Materials Science
Introduction
Material science is the study of materials. Just about everything we use every day - the shoes we wear, the dishes we eat from, the bike or car we ride - it's all made of different kinds of materials.
Understanding how that material is put together, how it can be used, how it can be changed and made better to do more amazing things - even creating completely new kinds of materials; that's what materials science is all about. This science investigates the relationship between the structure of materials at atomic or molecular scales and their macroscopic properties. It includes elements of applied physics and chemistry.
Materials science encompasses the natural and synthetic materials used in a wide range of products and structures, from airplanes, cars, and bridges to clothing and household goods. Materials scientists often specialize in specific areas such as ceramics or metals.
Nature of Work
Power Engineer
- study the structures and chemical properties of various materials
- Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
- Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
- Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
- Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
- Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials having special characteristics.
- Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
- Prepare reports of materials study findings for the use of other scientists and requestors.
Chemists and materials scientists normally work for regular hours in offices and laboratories. Chemists related to the research work and materials scientists spend much time in laboratories but also work in offices Chemists do some of their work in a chemical plant or outdoors to collect the samples.
R&D chemists and materials scientists spend much time in laboratories but also work in offices when they do theoretical research or plan, record, and report on their lab research. Although some laboratories are small, others are large enough to incorporate prototype chemical manufacturing facilities as well as advanced equipment for chemists. In addition to working in a laboratory, materials scientists also work with engineers and processing specialists in industrial manufacturing facilities. After a material is sold, materials scientists often help customers tailor the material to suit their needs. Chemists do some of their work in a chemical plant or outdoors—while gathering water samples to test for pollutants, for example. Some chemists are exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals, but there is little risk if proper procedures are followed.
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B.Sc. M.Sc. BS MS/ M.Phill (if BS/M.Sc.) Ph.D. |
2 Years 2 Years 4 Years 2 Years 3-5 Years |
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Qualities Required |
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