SBIO: Science Option
A student examine a beaker with a pink solution inside
What is the Sustainable Biomaterials Science option?
- In the Sustainable Biomaterials Science option you will learn about the science, especially chemistry, involved in making renewable products and bioenergy from sustainable materials.
- You will learn the basic principles of how sustainable biomaterials are produced in nature and how they can be used to make a variety of advanced products.
- Students apply basic science principals in areas ranging from nanotechnology applications to the production of biofuels and energy-storage devices made from natural polymers.
Where is Sustainable Biomaterials Science used?
students in chem lab
Industries of all sizes are discovering the profitability of using biomaterials that are sourced from recycled products or natural materials that easily degrade after use. The market demand for sceintists who specialize in biomaterials is continuing to rise. Companies that manufacture products with limited lifespans are using biomaterials to reduce the waste stream and increase the recyclability of their products. Bioplastics made from wood or organic waste are revolutionizing the polymer industry.
Hands-on experience
Courses in the Sustainable Biomaterials Science option offer a strong scientific foundation to understand the chemical and physical properties of plant-based and other renewable resources and the natural and industrial processes for their biosynthesis, biodegradation, and industrial conversion into materials, chemicals, and energy.
Here you will learn by doing and experiencing; from visiting a business, to testing your hypotheses in laboratory or field research, and participating in field studies and laboratory courses. Moreover, the department maintains close connections with companies that offer paid summer internships, providing great opportunities to apply what you have learned in a professional setting.
Turning food waste into bioplastics
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