Materials Science is the underlying science of high performance materials including metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, nanomaterials, electronic materials and biomaterials. It is the science of developing high performance materials, engineering new applications, customizing innovative processing techniques and predicting performance. From the exquisitely delicate strength of a spider's web to the astonishing structural forms of ancient towering Wollemi pines, nature has evolved the very best materials for every natural application. Materials Science and Engineering is about developing the very best materials for every man-made application.

Major areas of study include: sustainable materials: ceramics, plastics and metals; properties of engineering materials; process control and improvement; management and presentation skills; technical investigation and research skills; social and environmental aspects of materials.

Students should refer to the current UAC Guide for course and subject prerequisites. HSC Mathematics Extension 1 is assumed knowledge to enter our course. The Recommended studies are Physics and Chemistry, but if you have not satisfied these at school, you can undertake a bridging program over summer before starting University. Full details are given in the UAC guide. The UAI cut-off for the Bachelor of Engineering (Ceramic Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering) at UNSW varies each year. UNSW currently has a minimum UAI cut-off of approximately 75 for general admission to the University.

 

Students who have not studied sufficient levels of maths, chemistry or physics are required to complete a bridging program prior to commencing university study. Information about bridging programs is available from the admissions office (phone: 02 9385 3156/3646). More information regarding admission to university can be found at: http://www.unsw.edu.au/futureStudents/postgradCourse/sad/admoffcontct.html Chemistry and physics can also be taken at introductory level in first year study.

Over 450 students are offered scholarships each year, University wide. The School of Materials Science and Engineering has its own undergraduate scholarships as well as being a participant in the Co-op Program where leading employers in commerce, industry and government have joined forces to develop a form of industry-linked undergraduate programs. This program offers an integrated sequence of academic studies and industrial training and provides a tax free $15,000 per annum scholarship (in 2008). The deadline for applications to the Co-op program is the end of September. The Co-op program can be contacted via http://www.coop.unsw.edu.au

 

School Scholarships are sponsored by our School as well as in cooperation with our many industry partners. Sponsored scholarships provide not only financial support but also opportunity to develop relationships with industry and gain valuable work experience. School Scholarships are awarded for the full 4 year duration of the Bachelor of Materials Engineering degree depending upon satisfactory progress. Applications for School Scholarships are accepted until December. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, all students expecting a UAI>85 are encouraged to apply. To obtain further information about School scholarships or to apply, contact Amanda Smith in the Marketing Office of Materials Science and Engineering on (02) 9385 5446 or asmith@materials.unsw.edu.au

 

Materials scientists and engineers work in materials process engineering, research and development, quality, technical support, management, technical sales and marketing, and more. Employers range from primary material producers and refiners to utility providers, the transport industry, the defence force, universities, research institutions and multinational technical consultancy firms. There are a multitude of opportunities for scientific and commercial endeavour in the areas of forensics, bio-materials, electronic devices, nano-materials, the environment as well as new and innovative materials and processes. Graduates of Materials Science and Engineering, because of their diversified and practical background, are highly sought and have some of the highest employment rates of all engineering graduates.

We have students currently employed in production, development, research, management and other types of positions in companies such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Capral, Comalco, Alcoa, PGH Monier, Austral Brick, Pacific Power, CSIRO, Ford, Siemens, Hawker de Havilland; Pasminco; Pilkington - this list goes on. Typical job titles include: Materials Scientist; Materials and Process Engineer, Polymer Scientist/Engineer; Extractive Metallurgist; Physical Metallurgist; Ceramist; Composites Engineer, Technical Consultant, Quality Manager, Team Leader. For more information see our web site or the Special Careers Report into Materials Engineering.

