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Monash University

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Materials science - Faculty of Science

Coordinators (Department of Materials Engineering): Associate Professor Kiyonori Suzuki

The discipline

Materials science looks at different types of materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, glasses and composites) and the fundamental structural reasons for the astounding range of properties displayed. The 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. Studies in materials science are offered by the School of Physics in the Faculty of Science and the Department of Materials Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering. Throughout a major in materials science, structure property relationships are studied among all classes of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, glasses and composites), and the contents of individual units focus on experimental measurement of microstructure and properties, materials synthesis and their technological significance.

Units offered

Level one

  • MSC1010 Materials in our environment

Level two

Level three

  • MSC3111 Materials durability
  • MSC3121 Microstructural design in structural materials
  • MSC3132 Functional materials and devices
  • MSC3142 Materials characterisation and modelling

Sequence requirements

Minor sequence in materials science (24 points)

Major sequence in materials science (48 points)

Details of the CHM and PHS units, and some related sequences, are described in the `Chemistry' and `Physics' entries in this section of the handbook.

Recommendations

A major in materials science can be combined with a wide range of other majors, including physics, chemistry and mathematics. Students with an interest in biomaterials may choose to combine materials science with a physiology major. A materials science major commences at level two.

Level two

The level-two units have no formal prerequisite requirements from level one but students must have successfully completed at least 12 points of science units at level one before they may enrol in any science unit at level two. It is recommended that at least six points of mathematics units are undertaken at level two.

Level three

Four 6-point units are offered at level three, and these generally comprise 32 hours of lectures and tutorials and a weekly practical session in the School of Physics or the Department of Materials Engineering laboratories.

Honours

Honours in materials science features a major research project of the student's choice carried out under the guidance of an academic member of staff. This project comprises half the year's work and is conducted over two semesters. Usually the project will be related to the research interests of the staff member and the work will be done in a research team environment alongside other postdoctoral researchers and higher-degree students. This will often be work at the cutting edge of new materials technology. In addition, coursework at an advanced level is undertaken, where the topics are chosen (with advice from the student's project supervisor) from a wide range of elective topics offered within the School of Physics or the Department of Materials Engineering, or from other departments or schools. The coursework comprises the other half of the honours year. Mid-year entry to the honours program is available.