Everything we use is made of materials, yet only a handful of these materials actually occur naturally. All the rest have been microscopically engineered – originally by nature, but increasingly by materials engineers/scientists. Materials Science is the underlying science of high-performance materials including metals, ceramics and plastics, electronic materials, nano-materials composites and biomaterials. Materials scientists are involved in every aspect of technology, ranging from the design of materials for use in integrated circuits and medical implants, through to materials needed for green energy generation. The first year of the program lays a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry and physics. Second year moves deeper into materials science through courses in fundamental properties and structures of materials as well as aspects of engineering design, application and selection of materials. In third and fourth year the study of materials properties and practical evaluation allows greater specialisation through technical and professional electives. Electives vary with the selected study plan and include Ceramics, Materials, Physical Metallurgy or Process Metallurgy. Fourth year students have the opportunity to concentrate on a research project sharpening experimental and analytical skills. The program includes lectures, practical hands-on laboratory work, research and design projects. It also includes components of professional communication, management aspects of business and industrial training.

Occupations Inventor Laboratory Technician Materials Scientist Patent Specialist Product Analyst Product Developer Quality Assurance Specialist Regulations Manager Forensic Scientist Formulation Chemist Laboratory Manager Market Researcher / Analyst Metallurgist