THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
As a Materials Science and Engineering graduate you will be able to work in materials process
engineering, research and development, quality control,
technical support, management, technical sales, marketing and consulting.
Opportunities for scientific and commercial endeavors for Materials Science graduates include:
Sustainable processing
Help to reduce our ever growing pollution problems by developing and modifying new materials
which may replace non-biodegradable materials currently in use.
Manufacture
Materials Engineers are the link between other engineering disciplines and the raw materials
required for advanced use, by processing and creating the steel, aluminium, carbon fibre,
plastics, rubbers and much more needed in all industry.
Energy & electronics
Green energy is an increasing fundamental concern in our society of limited resources. Materials
Science at UNSW is at the forefront of developing environmentally friendly and safe solar
hydrogen generation systems.
Electronics are becoming smaller as micro turns into nano turns into quantum electronics.
Engineering chips, atom by atom, is intense materials engineering. Materials Engineering is
playing a vital role in diverse developments across
the fields of energy generation and electronics.
Preguntas frecuentes
Q: What entry qualifications do you need to study Materials Science and
Engineering at UNSW?
On our HSC Subject Selection page you will find a fill list of assumed and recommended knowledge for entry
into our degree programs. HSC Mathematics Extension 1 and Physics are assumed knowledge to enter our
courses and we recommend Chemistry. If you have not satisfied these at school, you can undertake a
bridging program over summer before starting University. Full details are given in the UAC guide. The ATAR
cut-off for the Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering) at UNSW varies each year.
Details of the ATAR cut-off for last year's intake can be found here(link is external).
Q: How do I find out information about entry and applications if Im from
overseas?
Entry requirements and application procedures for overseas students can be obtained from UNSW
International(link is external).
Q: What if I havent studied maths, chemistry or physics at school?
Students who have not studied sufficient levels of maths, chemistry or physics are required to complete a
bridging program prior to commencing university study. Information about bridging programs is available
from the Admissions Office (phone: 02 9385 3156/3646). Chemistry and physics can also be taken at
introductory level in first year study.
Q: Are there opportunities for innovation as well as work in established
industries?
Yes. Saul Griffith a graduate of our School won the prestigious US$30,000 Lemelson-MIT Student Prize for
innovation. News of his prize-winning invention a low-cost device that makes prescription glasses within
10 minutes made headlines in the US, particularly in business media outlets. Griffith said his training in
metallurgical engineering was the perfect launch pad for his inventiveness: Materials and metallurgy science
at the University of New South Wales is an amazing degree. Its like the arts degree of engineering: if you
know your materials science its pretty easy to pick up the rest of the engineering disciplines. Its a powerful
background.
Sauls story is one of many as our graduates move around the world into research and development in
materials engineering and other multidisciplinary groups using their investigative and engineering skills to
create solutions and products many of us have not yet dreamed of. Even within well established industries
as the drive for sustainable processing of materials increases, it is Materials Engineers who have the skills
and knowledge necessary to transform these industries.
Q: What areas can I specialise in within Materials Engineering?
Materials graduates are equipped to participate in a wide range of multidisciplinary development groups as
well as specialised teams. Areas of interest may include: the development of environmentally sustainable
materials and processes, engineering of new materials for application in super-computers or nano-devices;
development of biomedical materials for drug delivery or prostheses; processing of extremely high purity
materials eliminating impurities on a scale of part per billion; analysis of catastrophic failure of materials as
a consultant or expert witness; engineering of thin-films only nanometers thick to create seemingly
frictionless surfaces; fabrication of smart composite materials that detect their own failure; development of
materials for use in deep space and the demanding entry and exit of the earths atmosphere.
These areas of interest are only the tip of the iceberg as new developments continually evolve in materials
engineering. Our programs offers four broad areas of specialisation at an undergraduate level: Ceramics,
Materials, Physical Metallurgy or Process Metallurgy.