Yes. Saul Griffith a graduate of our School won the prestigious US$30,000 Lemelson-MIT Student Prize for innovation. News of his prize-winning invention - a low-cost device that makes prescription glasses within 10 minutes - made instant headlines in the US, particularly in business media outlets. Griffith said his training in metallurgical engineering was the perfect launch pad for his inventiveness: "Materials and metallurgy science at the University of New South Wales is an amazing degree. It's like the arts degree of engineering: if you know your materials science it's pretty easy to pick up the rest of the engineering disciplines. It's a powerful background."

Saul's story is one of many as our graduates move around the world into research and development in materials engineering and other multidisciplinary groups using their investigative and engineering skills to create solutions and products many of us have not yet dreamed of.

Even within well established industries as the drive for sustainable process and materials increases it is Materials Engineers who have the skills and knowledge necessary to transform these industries.

Upon graduation materials engineers are equipped to participate in a wide range of multidisciplinary development groups as well as specialised teams. Areas of interest may include: the development of environmentally sustainable materials and processes, engineering of new materials for application in super-computers or nano-devices, development of biomedical materials for drug delivery or prostheses, processing of extremely high purity materials eliminating impurities on a scale of part per billion, analysis of catastrophic failure of materials as a consultant or expert witness, engineering of thin-films only nanometers thick to create seemingly frictionless surfaces, high-temperature materials and processes where melting of iron is just the beginning, fabrication of smart composite materials that detect their own failure, materials for use in deep space and the demanding entry and exit of the earth's atmosphere.

These areas of interest are only the tip of the iceberg of the continually new developments occurring in materials engineering. The program offers four broad areas of specialisation at an undergraduate level: Ceramics, Materials, Physical Metallurgy or Process Metallurgy.

Ceramic Engineering is concerned with the application of scientific and engineering principles to the development, production and use of specialised technical ceramics (superconductors, bio-materials or piezoelectics), as well as everyday ceramic materials (glass, concrete, bricks or porcelain).

Materials Engineers develop new monolithic and composite materials, combining metals, ceramics and polymers on the microscopic scale. Materials can be designed to exhibit sought-after mechanical, chemical, thermal or electrical qualities. Performance in unique environments, from deep space to within the human body, can be optimized through materials design.

Metallurgical Engineering (Process or Physical) is concerned with the production and development of metallic materials, components and processing technologies for sustainability and commercial applications. The use of alloying and novel processing routes for tailor-made components with desired and exceptional properties is a skill sought after in today's high tech environment. Metals are the most widely used materials in sophisticated engineering applications.

The virtual handbook gives a complete list of subject and course requirements for all programs athttp://www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/2009/index.html.

 

Throughout the program learning involves both lecture material and practical laboratory projects. First year lays a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry and physics. Second year moves deeper into the realm of materials science through courses in the fundamental properties and structures of materials as well as aspects of engineering design, application and selection of materials.

The broad foundational study of materials properties and practical evaluation allows greater specialisation through technical and professional electives in third and fourth year. Electives include material processing and fabrication methods as well as detailed investigation of electrical, thermal, chemical and physical properties, and the application and failure of materials. Electives vary with the selected study plan: metallurgy, ceramics or materials engineering. For students in the fourth year of the Bachelor of Engineering program, there is a great opportunity to concentrate on a research project sharpening experimental and analytical skills. The engineering program also includes components of professional communication, management, aspects of business and industrial training.

The Bachelor of Materials Engineering can presently be combined with a Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering. This is a five year program, UAC code 42 9010. UNSW Program Code 3138

 

The Bachelor of Materials Engineering can also be combined with a Bachelor of Commerce. This is a five and a half year full time program, UAC code 42 4000. UNSW Program Code 3136

 

No other combined degrees are presently available. However, Materials Science is offered as a major within a Bachelor of Science. Whilst this course provides less specialisation and accreditation it does provide greater flexibility. Any program available as a combined degree with a BSc will allow you to study some materials engineering subjects. Some of the combined programs available with a BSc are: engineering, arts, social science and law.

