Materials Science

Materials Science (also referred to as materials science and engineering) is an inter-disciplinary subject that involves the study of all materials starting from a glass or a piece of sport equipment to those used in medicine and aerospace. The subject explores the structure and design of any material and how it can be used in the most optimum way.

Apart from this, the field of materials science also focuses on creation of new materials on the basis of different engineering requirements. The materials created through this field of science are used for a variety of purposes and range from nanotechnology to advanced polymers.  

Through their understanding of how materials work, materials scientists or engineers create new materials for new applications and develop existing materials to improve performance.

Materials science is a broad field of study and contains plenty of opportunities for students who wish to build their career in it and its related technologies.

All candidates looking to build their career in the field of materials science should possess the below-mentioned skillset and traits:

Skillset for Materials Science Candidates
Analytical bent of mind	Problem-solving skills
Organisational skills	Communication skills
Hardworking	Decision-making skills
Scientific knowledge	Technical skills
Inquisitive mind	Detail oriented
Mathematical aptitude	Planning skills
Research skills	Creativity and innovation

  

Materials science can be pursued by candidates at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels. Given below is eligibility criteria for all levels of materials science courses:

UG Level: Candidates should clear Class 12^th in Science stream with at least 50% - 60% aggregate marks.  

PG Level: Candidates should clear graduation preferably in materials science with at least 50% - 60% aggregate marks.  

PhD Level: Candidates should clear post-graduation in materials science or a related discipline with minimum 60% - 75% marks. Candidates who clear GATE (with minimum 90 – 95 percentile score) or CSIR UGC NET and had Mathematics as a mandatory subject in graduation are also sometimes eligible to apply.  

Note: Materials science eligibility criteria mentioned above might vary depending on the policy of the university in which a candidate is applying for admission.

There are different science and engineering courses offered in materials science. However, the two popular materials science courses include: BTech Materials Science & Engineering and MTech Materials Science & Engineering. Given below is an overview of the subjects taught in both the courses:

BTech Materials Science & Engineering
Nature and Properties of Materials	Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria
Rate Processes	Structure and Characterization of Materials
Introduction of Biomaterials	Phase Transformation
Mechanical Behavior of Materials	Electronic and Magnetic Proeprties of Materials
Physical Metallurgy Laboratory	Mechanical Behaviour Laboratory
Principles of Metal Extraction & Refining	Materials Processing
Functional Materials Laboratory	Process Engineering Laboratory
Manufacturing Processes Laboratory	Science and Technology of Thin Films and Device Fabrication
Energy Materials and Technologies	Electronic Devices and Characterization
Electro-Ceramic Materials and Applications	Materials Science Technologies for Application in Life Sciences
Iron and Steel Making	Selection and Design of Engineering Materials
Powder Metallurgy	Solidification Processing
Heat-Treatment and Surface Hardening	Symmetry and Properties of Crystals
Interfaces and Material Properties	Microscopy and Microanalysis of Materials
Dislocations and Plasticity	Material Failure- Analysis and Prevention
Nanostructures and Nano-Materials-Characterization and Properties	-
MTech Materials Science & Engineering
Engineering Mathematics	Physical Metallurgy
Materials Characterization	Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Materials Testing & characterization	Ceramic Science and Technology
Composites and Polymers	Nanomaterials and Technology
Mechanical Behavior of Materials	Selection of Materials
Computational Techniques	Non Destructive Testing
Manufacturing Processes	Corrosion Engineering
Metallurgical Failure Analysis	Surface Engineering
Biomaterials	High Temperature Materials
Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing	Thin Film Technology and Application
Electrical, Magnetic and Optoelectronic Materials	Process Modeling
Particulate Technology	Statistical Quality Control and Management
Polymer Processing	Nuclear Materials
Severe Plastic Deformations	Finite Element Methods
Theory of Plasticity	-

 

Candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in materials science can find employment opportunities in a variety of industries such as automotive, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, ceramic/ glass companies, nuclear, defence, oil & gas, etc.

Some of the popular job profiles related to materials science are:

• Material Engineer: A material engineer specialises in metals, ceramics or plastics. S/he develops composite materials and studies the atomic structure of materials in order to discover new applications for their mechanical or chemical properties.
• Material Analyst: A material analyst, using different software systems designs material and supply movement plans for companies. Job responsibilities of a material analyst also includes tracking customer product demand, managing transportation of exports and imports, and developing productivity improvement proposals.
• Materials Scientist: A materials scientist researches as well as studies the structures and chemical properties of different man-made and natural materials such as glass, metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, etc.
• Materials Technician: Job responsibilities of a materials technician include testing a material's strength and flexibility along with its characteristics such as chemical composition, cost assessment, safety and environmental impact, etc.  
• Manufacturing Engineer: The job role of a manufacturing engineer includes developing manufacturing processes by studying requirements of the product and researching, designing, modifying as well as testing manufacturing methods and equipment.
• Product Tester: A product tester is a professional who tests, evaluates and provides feedback of products that are being launched by a company.
• Metallurgist: A metallurgist develops metal products and structures that range from small precision-made components to huge engineering parts. A metallurgist usually specialises in one area such as structural metallurgy, process or chemical.

Some of the top recruiters for materials science candidates are:

Top Recruiters for Materials Science Candidates
Ultratech Cement	ACC Limited
JMC Projects	Hindustan Constructions Company
Gammon	Shapoorji Pallonji & Co.
Simplex Infrastructures	Nagarjuna Constructions Company
Jindal Steel & Power Ltd	Reliance Industries Ltd
Tata Steel	IVRCL Infrastructures and Project

 

Following are the most popular Materials Science Colleges in India. Learn more about these Materials Science colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the top-rated Materials Science courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Materials Science.

Following are the most popular Materials Science UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Materials Science PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.