1999 Science Handbook - Materials science

Materials science

Discipline objectives
The discipline
Subjects offered
Inquiries

Discipline objectives

The aim of the program is to offer studies in the discipline of materials science in a systematic manner through to an advanced level. Some students taking the program 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 graduates 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 studies include chemistry, mathematical methods and physics.

Subjects offered

Inquiries

Inquiries concerning materials science should be directed to the coordinator, Associate Professor Trevor Finlayson (Physics). Other departmental contacts are Dr Maria Forsyth (Materials Engineering) and Professor Doug MacFarlane (Chemistry).