Focus areas
In Materials Science programme there are four focus areas for students to specialize.
Metallic and Ceramic Materials >>
Materials Science >>
Materials Engineering >>
Polymers and Biomaterials >>
Focus areas in international partner universities:
Computational Materials Science >>
Mechanics of Materials >>
Metallic and Ceramic Materials
Metallic and ceramic materials are still the most widely used materials in several branches of engineering and industry, such as power generation and transportation industries. In addition, metals and ceramics are commonly used in electronics and increasingly also in the construction industry.
The major studies in Metallic and Ceramic Materials provide you with a broad knowledge base in the relationships between the composition, processing, structure, and properties of metals and ceramic materials. Understanding and utilizing these correlations is essential in finding the most suitable existing materials, or developing new materials to meet the requirements of different applications. At Tampere University of Technology, metallic and ceramic materials have been studied and developed for decades in close collaboration with domestic and international partners. Therefore, in addition to the basic knowledge of these materials, this major will give you state-of-the-art knowledge in recent developments for example in the fields of advanced steel technology, nano- and ultrafine-grained metals and alloys, functional materials, and advanced ceramic sciences.
Learning outcomes
Major studies in Metallic and Ceramic Materials offer broad knowledge of the material properties, their utilization, and development of these properties to meet the requirements set by different applications.
After completing the study module, the student is able to analyze the material requirements set by both manufacturing and usage of the metallic and/or ceramic products, understands the reasons for the observed behaviour, and can assess the applicability of different metallic and ceramic materials for different purposes. The student has a broad knowledge base on the development, properties and behaviour of metallic and ceramic materials under various conditions and in different applications. The student can explain the most common phenomena controlling the behaviour of these materials, understands the basic structure-property relationships, and knows how they can be utilized in practice. The student can apply his/her knowledge in materials selection and in different tasks as a materials expert.
Example courses
- Engineering Ceramics
- Wear of Materials
- Corrosion and its Prevention
- Phase Transformations and Heat Treatments of Metals
- Joining of Metals
- Designing Cast Metal Products
- Plastic Deformation and Fatigue of Metals
Materials Science
In order to remain at the forefront of technological and scientific development, an increasing number of highly educated people are needed in the research and product development in the various branches of industry and academia. The major in Materials Science educates students in highly sophisticated materials characterization methods such as electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and various mechanical materials testing methods. Finishing the studies in Materials Science will give you a strong knowledge base and understanding both in different materials and the most important research methods used in Materials Science. Towards the end of the major studies you will have the opportunity to focus more towards materials science of metals and ceramic materials or more towards polymers and biomaterials.
This major is suitable especially for those students who have strong background in materials science and good overall knowledge of natural sciences such as solid state physics, chemistry, and mathematics. To be successful in your Materials Science studies, you need to be highly motivated, persistent, systematic, and innovative.
Learning outcomes
After completing the study module, the student has good knowledge on the main research methods and techniques used in materials science. The student can explain the basic operating principles of these research methods and techniques and understands their applicability for the observation and analysis of the microstructures and properties of different materials. The student can work systematically and innovatively in the various fields of materials research and knows how to apply the basic principles and laws of physics, chemistry, and mathematics in this work, giving him/her good skills and readiness to work successfully in various branches of industry and academia.
Example courses
- Electron Microscopy
- X-Ray Diffraction
- Thermal Analysis of Materials
- Failure Analysis
- Transmission Electron Microscopy
- Electron Spectroscopy
- Nanostructures and Elementary Surface Processes
- Introduction NDT Techniques
Materials Engineering
Materials engineering has been and will be one of the most important technological frontrunners in the Finnish and global industries. Excellent understanding of modern production and processing methods will keep our industry competitive and secure sustainable development for the future. The major in Materials Engineering aims in promoting technological competitiveness of various industrial branches covering all materials used in engineering applications. The major in Materials Engineering educates the students in basic manufacturing technologies, and allows the students to specialize in either engineering of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, fibres and textiles, biomaterials, medical materials, surface engineering, or paper and packaging technology.
