Highly developed materials are of tremendous significance for a modern industrialised nation since any innovative idea can only be realized if suitable materials are available.

From the very beginning history of mankind was determined by the available structural (constructional) and functional materials. Research and development of new materials are the first steps towards more efficient components. Modern materials are a requirement for the optimization of technical systems. Each technical idea can only be realized if suitable materials are available, no matter whether this means steels for tools or automobile industry, highly heat-resistant components for aerospace industry or bio-compatible implants for the human body. Especially in times of scarcer resources and rising ecological demands on the production and reutilization of materials, it is definitely necessary to develop and apply so-called intelligent materials and material systems. This way a maximum of functioning can be achieved at a minimal consumption of raw material and energy.

Program description

Undergraduate Studies:
Semesters 1 - 4: The most important fundamentals of engineering and natural sciences such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science; introduction into materials science.
Semesters 5 - 7: focus on materials such as metals and their alloys, ceramic materials, polymeric materials, semiconductor materials, composites, glasses, biomaterials.
Undergraduate studies are completed with a bachelor's thesis. Although proof of relevant practical training does not have to submitted until the end of one's master's studies, it is recommended to untertake the required internships of 24 weeks within the bachelor's programme.

Graudate Studies
Intensification of the subject-specific education as well as specialization in one of the 4 groups of electives (metallic materials, ceramic materials, materials for electronics, metal physics and materials physics). There is also the possibility to choose one of four focal subjects (biomaterials, modelling and simulation, polymeric materials, project and quality management). The thesis focuses on specific matters dealing with materials, and can be completed at a university department as well as at companies.

Equipment

The acquired fundamentals and methods can be tested in practical training courses in very well equipped labs and research facilities with modern EDP-equipment. The specific labs are equipped with most important devices for material characterization, such as modern light microscopy, scanning electron microscope and transmission microscope, atomic force microscope, focused ion beam, field emission ion microscope with atomic probe, thermal analysis methods, quenching and deformation dilatometer as well as all instruments for destructive and non-destructive materials testing. There are also other special instruments such as e.g. laser equipment for cutting, welding, and coating of materials which can be used for research work for diploma and doctoral theses.

Typical fields of activity

All of material producing, processing and applying industry, especially research, development and production branches, materials testing laboratories, quality management, defect analysis, consulting engineers’ offices, logistics as well as scientific fields at universities and research institutions. Important fields of activity: material development, materials characterization and testing, materials modelling and application, nanotechnology.

Typical branches of industry

Steel and light metal industry, processing of special and high-melting-point metals, automobile industry, aerospace industry, plastic industry, semiconductor and microelectronics, microsystem technology, communication technology, medical technology, food processing industry.

Infobox

Possible degrees: BSc, Dipl.-Ing. (MSc), Dr.mont. (PhD)
Duration: 7 semesters for the bachelor's programme, 3 semesters for the master's programme (+ internship), 6 semesters for the doctoral programme
Focus: Metallurgy and materials testing, metal physics, ceramic materials, materials
for electronics, nano- and biomaterials
Contact: christian.mitterer@unileoben.ac.at
Phone: +43 (0)3842/402-4220