Ceramic Engineering is concerned with the application of scientific and engineering principles to the
development, production and use of specialised technical ceramics (superconductors, bio-materials or
piezoelectics), as well as everyday ceramic materials (glass, concrete, bricks or porcelain).
Materials Engineers develop new monolithic and composite materials, combining metals, ceramics and
polymers on the microscopic scale. Materials can be designed to exhibit sought-after mechanical, chemical,
thermal or electrical qualities. Performance in unique environments, from deep space to within the human
body, can be optimized through materials design.
Metallurgical Engineering (Process or Physical) is concerned with the production and development of
metallic materials, components and processing technologies for sustainability and commercial applications.
The use of alloying and novel processing routes for tailor-made components with desired and exceptional
properties is a skill sought after in todays high tech environment. Metals are the most widely used materials
in sophisticated engineering applications.
Q: What subjects will I be studying?
Our Program Guides provide a complete list of subject and course requirements for all of our degree
programs.
Throughout the program, learning involves both lecture material and practical laboratory projects. First year
lays a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry and physics. Second year moves deeper into the realm
of materials science through courses in the fundamental properties and structures of materials as well as
aspects of engineering design, application and selection of materials.
In third and fourth year, the broad foundational study of materials properties and practical evaluation allows
greater specialisation through technical and professional electives. Electives include material processing
and fabrication methods as well as detailed investigation of electrical, thermal, chemical and physical
properties, and the application and failure of materials. Electives vary with the selected study plan:
metallurgy, ceramics or materials engineering. For students in the fourth year of the Bachelor of Engineering
program, there is a great opportunity to concentrate on a research project sharpening experimental and
analytical skills. The engineering program also includes components of professional communication,
management, aspects of business and industrial training.
Q: Can I study a combined degree with Materials Engineering?
The Bachelor of Materials Engineering can also be combined with a Bachelor of Commerce (3136). This
is a five and a half year full time program.
The Bachelor of Materials Engineering can also be combined with a Bachelor of Engineering Science
(3132). This is a five year program.
The Bachelor of Materials Engineering can presently be combined with a Masters degree in Biomedical
Engineering (3133). This is a five year program.
More information about each of our combined degree programs can be found in the UNSW Handbook(link
is external).
Materials Science is also offered as a major within a Bachelor of Science. Whilst this course provides less
specialisation and accreditation it does provide greater flexibility. Any program available as a combined
degree with a BSc will allow you to study some materials engineering subjects. Some of the combined
programs available with a BSc are: engineering, arts, social science and law.
Q: Are scholarships available for the combined degree programs?
Industry sponsored scholarships are normally available only for those studying a Bachelor of Materials
Engineering. In special circumstances there may be some industry sponsored scholarships available for the
combined program with Biomedical Engineering. School Scholarships valued at $1500 $2000 p.a. are
available for all BE programs, including combined with Biomedical Engineering or Commerce. However, the
School Scholarship will only be paid for the first four years of the combined degree.
Q: Can I study overseas as part of my degree in Materials Engineering?
Yes! Students in their third year of study have the option to spend 6 months or a full year studying overseas.
UNSW has a well established exchange program and partners with many universities around the world. In
recent years Materials Engineering Students have been on exchange to Canada, Germany, Sweden, Korea
and Taiwan. View our Exchange page for more information and tales from some of our previous exchange
students.
UNIVERSIDAD AUTNOMA DE NUEVO LEN
El Perfil profesional de esta carrera son Ingenieros con una slida formacin en las reas de la
fsica y las matemticas, con conocimientos slidos en la ciencia e ingeniera de los materiales,
metales y sus aleaciones, de los cermicos, polmeros y materiales compuestos, as como
conocimientos generales de administracin, contabilidad general, finanzas y ecologa.
