What is Materials science and engineering
Materials science and engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary field focused on the design, fabrication, and characterization of new materials, including polymers, ceramics, metals, and composites. MSE covers all aspects of research and innovation in the field of materials: from basic science to the design and synthesis of materials, from characterization to advanced processing, while also including regulatory and quality management aspects. Based on knowledge of the underlying physical, chemical, and biological phenomena, material science engineers are able to design and study new materials at various length scales, ranging from the atomic and molecular and nanoscopic level to that of macroscopic, complex systems, including various devices. Importantly, the cutting-edge applications that can overcome major societal challenges require a detailed understanding of the relationships between the structure of a material and its properties. This knowledge can be used to tune materials for advanced technologies, ranging from energy storage and biosensors, to functional surfaces, aerospace composites, and medical device platforms.
What does such an engineer do, what does his / her job look like?
Materials science engineers design, develop, process, and test materials for a wide range of practical applications, such as electronics, coating, packaging, biotechnology and medical device industry. Day-to-day, materials science engineers may be involved in all aspects of materials development, ranging from the synthesis of new materials, to advanced processing, such as 3D printing or photolithography, or characterization, such as spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, or mechanical testing. In this fashion, by enabling the manufacture of new materials that meet certain chemical, electrical, and/or mechanical requirements, they facilitate the development of new products/applications or the improvement of existing technologies. Further, they can also be involved in selecting existing materials for specific products/applications or developing new strategies and pathways for leveraging existing materials.
Where can a graduate work?
Material Science and Engineering graduates are highly trained, interdisciplinary specialists with may attractive professional careers in Poland and abroad. Because they are at the forefront of technological developments, they are able to find employment in a range of existing sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. Further, developments in the MSE field, for example nanotechnology or the use of advanced composites, can result in new sectors and new job opportunities being created. Finally, novel, advanced materials play key roles in addressing the major societal problems of today, including pandemics, aging populations, and climate change. As a result, there will be growing demand for engineers trained in MSE. The job responsibilities of materials science engineers vary according to the size and type of company, but they will typically be involved in interdisciplinary teams engaged in developing, modifying, testing, or evaluating materials. This can be from the standpoint of research and development or perhaps determining the causes of product failure and developing ways of overcoming such situations. Materials science engineers may also be called upon to provide technical advice regarding the suitability of an existing material for an application or may be involved in monitoring and controlling the quality of a manufacturing process. Further, of increasing importance is the task of evaluating the impact of materials and their processing on the environment. Finally, they can find employment in areas such as in regulations/oversight, technical documentation, or aspects dealing with intellectual property.
What does the wide range of scientific research look like? What projects do students work on?
Materials Science and Engineering students at ZUT have access to the latest simulation and process optimization software and programs such as CHEMCAD, Aspen, AutoCad, Statistica, MathCad, Matlab and modern, well-equipped laboratories. First, students will acquire knowledge in various fields such as mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and technical sciences, spanning from material synthesis to manufacturing and processing and finally methods for detailed characterization of material properties. Subjects that are taught include: Structure of Solids, Materials Processing, Surface Science and Interfacial Phenomena, Mechanics of Materials, Introduction to Experimental Materials Science: Nanomaterials Emphasis, Introduction to Experimental Materials Science: Biomaterials Emphasis, Functional Properties of Materials, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Smart- and Nanomaterials, Introduction to Biomaterials: Drug Delivery and Biosensing and more. Importantly, the curriculum involves not only theoretical preparation, but includes practical approaches towards solving complex, materials-related engineering tasks. During their education students have the opportunity for hands-on engagement and experimental work with a range of materials, including as metals, ceramics, polymers, and (nano)composites. Our faculty members are actively involved in cutting-edge MSE research, including externally funded projects (EU Horizon 2020, NCN, NCBiR). As a result, MSE student projects will involve various aspects of on-going research into novel materials, such as for advanced packaging, energy storage, drug delivery, and more. Thus, students develop skills including critical analysis and synthesis of information, selection and use of appropriate methods and tools, including the use of the available knowledge bases and sources.