Doctoral program in Polymers and Biopolymers

The foundations of this doctoral programme can be traced back to 1987, the year in which doctoral programmes that fell under the framework of Spain’s University Reform Law began. In 1994 the current programme was set up as a fusion of the Plastics and Polymers programme and the Structural Molecular Biology programme, and more tightly consolidated research activities in the Department into two lines: polymers and biopolymers. The programme was given the Ministry of Education’s Quality Award in 2004 (MCD2004-00290). The award continued to be reconsidered favourably and renewed continuously throughout the years and the programme was given the Excellence Award in 2011 (MEE2011-0310) valid until 2013, when the awards were last considered. The programme was previously associated with the master’s programme in Polymers and Biopolymers at the UPC and it is currently associated with the master’s programme in Chemical Engineering - Smart Chemical Factories (Smart Polymer Engineering - specialisation track). The programme consolidates this University’s research experience in the field of polymers and biopolymers that has seen over 40 years of uninterrupted activity. This experience takes shape today in the form of more than half a dozen renowned research groups dedicated exclusively to studies in this field, and all of which participate in the National R&D Programme, mostly in the field of materials.This doctoral programme focuses on the sector of polymer materials, which is one of the most active in the chemical industry. Polymer production continues to grow, as they replace other kinds of materials and enable technological innovations that are impossible with other materials. It is important to note that polymer materials have a special impact on science, and specifically, on the creation of advanced materials for use in a wide range of sectors from biomedicine to the electronics industry. The formation of specialists who are able to lead R&D projects in polymer technologies are essential for competitive development.The opportunities provided by this programme can be seen in the fact that there are other national and international doctoral programmes covering similar topics and with similar characteristics. In the USA, there are an uncountable number of doctoral programmes that focus on the science and engineering of polymers. In Europe, numerous prestigious institutions offer doctoral studies in polymers and biopolymers, and are normally tied to master’s programmes with similar focuses (the universities of Manchester, Bayreuth, Max Plank-Mainz, Lyon, etc.). Similar programmes are becoming popular at high-level technological universities in Asia, too. In Catalonia, despite being an area with a high density of industries in this sector, there is no other programme in polymers that measures up to the UPC’s polymers programme.The programme is focused in such a way that a series of objectives may be completed, among which we highlight the ability to provide the following:a) Systematic, rational and up-to-date knowledge about the fundamental scientific and technological aspects of polymers and biopolymers.b) Knowledge and use of the bibliographic resources necessary to justify, substantiate and underpin research into topics related to polymers and biopolymers.c) Experimental knowledge about the main methods used in the fabrication, characterisation and assessment of the properties of polymers and biopolymers.d) The scientific and technological principles needed to propose, implement and direct basic or applied research projects in any matter related to this field of specialisation.