BS1146 Materials Science & Processes

Materials science is an interdisciplinary field applying the properties of matter to various areas of science and engineering. This scientific field investigates the relationship between the structure of materials at atomic or molecular scales and their macroscopic properties. It incorporates elements of applied physics and chemistry.
Application deadline: 25th August.

With significant media attention focused on nanoscience and nanotechnology in recent years, materials science has been propelled to the forefront at many universities. It is also an important part of forensic engineering and failure analysis. Materials science also deals with fundamental properties and characteristics of materials.

The motivation for materials science stems from investigations as to why materials fail; take for example structural failures in building and bridges or metal ships splitting. This search for an understanding of materials failure, along with the advent of the scanning electron microscope (SEM), led to the development of materials science as a discipline.

Advances in materials science and engineering have led to the development of a wide range of highly engineered materials for specialist applications.

Generally, materials are classified as:

• Metals
• Ceramics
• Polymers
• Glasses
• Composites

This module will cover:

• Introduction to Atomic Bonding
• Structure of Materials
• Imperfections in Crystalline Solids
• Diffusion
• Phase and Diagrams and Microstructures
• Elastic Properties of Materials
• Plastic Deformation and Mechanical Testing of Materials.

Contact Information

sciencetech@universityofgalway.ie

www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/adult-and-continuing-education-courses/science-technology-studies-degree