While specific aims and objectives of each of the subjects and units are provided to students at the commencement of their studies, the overall aim of the course is to offer studies in the discipline of materials science in a systematic manner through to an advanced level. Some students taking the course will be proceeding to the BE degree and materials science is a suitable subject for the BSc component of the combined degree for several engineering disciplines. Materials science students will:
* have an understanding of the structure-property relationships for different types of materials;
* acquire a knowledge of the experimental measurement of microstructure and physical properties;
* have an understanding of how different kinds of materials are synthesised and/or prepared;
* demonstrate an ability to access and utilise existing knowledge from the library, databases and other resources;
* be aware of the technological importance of different types of materials.
The discipline
This discipline is intended for students of physical science who seek an understanding of the structure and properties of solid materials and the relationships between them. It is given jointly by the departments of Physics, Chemistry, and Materials Engineering. Studies in the subject commence at second-year level, and although there is no formal prerequisite, the recommended first-year course includes chemistry, mathematical methods and physics.
The subjects offered in this course are MSC2011, MSC2022, MSC3011, MSC3022 and MSC4000.
Inquiries concerning the course should be directed to the course coordinator, Associate Professor Trevor Finlayson (Physics). Other departmental contacts are Dr M Forsyth (Materials Engineering) and Dr D R MacFarlane (Chemistry).