study alginates, agar and carrageenans.
- Transform biomass: Apply extraction and processing techniques.
- Assess properties: Measure strength, barrier and biodegradability.
- Analyse the market: Judge economic viability and scale-up.
- Boost your career: Open doors to materials start-ups, packaging firms and the seaweed sector.
- Train to develop sustainable materials from the ocean.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Plastics, Bioplastics and Seaweed
- The plastics problem
- Types of bioplastics
- Bio-based versus biodegradable
- Macroalgae and microalgae as feedstock
- Seaweed cultivation and harvesting
02
Polymers of Algal Origin
- Alginates
- Agar and agarose
- Carrageenans
- Cellulose and other algal polysaccharides
- Microalgal bioplastics and PHAs
03
Formulation and Processing
- Extraction and purification
- Plasticisers and additives
- Solution-cast films
- Extrusion and thermoforming
- Edible coatings and packaging
04
Properties, Testing and Standards
- Mechanical properties
- Barrier properties
- Water resistance
- Biodegradation in different environments
- Compostability standards
05
Scale-Up, Market and Sustainability
- Industrial scale-up
- Production costs
- Life cycle assessment
- Packaging and plastics regulation
- Case study: proposing a seaweed-based material
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Graduates in chemistry, materials engineering or biotechnology: who want to work in bioplastics Packaging professionals: looking for sustainable alternatives Seaweed growers and processors: who want to diversify their products Entrepreneurs: interested in new materials Sustainability officers: who assess materials for their organisation
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Know seaweed polymers
- 02Source the raw material
- 03Process bioplastics
- 04Assess properties
- 05Apply standards
- 06Judge viability
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Bioplastics R&D technician: Developing new materials.
02Sustainable packaging technologist: Food and consumer goods industries.
03Sustainable materials consultant: Assessing alternatives.
04Biomaterials entrepreneur: Founding materials start-ups.
Questions
Entry Requirements
No. They suit some applications; the course examines their current strengths and limits.
It depends on the material and the environment; the course explains how this is assessed against recognised standards.
You analyse published products and developments, without confidential data.
It helps, but the course reviews the basic concepts of polymers.
A proposal for a seaweed-based material or package, with its technical and economic analysis.
100% online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, live sessions that are recorded, and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The programme involves 300 hours of study. You can work at your own pace within the timetable we give you when you enrol.
Each programme has its own start date, shown on this page and confirmed by our admissions team when you enquire.
On completing the programme you receive the Course in Seaweed-Based Bioplastics qualification awarded by Navalis Magna Institute.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Entry profile: A background in chemistry, materials engineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, biology or a related field, or professional experience in packaging or materials. Language: A good working level of English to follow classes and materials. Technical requirements: A computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a webcam for live sessions and project presentations. Admissions process: Online application, profile review and a short interview with the academic team. We confirm your start date when you enquire.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.