Course Structure 

The course syllabus comprises 49 lessons, structured into 6 units. Students should complete all units and lessons in the given sequence.  

Early units of the program cover the types of materials used in coating manufacture: polymers, pigments, solvents and additives. The later units build upon this foundation, covering the formulation and applications of surface coating products. 

Unit One: Polymers (14 eLearning modules) 

Exam 1 

Unit Two: Solvents & Additives(6 eLearning modules)  

Unit Three: Pigments & Colour (7 eLearning modules) 

Exam 2 

Unit Four: Coatings Types (16 eLearning modules) 

Unit Five: Printing Inks (2 eLearning modules) 

Unit Six: Technical Management (4 eLearning modules)

Exam 3 

Unit one: Polymers 

This unit comprises the following 14 lessons: 

1.1 Introduction to Polymer Science  

1.2 Vegetable Oils  

1.3 Varnish Resins, Oleoresinous Media  

1.4 Alkyd Technology  

1.5 Modified Alkyds  

1.6 Water Reducible Polymers  

1.7 Amino & Phenolic Resins  

1.8 Cellulosic Polymers  

1.9 Epoxies, Curing Agents and Silicones  

1.10 Polyesters, Vinyls, Rubber, Tar and Olefins  

1.11 Acrylic Solution Polymers  

1.12 Latex Polymers – Part 1  

1.13 Latex Polymers – Part 2  

1.14 Polyurethane Resins  

Unit two: Solvents & Additives 

This unit comprises the following 6 lessons: 

2.1 Solvents, Diluents and Thinners Part 1  

2.2 Solvents, Diluents and Thinners Part 2  

2.3 Introduction to Rheology  

2.4 Rheology Modifiers  

2.5 Surfactants  

2.6 Coating Additives  

Unit three: Pigments & Colour 

This unit comprises the following 7 lessons: 

3.1 Colour Theory and Measurement  

3.2 Introduction to Pigments  

3.3 Inorganic Pigments  

3.4 Titanium Dioxide & Opaque Polymers 

3.5 Organic Pigments 

3.6 Anticorrosive & Extender Pigments 

3.7 Dispersion Theory & Methods  

Unit four: Coatings Types 

This unit comprises the following 16 lessons: 

4.1 Formulation Parameters  

4.2 Corrosion and Conversion Coatings  

4.3 Heavy Duty Protective Coatings  

4.4 Marine Paints  

4.5 Decorative Coatings – Introduction  

4.6 Decorative Coatings – Water based  

4.7 Decorative Coatings – Solvent based  

4.8 Decorative Coatings – Substrates, and Tinting Systems  

4.9 Wood Stains & Finishes  

4.10 Automotive Primers / Undercoats  

4.11 Automotive Top Coats  

4.12 Automotive Refinish Systems  

4.13 Industrial Coatings  

4.14 Coil Coatings  

4.15 Metal Container Coatings  

4.16 Powder Coatings  

Unit five: Printing Inks 

This unit comprises the following 2 lessons: 

5.1 Printing Ink Technology – Part 1  

5.2 Printing Ink Technology – Part 2  

Unit six: Technical Management 

This unit comprises the following 4 lessons: 

6.1 Chemical Toxicology  

6.2 Occupational Health & Safety  

6.3 Analysis of Coatings  

6.4 Statistical Process & Quality Control  

6.5 Environmental Sustainability

6.6 Environmental Certification and Regulation