Sustainability and polymer technology? Whether it be wind farms, photovoltaics, electric cars, or simply window frames, it is impossible to imagine our world without plastics and polymers. Here you will learn how to use and develop them in a purposeful, environmentally friendly and resource-saving way.
When it comes to plastics and polymers, the correct product design and product development results in world champions in sports and saves lives in medicine. Natural resources can be cleverly converted into energy, or we can conserve energy via lightweight construction and insulation. Plastics and polymers are also revolutionizing the way we communicate.
The Bachelor's degree program in polymer engineering provides you with a strong understanding and applied methods to use of plastics to help improve the world. The program provides a strong foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and technological fields. The curriculum has been designed to educate you as a specialist in polymer processing, materials science, product design, sustainable product development, recycling, and the circular economy.
Selected courses in the undergraduate degree program will be partly held in English to help you best prepare for the Master's degree program.
Bachelor's Degree in Polymer Engineering
Degree
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Duration
6 semesters
ECTS
180 credits
Language
German (Level B2), individual courses offered in English
Location
Linz
Program
Full-Time
What makes Polymer Engineering studies at the JKU special?
- Laboratory internships help students better understand industrial processes. You will learn more about appled practices as part of industry-related research, term papers, course content, your Bachelor's thesis, or while perhaps working in addition to your studies..
- The JKU provides access to a wide range of equipment and software solutions to characterize, process, and design plastic products as well as recycle plastics. The LIT Factory is also home to industrial-scale machines.
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In addition to a broad, base-knowledge degree program, you can also personalize parts of the curriculum to focus on the areas that interest you most. For example, you can specialize in materials development and characterization, product design, processing and digital transformation, or recycling and upcycling.
Program Structure
The Bachelor's degree program in Polymer Engineering consists of the following areas:
The Curriculum and Studies Introduction & Orientation Phase (StEOP)
The curriculum contains detailed information about the program content. Once you have successfully passed the StEOP requirements at the start of the program, you will be able to continue on with your studies.
Areas of Specialization in the Polymer Engineering Program
The curriculum for the JKU's Bachelor's degree program in Polymer Engineering is well-rounded and application-oriented, including a focus on the entire value chain of plastics. This ranges from chemical synthesis and design and processing to recycling and a circular economy. In addition, the curriculum emphasizes a base-knowledge educaion in mathematics, programming, mechanics, and mechanical engineering. Subject areas include:
- Processing: Injection molding and hands-on extrusion practice in the lab
- Design: Constructing plastic components and creating simulation processes
- Testing Materials: Learn how to characterize materials in terms of mechanical, thermal and optical features
- Recycling: Sustainably utilize plastic waste
- Chemistry: Learn more about plastic molecular structure and synthesis
- Mechanical Engineering & Mechatronics: Focus on base-knowledge lightweight construction, electrical engineering, and mechanics
- Fundaments in Natural Sciences: An in-depth focus into mathematics and programming
- Bachelor's Thesis: Specialize in the field you are most interested in
Andreas, a JKU student, talks about what it's like to study polymer engineering!
Let Andreas talk with you about what it's like to study polymer engineering at the JKU.
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What you will learn during the program
- You will produce plastics and manufacture products made from plastics. You will also focus on closed-loop plastic solutions and plastics recycling to, for example, learn more about how plastic packaging is recycled. The JKU currently supports a program that manufactures cool frisbees made out of bottle caps. This is how you significantly contribute to reducing environmental pollution and help shape a more sustainable future.
- You will hone your social skill set by not only learning how to work effectively as part of a team, but also how to successfully address leadership and management responsibilities.
Did you know that...?
Graduates in polymer engineering are highly sought-after and quickly find jobs! The JKU created this degree program in response to demands by the business community, industry, and the government.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Bachelor's degree program in polymer engineering can work in the following industrial areas:
- Develop new plastic compounds, multi-functional polymer composites, and hybrid polymer materials
- Material-specific plastic processing, including advanced development and optimization for process technologies
- Design and create plastic products, including specification, qualification, quality assurance, and certification
- Recycling and the circular economy
Your skills in polymer engineering skills are in high demand, particularly in the following areas of industry:
Sports and Recreation: Polymers are multifunctional and play a key role in the production of countless high-performance products in a wide range of sports categories! This includes equipment for skiing and snowboarding, sports balls, lightweight bicycles, sailboats, sportswear, and much more.
