H T W A a l e n Hochschule fr Technik und Wirtschaft

International Postgraduate Study Programmes

Thinking of a Career in the Plastics or Machine-tool Industries?

MSc in Polymer Technology

A resident Course of Instruction with Examination and Thesis open to Graduate Students holding Degrees (BSc, BEng, ...) in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Materials Science, or Relevant Disciplines, and leading to the Degree of Master of Science in Polymer Technology

Department of Polymer Technology University Aalen Beethovenstrasse 1, D-73430 Aalen, Germany Tel.: ++/49/7361/2576-2258; Fax: 2576-2270 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: http://www.htw-aalen.de/studium/pm

MSc in Polymer Technology

CONTENTS

MSc in Polymer Technology

Why study in Germany? ___________________________________________ 3 MSc Programme in Polymer Technology______________________________ 3 Main Features of the MSc in Polymer Technology ______________________ 3 Structure of the Course ____________________________________________ 4 Curriculum of the Course __________________________________________ 4 Laboratory Facilities ______________________________________________ 5 Practical Experience ______________________________________________ 5 The Department of Polymer Technology ______________________________ 5 International Relations_____________________________________________ 6 General Admission Requirements ___________________________________ 6 Financial Aspects _________________________________________________ 6 Schedule of Application and Admission ______________________________ 7 Visa Regulations _________________________________________________ 9 Health Insurance _________________________________________________ 9 Aalen University of Applied Sciences ________________________________ 9 Housing and Living ______________________________________________ 10 Student Services and Associations _________________________________ 11 Fellowships, Grants ______________________________________________ 12 Address Information _____________________________________________ 12

MSc in Polymer Technology

Why study in Germany?

The advantages to foreign students are obvious: German engineering education is among the best in the world, its industry is strong, successful and offers fine opportunities to highly qualified international graduates. German industrial companies rank among world leaders along with Japan and the USA. And as far as tuition fees are concerned, Germany is at the very bottom, since its system of higher education strives for excellence by providing equal chances to all qualified students. The University Aalen and the Federal State of Baden-Wrttemberg welcome students from abroad in order to intensify the commercial and cultural relationships with their home countries. Previously, the German language presented a considerable barrier to many foreign students interested in engineering studies in Germany. However, thanks to the current high level of English instruction in many countries, students from all over the world can now pursue their studies in English in Germany, as well.

MSc Programme in Polymer Technology

The polymer industry in both European and Non-European countries is growing fast. Since plastics represent the most significant polymer material, industrial activity concentrates on their applications, such as packaging, and also strives for a high level of quality and precision in processing them. Consequently, engineering education in the fields of polymer processing and application must be intensified in order to satisfy the demand for personnel capable of ensuring product reliability and economical production. Students of Polymer Technology in Aalen can acquire that high level of engineering knowledge through University Aalen close contacts with the German high-tech plastics industry. The goal of the MSc Programme in Polymer Technology HTW Aalen is to provide a harmonious combination of polymer theory and practical training. For 25 years, the Polymer Technology Department of HTW Aalen has been educating students in Polymer Technology and training professionals in such techniques as mould making, the proper handling of injection moulding machines and the simulation of the production processes of plastics parts.

Gas internal pressure technique for the cavity injection moulding. Thus still lighter and better shaped parts can be developed. How do you make it? In the laboratory of the course of studies it is shown and tried out practically.

Hs initiative is based on multiple contacts to industries and institutions at home and abroad, e.g. in Southeast Asia (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) and the Americas (Argentina, Bolivia, Brasilia, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico).

Main Features of the MSc in Polymer Technology

Instruction and examinations are given and theses are written in the English language. Students who successfully fulfil all requirements receive the International Degree of Master of Science in Polymer Technology. Applications to this highly qualified course programme will be considered from students holding relevant Bachelor (or equivalent) Degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Materials Science or other relevant fields of study. Lectures and laboratory courses are limited to small groups of students. The programme starts once a year around the beginning of April and lasts four semesters. Tutors are provided to give assistance
Extensive Coaching for the Benefit of Students.

