Ceramics Science and Technology
Program Overview
The Ceramics Science and Technology program provides a comprehensive study of ceramic production from a scientific and technological perspective. Covering everything from raw materials to advanced technology, the program prepares students for careers in the ceramics industry, including technicians and quality and environment managers. Taught by a team of experienced professionals, the program integrates knowledge and skills acquisition through integrative exercises and project practices.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ceramics Science and Technology program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of ceramic production from a scientific and technological perspective. It covers the manufacture of ceramic products, the environmental impact of the ceramic industry, and the use of ceramics in waste recycling. The program's ambition lies in its holistic approach, examining ceramics from basic science (raw materials) to advanced technology. The curriculum follows the logical sequence of a ceramic production plant, starting with introductory material and progressing through seven subjects focused on ceramic technology. This is followed by courses on ovens, cooking utensils, fuel, energy saving, properties of ceramic materials, norms, placement, and pathology. The program concludes with a subject dedicated to the role of ceramics in waste recycling and environmental impact. The program emphasizes the technological element while maintaining scientific rigor, with each course reviewed by a technical or scientific professional. The program is suitable for individuals without academic qualifications seeking training in this field, as well as graduates and professionals looking to expand their job opportunities. Upon successful completion, students receive the degree of Experto Universitario en TECNOLOGÍA Y CIENCIA CERÁMICA, awarded by the university where they enrolled. The general objective is to teach technicians about the various stages of ceramic product manufacturing and their effects on the final material. Specific objectives include outlining sustainability and environmental properties, learning about clay pretreatment and mineralogy, describing shredding techniques, studying paste plasticity and forming techniques, analyzing drying processes, understanding heat transmission during firing, interpreting fuel/oxidizer mixture impact, assessing consumption needs, learning about ceramic material properties, describing thermal and acoustic insulation, learning laying techniques and assessing construction pathology, analyzing glaze types, assessing environmental impact, and learning about waste recovery using ceramic technology.
Outline:
The Ceramics Science and Technology program consists of thirteen subjects totaling 30 credits (the credit equivalence may vary depending on the enrolling university). The duration is approximately 9-12 months, depending on student dedication. The program is structured to facilitate understanding of increasing complexity. Each subject is divided into thematic units or chapters, with printed material provided for assessment. The subjects and their corresponding hours are: Introduction to ceramics (20 hours) Influence of raw materials in the ceramic process (20 hours) The nature of clay and its ceramization (20 hours) Crushing and particle size distribution (20 hours) Shaping ceramic products (20 hours) Drying ceramic products (20 hours) Cooking ceramic products (30 hours) Combustion and Fuels. Types of burners (20 hours) Saving measures. Mass and energy balances (30 hours) Properties of ceramic materials (20 hours) Standardization, positioning and pathology of ceramic materials (30 hours) Enamels and ceramic glazes (30 hours) Environmental aspects in the manufacture of ceramic materials (20 hours)
Teaching:
The program uses a methodology that integrates knowledge and skills acquisition through integrative exercises and project practices. Each course is reviewed by a top technical or scientific professional. The teaching staff includes several Doctors and professors from various universities, including:
- Dr. José María Redondo Vega
- Dr. Cristina Hidalgo González
- Dr. Víctor Jiménez
- Dr. Francisco J. Hidalgo Trujillo
- Dr. Izel Marez
- Dr. José Ulises Rodríguez Barboza
- Dr. Olga Capó Iturrieta
- Dr. Mirian Loureiro Fialho
- Dr. (c) Lina Pulgarín Osorio
- Dr. Carmen Lilí Rodríguez Velasco
- Dr. (c). Diego J. Kurtz
- María Eugenia Luna Borgaro The program is directed by Dr. Eduardo García Villena and coordinated by Dra (c). Lina Pulgarín Osorio.
Careers:
The program prepares students for various career opportunities in the ceramics industry, including:
- Technicians in charge of ceramic factories
- Quarry operators
- Manufacturers of furnaces for firing ceramics
- Quality and environment managers in ceramic product manufacturing The program is offered online. The program is categorized under the "Engineering, Prevention, and Quality" area.
