Packaging Science Minor

Overview for Packaging Science Minor

The packaging science minor offers courses covering a broad range of packaging activities, including development/design, testing, marketing, and production. Related legal, economic, and environmental/sustainability concerns are also addressed. Students from majors such as engineering, engineering technology, multidisciplinary studies, management, marketing, international business, industrial design, and print media could all benefit from the packaging science minor.

Notes about this minor:

This minor is closed to students majoring in packaging science.
Posting of the minor on the student’s academic transcript requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.

The plan code for Packaging Science Minor is PACK-MN.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Packaging Science Minor

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

View Printable Curriculum

Course
Required Courses
PACK-301	Packaging Materials This first course in the packaging science minor will provide students with the opportunity to learn the basic properties and applications for the common packaging materials. Students will be instructed in fundamental evaluation procedures and in the determination of material specifications. (Students in PACK-BS and PACK-2M are unable to enroll in this class.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
PACK-302	Packaging Containers This first course in the packaging science minor will provide students with the opportunity to learn the basic properties and applications for the common packaging container formats. Students will be instructed in fundamental evaluation procedures and in the determination of container design specifications. (Students in PACK-BS and PACK-2M are unable to enroll in this class.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
Electives
Choose three of the following:
GRDE-431	Packaging Systems Collaborative This course focuses on the design of physical packaging for the protection and marketing of goods. Aspects of visual, structural, ergonomic and environmental issues are considered in the design of rigid and flexible containers. Taught as a team/collaborative course, students from graphic design, packaging science, and industrial design will work together to develop effective packaging design solutions. (Prerequisites: GRDE-307 and GRDE-308 or equivalent courses.) Studio 5 (Fall or Spring).
PACK-152	Packaging Design II The course develops knowledge and skills in applying two computer software packages for packaging design: Artios CAD and Adobe Illustrator. Topics covered are builder and rebuilder, solid modeling and drawing, animation, coloring, and painting. Emphasis is given to create a typical paperboard based carton with a proper structure and color usage. (Co-requisites: PACK-101 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Spring).
PACK-430	Packaging Regulations This course begins with an overview of government laws and regulations applicable to the packaging industry. Students will then gain the hierarchical impact that regulations have on the global supply chain, quality systems, patent innovation, and workplace safety. (Prerequisites: (PACK-301 and PACK-302 ) or (PACK-311 and PACK-312) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
PACK-530	Packaging Sustainability and the Environment Consideration of packaging in a social context. Factors that enhance secondary use, recycling, recovery of resources, and proper disposal are discussed. Package design in relation to solid waste disposal and materials and energy shortages are considered. Other topics of interest are discussed. Primarily a discussion class for senior students. Open to undergraduate non-majors. (Prerequisites: (PACK-301 and PACK-302 ) or (PACK-311 and PACK-312) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
PACK-546	Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging Students will define the types of packages used in medical and pharmaceutical product applications. Aeseptic packaging operations will be explained and demonstrated. Students will utilize ISO 11607, parts 1 and 2 and the AAMI TIR 22 for medical product packaging. A compliance document and finished prototype for ISO 11607 will be required. (Prerequisites: (PACK-301 and PACK-302) or (PACK-311 and PACK-312) or equivalent courses. Co-requisites: PACK-547 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Spring).
PACK-547	Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging Lab Students will define the types of packages used in medical and pharmaceutical product applications. Aeseptic packaging operations will be explained and demonstrated. Students will utilize ISO 11607, parts 1and 2 and the AAMI TIR 22 for medical product packaging. A compliance document and finished prototype for ISO 11607 will be required. (Co-requisites: PACK-546 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Spring).
PACK-550	Packaging Machinery A study of package forming and filling, closing, product/package identification, inspection, and other machinery commonly used in packaging, plus consideration of handling and storage/retrieval systems. Students become aware of project management techniques, setting timelines, critical path, and resource evaluation. Quality tools and issues along with quality control processes are integrated into line and machinery designs. Students gain practice in setting up complete production lines for packaging various products. (Prerequisites: (PACK-301 and PACK-302 ) or (PACK-311 and PACK-312) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
PACK-555	Import/Export Packaging Study of the particular forms and requirements for packaging for the import/export environment. Preservation techniques, international logistics, bulk containers, packing requirements, handling, transport and storage, and related documentation. (Prerequisites: (PACK-301 and PACK-302 ) or (PACK-311 and PACK-312) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
PACK-560	Converting and Flexible Packaging The course develops knowledge and techniques in converting and flexible packaging. Topics covered are converting materials, quality control practice in converting, evaluation of packaging film and converting applications in flexible packaging. This course is co-listed with PACK-660; students may receive credit for PACK-560 or PACK-660, not both. (Prerequisites: CHMG-131 or equivalent course. Students may not take and receive credit for PACK-560 and PACK-660. If you have earned credit for PACK-660 or you are currently enrolled in PACK-660 you will not be permitted to enroll in PACK-560.) Lec/Lab 4 (Spring).

Events

May 23

Graphic Media Day