MSc in Polymer Technology and coaching to overcome all language and subject-related difficulties. Additional instruction in the German language is provided during semesters. The department of Polymer Technology provides help in finding placement positions.

Structure of the Course

Three semesters of concentrated polymeric studies including thorough knowledge of polymers, their physical properties, as well as processing behaviour, various processing methods, machines, production lines, and the optimisation of manufacturing and mould design. One semester for the elaboration of a degree thesis, preferably of an experimental or design nature. The degree thesis can be elaborated at the HTW Aalen, or at one of the international partner universities co-operating with the University Aalen Department of Polymer Technology. Graduates of the MSc programme may directly pursue a PhD at a partner institution, or join the research & development teams, or technical management of industrial companies.

Curriculum of the Course Subject material

Polymer Processing Polymer Testing Laboratory Polymer Testing Polymer Material Science Rheology Foreign Language 1 Laboratory Polymer Processing Laboratory Multi-Layer Mould Design 1 Part Design, CAD Polymer Design Advanced CAE, Simulation Laboratory Simulation Polymer Technology 1 Laboratory Polymer Technology Mould Design 2 Polymer Technology 2 Foreign Language 2 Scientific Project Obligatory Module (one of two must chosen) Quality Control Design of Experiments Laboratory Quality Control Composites 1 Composites 2 Total WHS MPT 1 MPT 2 MPT 3 MPT 4 WHS WHS WHS WHS 6 2 4 4 4 3 2 2 4 2 2 4 2 2 2 4 4 3 6

(2) (2) (2) (3) (2) 23 22 22/23

WHS = Weekly Hours per Semester (Semesterwochenstunden).

Master Thesis

MSc in Polymer Technology

Laboratory Facilities
The course involves a series of experimental procedures which can be carried out using the facilities provided: Physics, including technical polarised-light investigations.

optics,

Testing of polymers with respect to mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of polymers, viscosimetry of plastic melts (high-pressure capillary viscometer). Microscopic investigations on semi-crystalline polymers, thermal analysis (DSC), long-term behaviour, chemical resistance, flammability. Processing of polymers by industrial machines (compression moulding, extrusion, film blow moulding, thermoforming, blow moulding, injection moulding including hot-runner moulds, and state-of-the-art processes, such as internal gas injection, computer-aided optimisation by evolution), recycling systems with grinding and regranulation. Computer laboratory for polymer processing, rheological simulation of plastics melt movements in order to achieve a prognosis for mould and machine dimensions, CAD for designing mould and moulding, data systems to find the optimal polymer, CBT for processing and trouble-shooting. Sensor systems for pressure, temperature and dimensions, automatic quality records, statistics, quality assurance.
One of the Injection Moulding Machines in the Polymer Laboratories

Practical Experience
Practical experience in the application and processing of Plastics can be achieved through an industrial placement (1 semester). It is recommended as an option after MPT4. The goal is additional experience in polymer engineering as an engineer's assistant or within an engineering group engaged in processing or applying plastics. Target areas such as development engineering, experimental investigations, introduction to mould design, simulation and programming efficiently support the course aim. Simultaneously, German life, culture and language are experienced.

The Department of Polymer Technology

The HTW Aalen and its Department of Polymer Technology are well staffed with English-speaking personnel. It has, for example, co-operated with the British Polymer Training Association within the framework of EU-funded projects by developing CBT Software (Computer-Based Training) for Injection Moulding, Hot-Runner Moulds, Blow Moulding and Extrusion. It regularly exchanges students and lecturers with partners in Argentina, Finland, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and the UK. Professors of the department act as examiners for degree theses of students at partner institutions. Furthermore, professors of the department have had papers published in English. Experimental work is supported by English-speaking laboratory engineers. Some of the guest lecturers are native English speakers.