Industry sponsored scholarships are normally available only for those studying a Bachelor of Materials Engineering. In special circumstances there may be some industry sponsored scholarships available for the combined program with Biomedical Engineering. $1500 - $2000 pa School Scholarships are available for all BE programs, including combined with Biomedical Engineering or Commerce. However, the School Scholarship will only be paid for the first four years of the combined degree.

Yes! Students in their third year of study have the option to spend 6 months or a full year studying overseas. UNSW has a well established exchange program and partnerships with many universities around the world. In recent years Materials Engineering Students have been on exchange to Canada, Germany, Sweden and Korea. More information about the exchange program can be found at http://www.international.unsw.edu.au/exchange/

UNSW is committed to making the experience of all its students as positive and rewarding as possible. In line with this commitment, we have organised a peer mentor program for students. Peer mentoring involves more experienced students passing on their tips and hints to new students. While studying at UNSW is exciting, we also realise that it can be challenging. The purpose of the program is to help you successfully meet this challenge.
We have many students from the School of Materials Science and Engineering keen to be mentors. As a 'mentee', you will be placed in a small group with other first year students and an experienced mentor student. This person will be available to you to respond to any questions or concerns you may have (e.g. "Where's the Clancy auditorium?" "Where do I get a copy of the textbook by Ashby and Jones, Engineering Materials 1? Where's the free Materials Society (MATSOC) BBQ? etc).

Each student in first year within our School is also assigned an academic adviser. The academic adviser can assist with difficulties with the program, give advice about subjects and course requirements and other questions regarding enrolment, academic standing, or student exchange.

As well as support within the School the university offers an introductory program to the university before session starts called Uniprep and O-week. This program encompasses tours of the campus by upper year students, lectures about how to study at university, the content of various courses and other practical issues. More information about the many student services on campus can be found at http://my.unsw.edu.au

The School of Materials Science and Engineering graduates around 20 students per year. This means that our class sizes are small (except when subjects are taken with students from other Schools). You learn in an intimate and friendly group with all undergraduates working alongside postgraduates and lecturers in a hands-on, practical environment. We know each other by name and regular BBQs are held for the whole School.

There are eight residential colleges situated on, or adjacent to, the University's Kensington campus. The colleges provide tutors and resident staff who are available to assist residents. All of the colleges provide a wide range of cultural, sporting and social activities. Each offers all-inclusive services including three catered meals per day, housekeeping, and computer labs. Fees vary depending on the arrangement but range between $250 and $300 per week during session, with some options for accommodation outside session times. Usually the colleges require a personal interview and places are sometimes available for second semester. For further information please contact the Housing Office at UNSW on (02) 9385 4955.

Public transport buses service the UNSW Kensington Campus and leave from two primary locations in central Sydney: Central Railway Station and Circular Quay. There are express and/or regular buses 7 days a week to the campus. Full time students receive transport concessions. See Transport Infoline for details: http://www.131500.info/realtime/default.asp

Along with compulsory charges such as student activity fees ($440 full time) the cost of the Materials Science and Engineering course comes under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS). HECS is a charge imposed by the Federal Government, which all students are liable to pay towards the cost of their study. Differential HECS contributions apply to students commencing a new course of study. The amount of HECS you pay will be based on the units of study you undertake. HECS is subject to changes in the next year varying from university to university. The charges by UNSW have not yet been released.

For further information on the Scheme, students are directed to the HECS hotline on 1800 020 108 or visit the website: http://www.hecs.gov.au/hecs.htm or contact the Student Centre at UNSW on (02) 9385 1649 regarding HECS and full fee undergraduate places.

Our web site http://www.materials.unsw.edu.au contains lots of useful information about our school, about courses, about our current students, about our lecturers, about research going on in the School and more. You can also contact Amanda Smith in the Marketing Office of Materials Science and Engineering on (02) 9385 5446 or asmith@materials.unsw.edu.au for more information or answers to specific questions.