Seaweed and Algae Bioplastics Course
This course prepares you to understand and develop bioplastics made from algae as an alternative to some conventional plastics. You will study the polymers provided by seaweeds and microalgae, such as alginates, agar and carrageenans, how they are turned into films, packaging and other materials, how their properties and biodegradability are assessed against recognized standards, and which technical, economic and industrial scale-up challenges remain in a sector that is still emerging.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Seaweed and Algae Bioplastics Course?
This short course prepares you to develop sustainable materials from the ocean. You will learn the chemistry and properties of the main algal hydrocolloids, how seaweeds and microalgae are cultivated, harvested and processed to extract polymers, how films, coatings and parts are made by solution casting, extrusion and thermoforming, how mechanical, barrier and water resistance properties are measured, and how biodegradability and compostability are evaluated.
What sets this course apart: a focus on an emerging field of growing industrial interest; a realistic view of the current advantages and limits of algae bioplastics compared with other plastics; a complete path from biomass to finished product; a clear explanation of the standards for biodegradation and composting; and a practical case in which you propose an algae-based material or package.
Program highlights
- Materials of the future: an emerging field with growing industrial interest.
- Realistic view: current advantages and limits compared with other plastics.
- From biomass to product: extraction, formulation and processing.
- Standards: how biodegradability and compostability are assessed.
- Market perspective: costs, scale-up and life cycle assessment.
- Practical case: a proposal for an algae-based material or package.
Syllabus of the Seaweed and Algae Bioplastics Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Plastics, bioplastics and algae
- 1.1. The plastics problem
- 1.2. Types of bioplastics
- 1.3. Bio-based versus biodegradable
- 1.4. Seaweeds and microalgae as raw materials
- 1.5. Algae cultivation and harvesting
Polymers of algal origin
- 2.1. Alginates
- 2.2. Agar and agarose
- 2.3. Carrageenans
- 2.4. Cellulose and other algal polysaccharides
- 2.5. Microalgal bioplastics and PHA
Formulation and processing
- 3.1. Extraction and purification
- 3.2. Plasticisers and additives
- 3.3. Solution-cast films
- 3.4. Extrusion and thermoforming
- 3.5. Coatings and edible packaging
Properties, testing and standards
- 4.1. Mechanical properties
- 4.2. Barrier properties
- 4.3. Water resistance
- 4.4. Biodegradation in different environments
- 4.5. Compostability standards
Scale-up, market and sustainability
- 5.1. Industrial scale-up
- 5.2. Production costs
- 5.3. Life cycle assessment
- 5.4. Packaging and plastics regulation
- 5.5. Practical case: proposal for an algae-based material
Duration and format of the Seaweed and Algae Bioplastics Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Seaweed and Algae Bioplastics Course
Career opportunities after the Seaweed and Algae Bioplastics Course
Questions about the Seaweed and Algae Bioplastics Course
No. They suit some applications; the course analyses their current advantages and limits.
It depends on the material and the environment; the course explains how this is assessed against recognized standards.
Published products and developments are analyzed, without confidential data.
It helps, but the course reviews the basic concepts of polymers.
You propose an algae-based material or package, with its technical and economic analysis.
Fully online, through a virtual campus available 24/7, with live sessions that are recorded and tutorials with the teaching staff.
The course comprises 300 hours of study across 5 modules of about 60 hours each and ends with an applied practical case. You can progress at your own pace within the schedule set when you enroll.
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Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at graduates in chemistry, materials engineering or biotechnology, packaging professionals looking for sustainable alternatives, seaweed producers and processors who want to diversify, entrepreneurs interested in new materials and sustainability officers; prior studies in chemistry, materials engineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, biology or a related field, or professional experience in packaging or materials, are recommended.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date browser and a camera for live sessions and project presentations.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.