MSc in Polymer Technology

Professors lecturing in the Course:

Prof. Dr. Ing. Achim Frick Polymer Material Science, Polymer Design, Polymer Testing Prof. Dr. Ing. Harald Kaiser Rheology, Simulations, CAD/CAE Systems Prof. Dr. Ing. Karl-Hans Leyrer Polymer Processing, Polymer Technology Prof. Dr. Ing. Wolf-Dieter Ruf Quality Control Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Tobias Walcher Polymer Processing, Polymer Technology Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Peter Wippenbeck Processing of Plastics, Injection Moulding, Mould Design Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Wilhelm Kleppmann Design of Experiments

International Relations
The Department of Polymer Technology co-operates especially with the following universities and has multiple contacts to further universities abroad. University of North London, UK Fachhochschule Joensuu, Finland Universidad de Seville, Spain Universidade do Minho. Braga, Portugal King Monkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand Sheffield Hallam University, UK RTC Athlone, Ireland Universidad Polytecnica de Valencia, Spain NanYang University, Singapore King Mongkut's Institute of Technology North Bangkok, Thailand

General Admission Requirements

The admission policy of HTW Aalen requires of applicants for the MSc programme that their first degrees, additional skills and knowledge be of high quality. The technical and scientific requirement for international students is a Bachelor (or equivalent) of Science or Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Materials Science and other relevant disciplines. It is also required that students be highly motivated, strongly interested and have a good command of the English language (TOEFL, minimum score 530, computer-based test, minimum score 213). Furthermore, a GRE-Test score of at least 500 points is required. Acceptance will ultimately be based on the student's grade-point average (GPA) and on educational and professional background in engineering.

Financial Aspects
Fees: University Aalen is a Public State University that has tuition fees of 650.00 (US $ 923.00) and additional minimal service and enrolment fee to students amounting to approximately 74.00 (US $ 105.00) per semester. Living Costs: The estimated minimum costs of living, e.g., housing, transportation, books, obligatory medical insurance, etc. are approx. 700.00 (US $ 994.00) per month. From this, a monthly total of around 200.00 to 300.00 will be needed for regular standard (furnished, all-inclusive) student accommodations (private or student residence halls). 6

MSc in Polymer Technology

In addition, students are advised to make sure they have sufficient funds to cover for the initial settling-in expenses which are estimated at 550.00. Furthermore, when applying for visas at the German Embassy in their home country, students will need a financial statement proving that they have sufficient funding for the entire period of study abroad, usually about 700.00 per month.

Schedule of Application and Admission

Schedule: >>> Programmes Starting March: May November November-December Start of Application Procedures.

Advised Final Date for Receipt of Applications.

Selection, Invitation for Additional Testing and/or Personal Interview (if applicable). Start of the Admission Procedure

December December-January Beginning of March

Final Date for Receipt of Applications

Decision on Final Admission, Conditions, etc.

First-Student Arrival. Start of recommended Introduction Programme. Start of the MSc Course: 1st Semester.

July Beginning of October February March July August-February

Exams and First Evaluation of Student's Progress. Start of the 2nd Semester.

Exams and Evaluation of Student's Progress. Start of the 3rd Semester

Exams and Evaluation of Student's Progress.

Graduation (Master Thesis).

MSc in Polymer Technology Selection: A selection committee will make its selection decisions on the basis of the documents submitted by the applicant, and (if applicable) of additional testing and/or a personal interview. The detailed requirements for admission are: A BSc degree (or equivalent) of substantial quality and level. An adequate Grade Point Average, including written confirmation by the last University that the GPA is above average. For applicants who are not English native speakers: a TOEFL-score above 550 is strongly recommended (or the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English - CAE). Applications from candidates with a score less than 550 will be decided upon individually. In any case, such candidates would need to take complementary English courses. A GRE-Score of min. 500 points. A clear and relevant essay written by the applicant (1000-1500 words, in English) and describing motivation and interest in obtaining an MSc in Polymer Technology, reasons for doing this study in Germany and especially at the University Aalen. Provide a short summary of the thesis work or the final topic of your BSc study and state credits, grade and workload. An extensive rsum (C.V.) written in English by the applicant.