Learning outcomes
The students completing the major will know the most important manufacturing technologies of all engineering materials. The studies will focus on production of materials with the aim of understanding how the production technology can be used and managed to affect the structure and properties of materials. The student will also have a good understanding of the materials and applications of his/her specialization in Materials Engineering. This major gives the students skills and knowledge to pursue either an academic career, as well as a career in the industry.
Example courses
- Materials Processing Technology
- Processing of Ceramics
- Advanced Steel Technology
- Thin Film Technologies
- Processing of Plastics
- Coatings and Surface Treatments
- Clothing Manufacture and Physiology
Polymers and Biomaterials
Polymers and biomaterials are increasingly more important in many areas of engineering such as injection moulded parts for electronic consumer goods, elastomers in transportation, composites used in aeronautical engineering, and various biomedical applications in medical sciences. The major in Polymers and Biomaterials provides a comprehensive background of these materials; their structure and properties.
Learning outcomes
The major in Polymers and Biomaterials materials gives the student a broad knowledge of various polymeric and biomaterials, with special emphasis on the properties and structure of the materials. After completing the major the student is able to work towards environmentally more friendly and cost effective material and process management.
Example courses
- Composites
- Polymer Rheology
- Degradation of Polymers
- Introduction to Medical Biomaterials
- Elastomeric Materials
- Biodegradable polymers
- Advanced Course on Composites
- Advanced Course on Elastomeric Materials
Computational Materials Science
Numerical simulations are often required for events that are simply too difficult and/or expensive to study experimentally. Examples of such events are several high rate impact events and fast manufacturing processes such as forging and coldheading.
The students completing this module will have good basic knowledge on simulation sciences, especially those relevant to materials science and engineering. Depending on the selection of the complementary courses, students can choose to become more specialized in materials science or in structural engineering. This module will prepare the student for both basic academic career in material science and material physics as well as for applied mechanical engineering.
The focus area of Computational Materials Science can be studied at the University of Aachen and German Research School for Simulation Sciences. There are no implementations at Tampere University of Technology. Therefore, this focus area is not available at the time of application to Tampere University of Technology, and the students have to apply for these studies after being accepted as a student at our Master's Program. The focus area is available for the second academic year and the selection of students eligible for the module is based on the success of the prior studies at TUT, motivation, and overall suitability of the proposed studies in the personal study plan.
Example courses
- From Molecular to Continuum Physics 1 and 2
- Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
- Finite Element Theory
- Nonlinear Structural Mechanics
- Plasticity and Fracture Mechanics
- Correlated Electrons
Mechanics of Materials
Understanding the mechanical behavior and properties of various materials at different conditions is extremely important for efficient design of components and structures. The requirements for more environmentally friendly and at the same time stronger and more durable components and structures cannot be achieved without good understanding of mechanics of materials.
The major and minor studies in Mechanics of Materials will prepare the students with strong knowledge in materials engineering. After completing the module, the students will have a deep understanding of plastic and elastic behavior of materials, and their numerical and constitutive modeling. The students can work in several industrial and academic positions requiring understanding of mechanical engineering and engineering of materials.
The focus area of Mechanics of Materials can be studied at the Departamento de Ciencia de la Materiales of the Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). There are no implementations at Tampere University of Technology. Therefore, this focus area is not available at the time of application to Tampere University of Technology, and the students have to apply for these studies after being accepted as a student at our Master's Program. The focus area is available for the second academic year and the selection of students eligible for the module is based on the success of the prior studies at TUT, motivation, and overall suitability of the proposed studies in the personal study plan.
Example courses
- Mechanical Behavior of Materials III and IV
- Composite Materials
- Obtention of Materials
- Properties of Materials II
- Recycling of Materials
- Numerical Simulation in Materials Science