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.
  • Notations may appear in the curriculum chart below outlining pre-requisites, co-requisites, and other curriculum requirements (see footnotes).
  • At least nine semester credit hours of the minor must consist of specific courses not required by the student’s degree program.

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

Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Packaging Science Minor

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

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).

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