The Universitat de València (UV) and the Technological Institute of Plastics AIMMPLAS announce the 1ª Edition of the University Microcredential on Plastics and Environmental Education, an informative course directed to teachers who want to bring up their knowledge about plastics, their environmental impact and their sustainable management.

This course is developed in the Chair UV-AIMPLAS and teachers of both entities. This initiative reinforces the commitment of the mentioned entities with teaching training and environmental education, promoting a sustainable view on science teaching and technologies.

General information

• Number of credits: 3 ECTS credits
• Pre-registration for the course: Until 03/21/2025
• Start date: May 2025
• End date: July 2025
• Enrollment: This course is co-financed by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Microcreds Plan, so it has a 70% discount on the enrollment fee. Thus, the final registration fee is 84.60 € per student.
• Modality: online asynchronous. It will combine theoretical sessions with practical activities, promoting a participatory and innovative methodology.

Pre-registration and more information

So that you do not run out of your place and you can receive a notice of the start of the registration process, you can pre-register at the following link.

• Pre-registration

For more information about the course and the registration process, it is recommended to be attentive to the publications on the microcredentials website (www.uv.es/microcredencialsuv) of the Universitat de València.

Access requirements

To sign up, it is necessary to meet the following requirements.

• To be teacher in Primary or Secondary school education, vocational training (FP), or
• Having the master's degree on secondary education, the certificate of Pedagogical Aptitude Certificate (CAP) or being matriculated on a degree that leads to these professions or equivalents.
• You must be between 25 and 64 years old at the beginning of the course.

The micro-credential will admit up to 50 participants who meet the access requirements and the entry profile. In case of equal conditions, the order of registration will be taken into account, with priority given to those who have registered first.

Course objectives

The main objective of this training is to provide pre-university education teachers with theoretical and practical knowledge about plastics, in order to provide them with tools that will allow them to update the contents of scientific and technical subjects in their schools.

The specific objectives of the course are as follows:

• To provide knowledge on the types of polymers, plastic manufacturing and processing techniques, their applications, their treatment and their environmental impact.
• To provide updated information on the latest trends in new plastics, sustainability, recycling and regulations in this field.
• To provide didactic resources that encourage learning, foster critical thinking and promote environmental awareness among students.
• To position teachers as leaders of environmental education in their schools, promoting sustainable practices and the responsible use of plastics, in line with sustainable development goals.

For more information about the course and the enrolment process, we recommend that you keep an eye on the publications in the microcredentials website of the Universitat de València.

Program

The microcredential is structured in three modules of compulsory subjects:

1. Context and introduction to plastic materials.

• Study of the evolution, classification and properties of polymers. Knowledge of plastics manufacturing and processing techniques, with a focus on their environmental, social and economic impacts. Providing the basis for understanding the problems of plastics and their relationship with climate change and environmental pollution.

2. Trends: raw materials, processes and legislation

• Analysis of innovations in sustainable raw materials, production processes and recycling. Presentation of the national and international legislative framework related to plastics. Promotion of knowledge of global trends in circular economy and environmental regulation.

3. Sustainability through good practices and classroom dynamics.

• Design of pedagogical strategies to promote sustainability through practical activities, educational projects and school dynamics.
• Promotion of the adoption of good environmental practices and the integration of environmental education as a transversal axis in secondary education.

Master's Management

• Alicia Monleón Ventura. Assistant Professor Doctor. Department of Organic Chemistry. University of Valencia.
• Serafín García Navarro. Head of the Training Department. AIMPLAS.

Teaching staff

• José David Badía Valiente. University Professor. Department of Chemical Engineering. University of Valencia.
• Óscar Gil Castell. Assistant Professor Doctor. Department of Chemical Engineering. University of Valencia.
• Rafael Muñoz Espí. Full Professor of University. Department of Physical Chemistry. University of Valencia.
• Alicia Monleón Ventura. Assistant Professor Doctor. Department of Organic Chemistry. University of Valencia.
• Sonia Albeín. Head of the Department of Circular Economy and Environment. AIMPLAS.
• Sandra Ramos. Research Technician. Department of Circular Economy and Environment. AIMPLAS.
• Serafín García Navarro. Head of the Training Department. AIMPLAS.
   

Methodology

The microcredential offers its contents through the training platform, so the methodology of the course will focus on self-managed learning in which the students will be able to carry out the sessions online asynchronously and will be able to advance at their own pace according to their schedules. The contents will be provided in the form of presentations, documents, articles and links to websites, which will be complemented with audiovisual material such as videos, animations or infographics. In addition, there will be questionnaires and activities during the course that will allow the integration of theoretical contents in order to provide a practical approach to the training. On the other hand, channels such as discussion forums and tutorials will be opened with the aim of sharing ideas, experiences and teaching resources, as well as doubts about the subjects and activities.

The evaluation of the modules and the global evaluation of the course will be based on the completion of self-evaluation tests and additional activities such as the presentation of infographics.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes to be acquired are:

Knowledge:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of plastics and polymers: Types of plastics, production, properties, applications, life cycle, and the environmental and social impacts associated with their production and consumption.
• Identify key concepts about sustainability and circular economy: Concepts, environmental impact of plastics, strategies for their reduction, sustainable alternatives, and circular economy models.
• Internalize legislation and regulations: National and international legal framework related to plastic waste management, recycling, eco-design, and eco-labeling.
• Learn about trends in innovation and emerging technologies in the production and management of plastics: New materials, advanced recycling technologies, and innovative solutions for plastic management, to foster students' interest in scientific research and sustainability.

Skills:

• Be able to design sustainable practices in teaching: Creation of practical activities and classroom projects to address the topic of plastics, enabling students to understand key concepts and develop critical thinking skills.
• Integrate updated teaching resources: Selection and use of appropriate teaching materials, such as videos, infographics, simulations, and experiments, to make the topic more engaging and understandable.

Competencies:

• Acquire environmental awareness: Development of a critical awareness of the environmental impact of plastics and the importance of adopting responsible consumption habits.
• Express acquired knowledge with appropriate language: Ability to communicate the acquired knowledge clearly and concisely to students, using language appropriate to their age and level.
• Develop critical thinking about the importance and responsible use of plastics: Encouraging the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions on topics related to plastics and sustainability among students.
• Demonstrate empowerment for change: Development of skills to promote change and action in the school community and beyond.