Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Online Forum (1200 words) | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Digital Story (3 minutes) | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | Case Study (2500 words) | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | Literature Review (2000 words) | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to the failure of the module. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Explain the current and future challenges facing alternative packaging.
2. Appraise the range of bioplastics currently available.
3. Evaluate the merits and limitations of current recycling options.
4. Evaluate the best end of life disposal option for plastics.
5. Develop a sustainable packaging strategy for their sector.
Brief description
Over the last decade we have increased our knowledge of the detrimental environmental effects of plastic pollution. The UK government has now pledged to eliminate plastic waste by 2042 and industry urgently needs to look at the adoption of alternative packaging. This module will take an in-depth look at the roles and scope of bioplastics that are currently available. We will look at biobased and biodegradable plastics, and the bioplastic processing pipeline from feedstock to end of life options, assessed through Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). We will also explore the latest research that examines the advantages and limitations of alternative plastics, and we will look at the applications of bioplastics in industry and agriculture. Plastic recycling technologies will be introduced and along with the latest research that looks at improving bioplastic performance.
Content
1. The case for plastics
2. Current plastic recycling and reuse strategies
3. Improving recycling strategies
4. Drivers behind alternative packaging production
5. Overview of plastic types – debunking plastic myths
6. Bioplastics
7. Biodegradable packaging –
8. Emerging technologies e.g. Value added bioplastics
9. Lifespan of bioplastic vs conventional plastic
10. Decision making framework – justifying a packaging strategy for your business
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Numeracy will be demonstrated in the assessed case study task using datasets to determine economic viability of bioplastics and bioplastic performance. |
| Communication | Students will be expected to communicate complex research outputs to their peers in the online forums and also through other assignments. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Detailed feedback will be given for assignment work. This will be assessed through the feedback providing general guidance towards the student’s next assignment. |
| Information Technology | Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication data bases and to use Blackboard for all aspects of the module. Creation of their digital story assessment requires the use of technology. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | This module will provide the students with the latest research into bioplastics to help them to develop their business or provide the most up-to-date information/advice to their colleagues/clients in the food and agricultural Industry. |
| Problem solving | Problem based learning challenges alongside online forum posts will be used throughout the module to help develop and improve student’s problem solving skills. |
| Research skills | Students will be required to undergo directed self-study, so will develop their literature research skills. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Subject specific concepts relating to bioplastics will be developed and assessed throughout the module. |
| Team work | Online assessments will require students to debate among themselves to develop a consensus of opinion. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7