Medicine: Multifunctional plastics can be used to create orthoses, prostheses and implants. Plastics are also used to make blood bags, tubes, syringes, etc., more hygienic. Packaging made out of plastic keeps sutures, bandages, hearing aids, contact lenses, condoms, pregnancy tests, coronavirus tests - and much more! - sterile.
Electrics and Electronics: You are only able read this text because your screen contains a considerable amount of plastics. Cable coverings and casing ensure your device is powered safely.
Energy: When it comes to photovoltaic systems, plastics are responsible for the long-term durability of silicon cells. Large wind turbines found in wind farms can only be constructed using lightweight plastics. In the area of housing construction, insulation panels and window frames are just a few examples of ways to guarantee energy savings and safety.
Mobility: Resource-efficient mobility requires lightweight plastic and composite solutions. Railroads, buses, airplanes, and automobiles are becoming lighter and more comfortable, thanks to plastics.
Packaging: This is where you help educate the public about a responsible approach to plastic packaging. In regard to plastic packaging, you also create solutions to support a true circular economy.
„The Bachelor's degree program in Polymer Engineering brings outstanding education together with ideal conditions to conduct research - both at well-equipped, state-of-the-art laboratories as well as at high-quality and innovative testing facilities.“
Register to Enroll
Prerequisites
In order to be admitted to the Bachelor's degree program, you must fulfill the following requirements.
- Hold general higher education entrance qualifications (such as an Austrian "Matura" diploma, Abitur, professional Matura, university enrollment eligibility examination)
- If your first language is not the language that the program is offered in, you will be required to submit proof of a B2 level of language proficiency in German.
Please note:
If you can prove a certain level of academic performance at school, you can contact the Office of Examinations and Recognition Services to have academic credit transferred and count toward your degree program:
Still have questions?
Then contact us!
Department
Admissions Office
Building
Room
1st Floor, Rm. 113A/B
Telefon
+43 732 2468 2010
Register to Enroll
Secure your spot to study!
Learn more about registration, admission, and deadlines.
Learn more
Preparation Courses
- Preparation Courses: These courses for newly-enrolled students have been designed to review material taught at higher-level schools in a more condensed format and prepare for university lectures. Attendance is optional.
- Mentoring Program: Faculty members get together with small groups of newly-enrolled students to provide tips and advice on studying.
- JKU Young Polymer Scientists: Upper Austria's largest program for gifted students. During the school year, students at upper level AHS and BHS schools have a unique opportunity to attend various workshops organized by the departments of Chemistry and Polymer Engineering.
- Study for a Day: Spend a day at the JKU! You can accompany a student to class and ask questions about the program and student life.
Contact Program Management:
Polymer Engineering
JKU Science Park 2
T +43 732 2468 6610
kt@jku.at
jku.at/kt
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I study polymer engineering at the JKU in Linz/Upper Austria?
Upper Austria is Austria's leading state in regard to the plastics industry. We generate 50% of the turnover in the national plastics industry. Over ten leading international companies have located their main and/or research headquarters here. Austrian and international companies and research institutions work together with faculty members at the JKU's institutes for polymer engineering to jointly conduct research, creating a vibrant, exciting, and innovative environment.
In the area of education and research, you will experience the cutting-edge technology that is applied at the JKU. This begins with lightweight construction and is demonstrated above all in cross-disciplinary activities in the area of the circular economy of plastics.
What makes studying polymer engineering at the JKU better than similar programs at other universities?
Our polymer engineering program is unique in Linz, combining various disciplines via collaboration with many different faculties and institutes. In addition to engineering and technical content, we also focus on the relationship between engineering and business, as well as the way technology impacts our everyday lives.
In addition, we take a critical look at the impact of plastics in regard to the UN's sustainable development goals. Engineering studies in Linz is special in that the Faculty of Natural Sciences is embedded within the general university, thus guaranteeing lively exchange with other academic disciplines at the JKU and at the Med Campus.
If I want to enroll in polymer engineering, do I have to prepare in any way or have any kind of specific educational background?
In general, a basic interest in engineering and technology would be good. Prospective students do not need any specific educational background aside from general university entrance qualifications. The program begins with broad, base-knowledge course designed to teach the basics of engineering sciences. Hands-on courses ensure students can apply what they have learned to real-world practices.
Still Have Questions?
Do you need help registering or do you have questions about the program? Contact the JKU's Office of Student Information and Academic Advising (SIBS)!
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