In October, 2009, a new Plastic Engineering degree programme will begin at Johannes Kepler University Linz (Austria). The programme and curriculum is jointly supported by OMV and Borealis who contributed a total of EUR 3 million for the implementation and expansion of four new departments within the School of Technical Science.
Beginning with the winter term 2009/10, a Bachelors degree in Plastic Engineering as well as a Masters degree in Industrial Plastic Engineering will be offered. The Masters degree in Plastic Engineering will follow in October 2010. Both master's programmes will be offered in English with Plastic Engineering, Polymer Chemistry and mechatronicsas the cornerstones of the new programmes.
The new Plastic Engineering programme will meet the increasing demand for highly qualified staff in the plastics industry in Austria and world-wide. With the industry expected to grow significantly in the coming years, a need for students with know-how in the areas of material science, with a focus on plastics and mechanical engineering competences will be required.
To meet these requirements, Johannes Kepler University is focusing on an interdisciplinary education combining polymer chemistry, mechatronics, mechanical engineering and material sciences as well as plastic engineering. Additionally, the university will offer a programme for Industrial Engineers with a focus on Plastic Engineering.
"With the new Plastic Engineering programme, Johannes Kepler University meets the requirements of the industry for highly educated specialists and researchers who will support the growth in our industry," says Alfred Stern, Borealis Vice President Innovation & Technology. "At the same time the new Plastic Engineering programme gives us the opportunity to work even closer with Johannes Kepler University on joint research projects."
Borealis is currently building its international Innovation Headquarters in Linz. Scheduled for completion in autumn 2009, the world-wide research activities of Borealis will be co-ordinated from Linz.
"Johannes Kepler University offers a state-of-the-art programme to meet the requirements of the industry," says Univ.Prof. Dr. Richard Hagelauer. "The appointment of renowned professors guarantees research and education on the highest level. At this moment in time, Plastic Engineering graduates have greater career opportunities than any other engineering profession."
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For further information please contact
Borealis:
Kerstin Meckler, Borealis Head of Communications,
Tel. +43 1 22 400 389
kerstin.meckler@borealisgroup.com
Johannes Kepler University:
Manfred Rathmoser, JKU Head of Communications,
Tel. +43 732 2468 9889
manfred.rathmoser@jku.at
Borealis and Borouge are leading providers of innovative, value creating plastics solutions. With more than 40 years of experience in polyolefins and using our unique Borstar® technology, we focus on the infrastructure, automotive and advanced packaging markets. We have production facilities, innovation centres and service centres across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific and work with customers in more than 170 countries around the world to provide plastic materials that make an essential contribution to society and to sustainable development. We are committed to the principles of Responsible Care® and to leading the way in 'Shaping the Future with Plastics™.’
The Johannes Kepler University (JKU) is the largest science institute in Upper Austria and a hub for research and society. The core competencies are social and economic sciences, law and technical and natural sciences. A varienty of more than 50 different programmes are offered to 14,000 students.
Borstar is a trademark of Borealis A/S.
Shaping the Future with Plastics is a trademark of Borealis A/S.
For more information on Borealis and Borouge, a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, visit www.borealisgroup.com and www.borouge.com.
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