Continuing Education in New Materials. FEU PICKUP.

A British project: (1) identified national needs for continuing education and training (CET) in new materials; (2) assessed the priorities among the needs and developed course outlines; and (3) established a CET needs review system for training in new materials. The new materials fall into four categories: (1) polymers; (2) composites; (3) advanced ceramics; and (4) metal alloys. A questionnaire was completed by 85 percent of a representative cross-section of British industry regarding their participation in continuing education. Visits were then conducted with 56 respondents. The subjects requested instruction in 12 course subject areas: ceramics; new materials; management of technology; composites; business methods; environment; design; metals/alloys; adhesives; surfaces; languages; and computer modeling. Information on courses and conferences was obtained from several comprehensive directories. The survey shows that 165 courses were available over the 2-year period from 36 universities and professional institutions. (Twenty-three references, 10 tables, and an appendix listing discussion topics for site visits are included. Table 10 provides an outline of short courses. Course name, interested industry, description and application, level, and outline content of course are provided for 41 courses.) (NLA)