Los Ingenieros en Materiales estn capacitados para el diseo, seleccin, transformacin, uso y
aplicacin de los diferentes materiales de ingeniera. Tienen conocimientos para hacer
caracterizaciones de materiales y utilizar estos conceptos para la optimizacin y adecuacin de
diversos procesos productivos. Adems, poseen las herramientas para la solucin de problemas
relacionados con fallas en los materiales.
Los Ingenieros en Materiales son capaces de trabajar en equipo, de prevenir y solucionar
problemas ecolgicos, son emprendedores y lderes en su campo de trabajo, tienen habilidad
de comunicarse en forma oral y escrita y en relacionarse con los dems, saben comunicarse en
otro idioma y estn comprometidos con su comunidad.
ACTIVIDADES DEL EGRESADO
Los egresados de esta carrera estn capacitados para desarrollarse como asesores y consultores
en el rea de materiales, como profesionistas en la industria en general, como profesores e
investigadores de ingeniera dirigiendo proyectos de investigacin y desarrollo en las reas de
materiales metlicos, polmeros, cermicos y materiales compuestos y como profesionistas
independientes o empresarios.
CAMPO DE TRABAJO
Los egresados como Ingenieros en Materiales, con la formacin que reciben en la Facultad, estn
capacitados para trabajar en cualquier empresa de plsticos, fibras, polmeros, materiales
cermicos convencionales, refractarios y cermicos avanzados, en la industria minera,
petroqumica, qumica y de alimentos, en empresas de procesos de manufactura y
transformacin de materiales, en la industria automotriz, ferroviaria y de transporte en general,
en universidades y centros de investigacin.
TECNOLGICO NACIONAL DE MXICO
Instituto tecnolgico de Aguascalientes
Perfil del Egresado
Aplicar los conocimientos para optimizar los procesos de obtencin, transformacin y
fabricacin de los materiales polimricos, metlicos, cermicos, compuestos, biomateriales y
nanomateriales.
Aplicar los fundamentos cientficos de la ingeniera de materiales y sus interrelaciones entre la
estructura, propiedades, procesos y aplicaciones.
Disear, modelar, simular materiales y sus procesos.
Aplicar procedimientos de evaluacin, seguridad y durabilidad para las condiciones de servicio
de los materiales.
Desarrollar y participar en proyectos de desarrollo sustentable mediante el reciclaje,
reutilizacin, confinamiento de materiales y subproductos.
Disear y controlar mtodos de proteccin contra la corrosin y degradacin de materiales.
Aplicar los principios de gestin de calidad hacia la mejora continua de los procesos de
elaboracin de materiales.
Vincular las propiedades fsicas, qumicas, mecnicas, biolgicas de los materiales para su
aplicacin en reas como la nanotecnologa, biomateriales y otras emergentes.
Analizar y aplicar informacin cientfica en las diferentes reas de la ingeniera de materiales
para la transferencia, adaptacin, asimilacin e innovacin de tecnologas de vanguardia.
Desarrollar, administrar y colaborar en proyectos de investigacin, desarrollo e innovacin
tecnolgica.
Aplicar las tecnologas de la informacin y de la comunicacin, para la adquisicin,
procesamiento de datos y solucin de problemas en el mbito de los materiales.
Participar en equipos de trabajo interdisciplinario y transdisciplinario en contextos nacionales e
internacionales.
Proporcionar asesora tcnica, cientfica y acadmica a la industria e instituciones del ramo de
los materiales.
Aplicar la creatividad y el espritu emprendedor para la creacin de empresas de base tecnolgica
en el mbito de los materiales.
Estar comprometido con su actualizacin profesional continua y autnoma, para mantenerse a
la vanguardia enfrentando los retos derivados de los cambios cientficos y tecnolgicos que se
dan en el ejercicio de su profesin.
Actuar con tica valorando y respetando la diversidad y la multiculturalidad.
Comunicarse con propiedad en forma oral y escrita en el mbito profesional tanto en su idioma
como en un idioma extranjero.
