Metallurgy is the science of the extraction of metals from ores and the design of products.

Objective of this degree program: students shall become familiar with the necessary fundamental basics of natural sciences and the most important metallurgical methods and processes. Therefore multidisciplinary teamwork, interdisciplinary thinking, and the confrontation with the impact of engineering on mankind and environment are encouraged already during the course of studies. Partnership with important industrial enterprises is an essential element.

Program description

Undergraduate program: 1st part: 4 semesters – efficient education in natural sciences and related subjects 2nd part: 3 semesters – intensification in subject-oriented fields, e.g.: materials science of metallic materials, process engineering in steel and nonferrous industry, production (casting and metal forming), industrial management, thermal processing and refractories technology.

Graduate program: 2 semesters + 1 semester for diploma thesis – specialization in one of the elective modules:

Ferrous and steel metallurgy: Special chapters of metallurgical process engineering and production of high-tech products are dealt with. The development of steel producers from material suppliers to system suppliers is taken into account. In a holistic approach the module covers knowledge ranging from production to application and finally recycling.

Nonferrous metallurgy: This module deals with the demands of modern nonferrous metallurgy. The production and materials technology of nonferrous metals play a decisive role. Stress is laid on a comprehensive metallurgical view of primary and secondary industry as well as sustainability.

Foundry technology: As one of the first steps in processing, the production of metallic products demands the casting of metallic melt to semi-finished products which are then processed further to final products. The casting of more and more high-grade materials into complex forms and the production of near-net-shape products is a challenge to modern foundry technology.

Metal forming/ component production: Due to cost-effectiveness the flow path from semi-finished product to finished component includes metal forming production procedures to an always greater extent. Process accompanying simulation of sheet metal forming and bulk deformation procedures under consideration of the crystalline structure in the course of metal forming shall facilitate the production of new and improved products.

Thermal processing: Based on the fundamentals of thermal processing, high temperature engineering (heating, industrial furnaces, heat exchanger) in connexion with the minimization of energy demand and the development of energy saving potentials are dealt with. The energy sector and energy management in terms of energy transformation, fuel economy, and energy supply are further focal points.

Industrial management: In line with the job specification for comprehensive management competency demanded by industry, the fields of knowledge include quality management, marketing and strategic business management up to asset management. Additionally, students learn skills and tools for a holistic way of looking at economic problems and for creative method-supported problem solving.

Equipment

Well-equipped labs and workshop help students to practice the acquired methods and basics. The equipment includes analytical instruments, furnaces and electrolysis systems, scanning electron microscope, solidification simulator and work stations for simulation.

Typical fields of activity

Research and development, planning and production, project design and management of metallurgical production plants, logistics, technical sale, consultancy, technical marketing.

Typical branches of industry

Metal producing and processing industry and plant construction industry; SMEs (foundries, metal forming enterprises, tempering and surface treatment industry), industrial customers and suppliers (automobile industry, machine construction, building construction and civil engineering); scientific fields at universities and research institutions, universities of applied sciences and secondary technical colleges as well as testing laboratories; consulting engineers’ offices, self-employed engineers.

Infobox

Possible degrees: Bachelor of Science (BSc), Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) / Master of Science (MSc), Dr.mont.
Duration: 7 semesters undergraduate, 3 semesters graduate, 6 semesters doctoral program
Focus: primary and secondary extraction of metals, sustainable process development, further processing and materials technology of metals
E-Mail: nemetall@unileoben.ac.at
Phone: +43 (0)3842/402-5201