In individual cases, the committee on admissions will decide whether any exceptional circumstances, compensations, or alternatives shall allow for deviation from one or more of the above admission requirements. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide the selection committee with any relevant proof, documents and/or arguments that may support these exceptions. Exceptional circumstances may result in conditional admission. Application: Applicants for admission to the MSc programme in Polymer Technology should submit the documents listed below to the Admissions Office for International Programmes of the University Aalen (International Relations Office, HTW Aalen University Aalen, Beethovenstr. 1, D-73430 Aalen, Germany). The advised final date for receipt of documents for the Programme is November 20. Companies considering the submission of group applicants for their personnel are advised to contact the University Aalen well in advance of these dates. Please note that delivery via regular airmail may take several weeks. Completed MSc application form, with 2 recent passport photographs, TOEFL-score for applicants who are not English native speakers, GRE-Score, Rsum (C.V.), Essay describing motivation & interest (see above "Selection"), Authenticated copies of academic degrees, Copies of academic degrees translated in English or German, Original or authenticated copies of full transcripts of records, Copies of full transcripts of records translated in English or German, Photocopy of your passport giving name, date & place of birth and validity, Two letters of reference (at least one academic). A GPA-Certificate confirming the Student's result being above average.

MSc in Polymer Technology

Visa Regulations
Depending on their home country, students will require a visa and a residence permit. Visas are issued only by the German Embassies in the student's home country. To obtain the visa, an official letter of acceptance from the University Aalen is needed. In addition to the letter of acceptance, the German Embassy requires proof of sufficient funding for the period of study abroad, usually about 600 per month. Please allow at least four to six weeks to obtain the visa from the Embassy. At Aalen, all international students will have the legal status of a full-time student and will obtain a residence permit from the local Immigration Office (City of Aalen) for their period of study in Aalen.

Health Insurance
All international students have to provide proof of adequate health insurance for the length of their stay in Germany. Often, this is an international form (E 111 etc.) which is accepted by the public health insurance company (AOK) in Germany. Please check with your health insurance company whether or not they will cover costs and which forms they provide. In case your insurance company does not cover costs, you are required to purchase health insurance in Germany.

University Aalen
Aalen is an attractive town with 65,000 inhabitants in Southern Germany, easily reachable by train, located 50 miles east of Stuttgart, 100 miles north-west of Munich and 140 miles south-east of Frankfort. The town is situated in a wide valley surrounded by deep forests. One of its hillsides even boasts a ski slope during the winter. Further attractions are a well-known hot-spring spa, the famous Limes Museum of Roman history, and a Mining Museum situated in a former iron ore mine exploited for many centuries until about 50 years ago. Local industry, mainly medium-sized, produces machine tools, automotive components, chains and a wide variety of optical equipment. It has made the region of Aalen, known as the Ostalb or Eastern Alp, an economically prosperous one with very low unemployment. The University Aalen was founded by the State of Baden-Wrttemberg in 1961 as a School of Engineering and transformed into a University of Applied Sciences in 1971. Approximately 4,500 students in fourteen departments currently study Ophthalmic Optics, Chemistry, Electronics / Technical Informatics, Precision Engineering, Production Technologies, Mechanical Engineering and Management & Business Studies. Students are instructed by a staff of about 100 professors. Further staff comprises about 130 persons, half of whom are engineers and technicians working in the departments, ancillary centres and in various workshops. In addition to full-time Professors, about 100 engineers and managers from industry lecture on special subjects, thus providing not only a close link to industry but also contributing to important synergy effects which benefit both industry and the University Aalen. University Aalen currently has 65 partnership agreements with universities all around the world with which it exchanges students and academic staff. With its international partners, University Aalen carries on continuous co-operative research and development projects.

