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 on Pollution and Plastic Waste
This course offers you a comprehensive overview of the plastic life cycle and its impact on the environment. Learn to identify sources of pollution, understand degradation processes, and explore innovative solutions for…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts28 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Course on Pollution and Plastic Waste?
Our course on Plastic Pollution and Waste
This course offers you a comprehensive overview of the plastic life cycle and its impact on the environment. Learn to identify sources of pollution, understand degradation processes, and explore innovative solutions for sustainable waste management. This program will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to implement effective reduction, reuse, and recycling strategies, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Key Benefits
- Plastic Life Cycle Analysis: from production to final disposal.
- Identification of Plastic Pollutants: microplastics, macroplastics, and their effects on ecosystems.
- Waste Management Strategies: source reduction, advanced recycling, and energy recovery.
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: international and local regulations on plastic pollution.
- Innovative Solutions: bioplastics, chemical recycling technologies, and the circular economy.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Understand the problem: Delve into the causes, scope, and devastating impact of plastic pollution on our planet.
- Identify the types of plastics: Learn to differentiate between the various types of plastics and their properties, understanding their life cycle and recycling potential.
- Reduction and management strategies: Discover practical solutions and innovative strategies to reduce plastic waste generation and improve its management.
- Legal and regulatory framework: Learn about the national and international laws and regulations governing plastic waste management and the fight against pollution.
- Circular economy opportunities: Explore the potential of the circular economy in transforming plastic waste into valuable resources.
- Learn how to actively contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing the plastic pollution and promoting responsible practices.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Origin, chemical composition and life cycle of polymeric materials
- History of the plastics industry and evolution of global production from natural polymers to synthetics.
- Chemical classification of plastics: identification of thermoplastic resins, thermostables and elastomers of common use.
- Analysis of the life cycle (ACV) of plastic: from the extraction of fossil fuels to its final disposal.
- Physical-chemical properties that determine the persistence and durability of plastics in the natural environment.
- Identification of chemical additives (phthalates, bisphenols and flame retardants) and their potential environmental toxicity.
02
Dynamics of plastic pollution in the marine and oceanic environment
- Transport mechanisms and entry routes of plastic waste from the river basins to the open ocean.
- The phenomenon of "plastic islands" or garbage patches: analysis of the five large ocean turns and the accumulation of waste.
- Impact of sea currents and winds on the fragmentation and vertical distribution of plastics in the water column.
- Physical and chemical degradation of plastics: processes of photodegradation by UV radiation and mechanical erosion by waves.
- The problem of the "ghost nets": impact of the lost or abandoned fishing gear in the local marine fauna.
03
Microplastics and nanoplastics: the invisible threat in the food chain
- Technical differentiation between primary microplastics (pellets, microspheres) and secondary (fragmentation of macroplastics).
- Presence of synthetic textile fibres in the marine environment: the impact of domestic and industrial wastewater.
- Mechanisms of ingestion and bioaccumulation of plastic particles in filter organisms, fish and marine mammals.
- Microplastics as vectors of persistent organic contaminants (COPS) and pathogens in the oceanic ecosystem.
- Impact of nanoplastics on cellular tissues: transgenerational transfer and health effects of marine biota.
04
Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of plastic pollution
- Biological consequences of entanglement and ingestion of plastics: analysis of mortality rates in turtles, birds and cetaceans.
- Alteration of benthic habitats and the transport of invasive species through floating plastic waste (rafting).
- Economic impact of pollution in the fishing industry and aquaculture: damage to equipment and loss of catch quality.
- Consequences for the tourism sector: Loss of aesthetic value of coastal destinations and beach cleaning costs.
- Potential risks for food security and human health derived from the consumption of contaminated sea products.
05
Public policies, international legislation and environmental activism
- Analysis of the global legal framework: the role of the UN and the Global Plastics Treaty for the Reduction of Pollution.
- Regional directives on single-use plastics and their impact on national waste management regulations.
- The role of environmental certifications and "plastic free" seals as green marketing tools and social awareness.
- Design of environmental education campaigns and citizen awareness of the responsible consumption of polymers.
- Participation in citizen science projects: Marine garbage monitoring protocols for the collection of scientific data.
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
Environmental management professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the problem of plastic pollution and its solutions.Sustainability managers in companies who need to implement strategies for reducing and managing plastic waste.Public administration technicians interested in developing effective policies and regulations against plastic pollution.Environmental educators and commu
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
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Student Reviews
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Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Minimize the generation of plastic waste
- 02Promote the reuse and recycling of plastics
- 03Understanding the life cycle of plastic and its environmental impact
- 04Promote the adoption of sustainable alternatives to plastic
- 05Promoting innovation in recycling and biodegradation technologies
- 06Raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Plastic Waste Management Technician: sorting, treatment, and recovery of plastic waste in recycling plants.
02Environmental Consultant specializing in plastics: advising companies and public administrations on reducing and managing plastic pollution.
03Researcher in marine ecology and pollution: studying the impact of plastics on aquatic ecosystems and developing innovative solutions.
04Sustainability Manager in companies: implementing strategies to reduce plastic consumption and promote the circular economy.
05Environmental Educator: raising awareness about the problem of plastics in schools, communities, and organizations.
06Laboratory Technician in plastics analysis: identifying, characterizing, and analyzing the composition of plastics in different environmental matrices.
07Developer of new biodegradable plastic materials: research and creation of sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
08Environmental auditor specializing in plastic waste: verification of compliance with environmental regulations regarding plastic waste management.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Polyethylene (PE)
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Plastic bottles
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering (environmental, chemical, civil), biology, chemistry, or a related field; or demonstrable professional experience in waste management, recycling, or sustainability.Specific Knowledge:Basic understanding of the types of plastics, their properties, degradation processes, and effects on the environment and human health. Knowledge of legislation and regulations on plastic waste at the local, national, and international levels.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of degree or work experience certifica
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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