Vincular las propiedades fsicas, qumicas, mecnicas, biolgicas de los materiales para su
aplicacin en reas emergentes como la nanotecnologa, biomateriales, optoelectrnica,
aeroespacial, energas renovables entre otras.
Campo de Trabajo del Egresado:
Entre los sectores industriales ms importantes que emplean a profesionales de la
Ingeniera de Materiales se encuentran:
Industria automovilstica, de transporte ferroviario, aeronutico y aeroespacial.
Sustitucin de materiales e ingeniera de productos.
Garanta de calidad y fiabilidad de materias primas, procesos industriales y productos.
Sector de produccin de la energa.
Electrnica y Telecomunicaciones.
Sector biomdico.
UNIVERSIDAD AUTNOMA DEL CARIBE
Perfil Ocupacional
El ingeniero de materiales egresado de la Universidad Autnoma del Caribe
podr desempearse en los siguientes campos:
Seleccin de materiales adecuados para servicios especficos
Solucin de problemas mediante la aplicacin de mtodos y
optimizacin de procesos en el ramo de materiales.
Anlisis y prevencin de fallas mecnicas y qumicas.
Investigacin y desarrollo cientfico y tecnolgico.
Asesoras a proveedores y clientes en el rea de los materiales.
Aplicacin de tcnicas de control de calidad, produccin y ensayo de
materiales.
Creacin y administracin de empresas de carcter tecnolgico que
contribuyan a la generacin de empleo y al desarrollo regional y
nacional.
jecucun de proyectos de investigacin y desarrollo.
Docencia.
UNIVERSIDAD DE MEDELLN
Competencias a Desarrollar
La Ingeniera de Materiales otorga una slida formacin matemtica y fsica, as como profundos
conocimientos en ciencias naturales, ciencias fsico qumicas y en ciencias bsicas de ingeniera
asociada al campo de materiales. Estas fortalezas le permiten adquirir un alto nivel de formacin
especializada en ciencia, tecnologa y gestin de diferentes reas en el campo de materiales, a
fin de lograr su desempeo en:
- Diseo, seleccin y optimizacin de materiales para aplicaciones especficas.
- Procesos de produccin y transformacin de materiales.
- Reutilizacin, recuperacin y reciclado de materiales.
- Caracterizacin y evaluacin de materiales segn sus aplicaciones.
- Anlisis y homologacin de materiales
- Gestin en empresas de produccin y transformacin de materiales
- Investigacin, desarrollo e Innovacin (I + D + i) de materiales.
Perfil Profesional
El Ingeiero de Materiales de la Universidad de Medelln deber ser un profesional con las siguientes
caractersticas:
- Aportar al diseo, seleccin y optimizacin de materiales.
- Aportar en procesos de produccin y transformacin de materiales.
- Gestionar en empresas de produccin y transformacin de materiales.
- Crear nuevas oportunidades de negocio en el mercado de materiales ya existentes.
- Aplicar los fundamentos cientficos y tecnolgicos para el diseo de nuevos materiales con
aplicaciones en construccin, energa y medio ambiente.
- Analizar, interpretar, evaluar y construir diagramas de procesos industriales
- Interactuar con competencia en equipos de trabajo con profesin de otras disciplinas.
- Disponer de capacidad expositiva y divulgativa de los procesos, interacciones y eventos
propios en materiales.
- Aportar en investigacin, desarrollo e Innovacin (I+D+i) de materiales
Perfil Ocupacional
El Ingeniero de Materiales podr desempearse en un amplio mercado laboral:
Industrias metalrgicas
Industrias del plstico
Industrias de los cermicos
Prediccin del comportamiento, duracin y degradacin de materiales en estructura de
puentes, edificios y carreteras
Sector Minero
Laboratorios de estudio y caracterizacin de materiales
Laboratorios de desarrollo de nuevos materiales
Seleccin de materiales empleados en la industria de los combustibles y produccin de gas
carburante.
Docencia e investigacin