City Centre of Aalen

Within the framework of the European Socrates Programme, University Aalen co-operates with 52 universities in Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Sweden. International co-operative agreements outside Europe 9

MSc in Polymer Technology include institutions in China, Indonesia, South-Korea, Singapore, Chile, the USA, and soon in Brunei, Darussalam and Argentina. Besides the international MSc in Polymer Technology, international programmes of studies include a double degree course in Surface Technology and Materials Science (with Rouen-France), an International Management course and an International Technical Sales course. The international programmes International Optometry (undergraduate and postgraduate), with partners in Scandinavia, and Aalen University double-degree courses in International Management, with partners in France, Spain and the USA, are in the process of institution. All undergraduate courses are full-time sandwich courses. They all entail eight half-years (semesters) of studies of which six are in residence. Instruction within the respective departments consists of lectures, seminars, case studies, and laboratory courses. Two semesters (usually the 3rd and the 6th) must be performed in industry under the supervision of the respective department.

Housing and Living

The International Relations Office helps students find accommodations. Students can choose between one of the three halls of residence and private accommodations. Student Halls of Residence: In order to book a room in the halls of residence, we need to have your filled-in application form well before your arrival in Aalen. Three halls of residence are at your disposal: 1. Carl-Schneider This residence hall is on the University Aalen campus. Rent amounts to 150.00 per month. Rooms are small, but comfortable, and students share showers and bathrooms on the floor. There is also a kitchen and a common room on each floor. Most international students live in this residence hall. 2. Aalen-Unterrombach This rather new and luxurious residence hall is located 20 min. walking distance from University Aalen. You can choose between a small apartment (18m), with individual bathroom and cooking facilities, and a room with shared kitchen and bathroom (14m). Currently, the rent amounts to 200.00 and 150.00 respectively. 3. Aalen-Dewangen
The Student Residence Hall Carl-Schneider

This residence hall is located in a suburb 6 km from the campus. Students share bathrooms and kitchens. Rents range between 190.00 and 140.00 depending on the room size (10m- 18m). There are regular bus connections. Nevertheless, we usually recommend this residence hall for car owners.

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MSc in Polymer Technology All the halls of residence are quite well furnished (cupboards, fridge, hotplates, washing machine, TV, etc.) but you must provide dishes, cutlery and cooking utensils. Students normally bring their own blankets and sheets. If you arrive by plane or train and cannot bring your own bedding, you can rent it from the caretaker. Two months before the rental contract expires (always 6 months), students receive a form which they have to fill in, if they want to stay an additional semester. The rent has to be paid in two instalments. The first instalment, together with an administrative fee of 20.00, is to be paid upon arrival (Please make sure you bring enough money!). The second instalment is to be paid at the beginning of the 4th month of stay in the residence hall. Private Accommodations: There are plenty of private accommodations available in Aalen. Monthly rents range between 150.00 for a room without shower and 270.00 for a more luxurious room. At the Students' Secretary Office students can consult a file with offers.

Student Services and Associations

The International Relations Office (IRO = Akademisches Auslandsamt) is responsible for organising exchange programmes. It aims to help international students with any problems they may have. At the beginning of each semester, it organises orientation weeks for international students (and German friends). During the semester, it arranges company visits and trips to various places of interest. (Information on the IRO Notice Board) The "Studentenwerk" (Student Service Organisation) is the body that runs student refectories ("Mensa") and other student services. When enrolling at a German University, students have to pay a contribution of currently about 34.00, usually by credit transfer. The necessary forms can be obtained at the Students' Secretary Office. Students should by then have opened a bank account in Germany. Students who do not have a German bank account can pay the contribution in cash at a local bank which charges a fee of 1.00. The "Mensa" (refectory) is located across the street from the Main Building of University Aalen. Students can have lunch there between 11:30 and 13:30. Vegetarian meals are also served. Tickets for the daily meals ( 2.50) are sold every Tuesday and Thursday at the entrance of the "Mensa"-building. Students can purchase snacks and beverages in the "Cafeteria located in the Main Building, Beethovenstr. The Cafeteria is open from 9:00 to 15:30. The Student Union is called AStA/UStA. Its office is located in the Main Building (Beethovenstr.). AStaA organises cultural events (film showings every Tuesday, concerts) and sports activities (volleyball, football, ballroom dancing, juggling, squash, etc.). Besides these, students in each department organise at least one party The Inner Court Area of the Cafeteria with music and dance per semester. Interested students can contact them for information about the current programme, as well as about where to go and what to do in and around Aalen. They also have an information brochure for international students (in 4 languages!). Just ask! Cultural and sport clubs in Aalen. At the town hall, or at the Tourist Office, Marktplatz 2, 73430 Aalen students can obtain "Brgerinformationen", i.e., a brochure listing all the various clubs. The Tourist Office also provides information about nearby places to visit and cultural events of all sorts.

