Polymer Education in Australia

Abstract

The coverage of polymer science and engineering in Australian universities was surveyed by contacting respondents and accessing course and unit catalogues of Australian universities. It was found that the breadth and extent of undergraduate education in polymers was not strongly correlated with the profile of polymer-related research at an institution, and that few institutions appeared to have a systemic commitment to polymer science. Polymer education was stronger in engineering faculties than science faculties, with a majority of Australian undergraduate students studying polymers to a significant extent enrolled in BEng programs. Most responses were consistent with a decline in polymer education over the past few decades, with units of study no longer offered and the reduction of polymer content in the units that remained. It was estimated that approximately 700 students with significant exposure to polymers graduate from Australian BSc and BEng programs annually. Given the small extent of the Australian polymer industry and the large proportion of foreign-trained professionals in Australia, the extent of polymer education in Australia appears to be adequate for the needs of the country.