This microcredential is built by SPW CRC Research Program 4 (RP4) specialists to deliver research-driven, practical learning.
The Fundamentals of Microplastics Microcredential introduces microplastics—tiny plastic particles that have become a pressing global concern.
You will explore the sources and pathways through which microplastics enter the environment, assess their impact on ecosystems and human health, and examine current and emerging solutions.
Throughout the microcredential you will explore case studies, readings and access the latest information to gain a broad understanding of the scientific, environmental, and societal dimensions of microplastic pollution.
Multiple Choice Quiz: 80% pass (untimed and unlimited attempts)
Complete this SPW CRC Microcredential and earn a shareable digital badge, issued through My eQuals. Use it on LinkedIn, CVs and professional profiles to demonstrate your expertise and real-world impact.
There are no specific entry requirements. This microcredential is suitable for anyone wishing to gain general knowledge in the topic.
Access is currently exclusive to employees or members of SPW CRC Partner & Associate organisations, as well as PhD and postdoctoral researchers participating in the SPW CRC Industry Researcher Development Program (IRDP).
Eligible participants can enrol through the SPW CRC Office. Contact us to register your interest. Those who enrol will be given 12 months to complete this microcredential. View the full terms and conditions.
Selected microcredentials will be made available to the broader public in the future.
Access to SPW CRC Microcredentials is currently exclusive to Partners, Associates and Industry Researchers (IRDP PhD and postdoctoral researchers).
Eligible participants can enrol through the SPW CRC Office. Contact us to register your interest.
Scott has over 25 years of research experience as an ecotoxicologist working both nationally and internationally on a range of water-related contaminants. He works closely with industry and government on practical solutions to environmental problems and feels strongly about engaging the community and involving them in the problem-solving.
The Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP) is a nationwide citizen science programme collecting microplastic data and educating the community on plastic pollution and sustainable alternatives.
Access is currently exclusive to employees or members of SPW CRC Partner & Associate organisations, as well as PhD and postdoctoral researchers participating in the SPW CRC Industry Researcher Development Program (IRDP).
Eligible participants can enrol through the SPW CRC Office. Contact us to register your interest. Those who enrol will be given 12 months to complete this microcredential. View the full terms and conditions.
Selected microcredentials will be made available to the broader public in the future.
The Fundamentals of Microplastics Microcredential is free for Partners, Associates and Industry Researchers (IRDP PhD and postdoctoral researchers).
Access to SPW CRC Microcredentials is currently exclusive to Partners, Associates and Industry Researchers (IRDP PhD and postdoctoral researchers). Eligible participants from our Partners and Associates receive a 50% off discount on standard fees. Some microcredentials are also available at no cost.
Selected microcredentials will be made available to the broader public in the future. Pricing for non-members will be confirmed as courses are released.
Access to SPW CRC Microcredentials is currently exclusive to Partners, Associates and Industry Researchers (IRDP PhD and postdoctoral researchers).
Eligible participants can enrol through the SPW CRC Office. Contact us to register your interest.
Not at the moment. SPW CRC Microcredentials are currently available exclusively to members of the SPW CRC community, including Partners, Associates and Industry Researchers (IRDP PhD and postdoctoral researchers). Selected microcredentials will be made available to the broader public in the future.
If your organisation is interested in accessing SPW CRC Microcredentials or becoming part of the CRC community, please contact us to discuss partnership or association opportunities.
This microcredential has been developed using evidence-based research by Solving Plastic Waste CRC in collaboration with research and industry experts in the relevant discipline area. Quality assurance of this microcredential is achieved through a governance review process by an Industry Reference Group.
All our microcredentials meet the standards for the National Microcredential Framework.
Skills outlined on the digital badge include: Identifying Sources and Pathways of Microplastics, Assessing Strategies for Plastic Mitigation, Basic Understanding of the Environmental and Human Impact of Microplastics.
The microcredential broadly defines what microplastics are, provides a brief history of plastics, and describes emergence of microplastics as a global issue, including the impact on human health and the environment.
The microcredential highlights key policy and management responses globally including the Global Plastics Treaty. You will explore strategies, actions and examples of innovations from various countries (including Australia) including examples and case studies of improved product designs, legislation, and education programs.
This microcredential is designed to align with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) framework for years 7 to 10 by fostering the development of critical knowledge, skills, and understandings outlined in the national curriculum.
Aligning microcredentials with the UN SDGs builds a capable workforce to address global challenges and support a more sustainable, equitable world.
Build a foundational understanding of circular economy principles and how they apply to plastics in Australia.
Mode: Online, self-paced
Duration: 4 hours
Fee: $20 for Partners & Associates ($40 full price) | Free for Industry Researchers (IRDP PhD and postdoctoral researchers)
Learn to decode plastics labels and environmental claims so you can make confident, evidence-based decisions.
Mode: Online, self-paced
Duration: 4 hours
Fee: Free for Partners, Associates and Industry Researchers (IRDP PhD and postdoctoral researchers)
Learn about our national mission to reduce plastic waste through industry-led research and collaboration.
Explore how our four Research Programs are delivering solutions across the plastics lifecycle.
Explore partnership opportunities with SPW CRC across research, training and industry collaboration.
Short, online courses designed to build practical expertise across the plastics value chain.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians across all the lands on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that these lands and waters have always been places of teaching, research and learning.
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