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MSc in Polymer Technology At the VHS (Adult Education Centre), Torhaus, Gmnder Strae 9, 73430 Aalen, students can attend all sorts of evening classes (from language to cooking courses) at special rates. Language courses can as well be attended at University Aalen for free.

Fellowships, Grants
General Information: University Aalen does not assist in obtaining financial support for students participating in the MSc Programme nor does it have a public fellowship programme. If financial support is required, students are advised to seek assistance from organisations other than the University Aalen. It is important to bear in mind that procedures for obtaining financial support and relevant pre-information may be very timeconsuming. It is recommended that applications be sent well in advance of relevant deadlines and, where applicable, to different organisations at the same time. International Grants: Several international organisations offer financial support for studies abroad, for example the UNESCO, the World Bank, the OECD, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Community. They may have an office in the student's home country; otherwise they may be contacted through their main office. University and government officials in the home country normally provide guidance and assistance in obtaining the necessary information. Students may further consult manuals found in any well-documented library, or get information on the World Wide Web, e.g. using keywords such as "fellowship", "grant", "scholarship", "award", etc., or finding the WWW pages of relevant organisations. Your current employer, other (large) employers, and private organisations may be sources for financial support. DAAD (German Academic Exchange Council): Students with a very good (better: "excellent") track record may be eligible for a DAAD-Scholarship from the German Government. Students should consult the DAAD homepage (http://www.daad.de), more precisely, the part concerning "Scholarships and Funding for Foreign Students, Graduates, and Academics". More details can be obtained through the main office of the DAAD in Bonn, or through their offices in New York, San Jose, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Berlin, Warsaw, Moscow, Cairo, Nairobi, New Delhi, Beijing, Tokyo or Jakarta. Information may also be available at the German Embassy or Consulates in the student's home country.

Address Information
Contact Address / MSc in Polymer Technology
Programme Co-ordinator Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Kaiser For further information about the Course Department of Polymer Technology University Aalen Beethovenstr. 1, D-73430 Aalen, Germany Phone: ++ 49/7361/576-2258; Fax: 576-2270 Email: [email protected] Internet: http://www.htw-aalen.de/studium/pm

Contact Addresses / Language Tests

For further information about "TOEFL" and GRE Educational Testing Service (ETS) Email: [email protected] Internet: http://www.ets.org/body.html For further information about the "Cambridge Certificate" University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Division Email: [email protected] Internet: http://www.cambridge-efl.org.uk/exam/academic.htm

Contact Address / Admissions Office

Head of International Relations Office Mr. Pascal A. Cromm, MSc (UMIST) For further information about application and enrolment at University Aalen International Relations Office University Aalen Beethovenstr. 1, D-73430 Aalen, Germany 12 Phone: ++ 49/7361/576-2125 or 2213; Fax: 576-2136 Email: [email protected]

Contact Address / DAAD (German Academic Exchange Council)

For further Information about Scholarships Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst Scholarships and Funding for Foreign Students, Graduates, and Academics Email: [email protected] Internet: http://www.daad.de