Materials Science

Biomaterials studies substances engineered to interact with biological systems for medical purposes. Learners will understand the biocompatibility, degradation, and mechanical properties of metals, polymers, and ceramics used in implants, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems.

Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes. Learners will understand how to design and evaluate medical devices, diagnostic equipment, biocompatible materials, and artificial organs to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.

This topic covers the structure, processing, and properties of inorganic, non-metallic materials. Learners will understand how atomic bonding dictates the thermal, electrical, and mechanical behavior of ceramics and glasses, and how to design them for structural and functional applications.

This topic examines the atomic arrangement in crystalline solids and the imperfections that occur within them. Learners will understand how unit cells, dislocations, vacancies, and grain boundaries influence the physical, mechanical, and electrical properties of materials.

This topic explores the physical principles governing the electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of materials. Learners will understand how semiconductors, conductors, insulators, and magnetic materials function and how they are applied in electronic devices and sensors.

This topic introduces the fundamental relationship between the structure, processing, properties, and performance of materials. Learners will understand the basic characteristics of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, and how to select appropriate materials for engineering applications.

Materials chemistry focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of solid-state substances with useful physical properties. Learners will understand how atomic and molecular structures dictate the electrical, optical, and mechanical behavior of modern functional materials.

This topic covers how materials deform, fracture, and respond to external forces. Learners will understand concepts like stress, strain, elasticity, plasticity, and fatigue, enabling them to evaluate and predict material behavior under various loading conditions.

Nanomaterials studies substances with structural features on the nanoscale, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers. Learners will understand how size reduction alters optical, electrical, and mechanical properties, and how these materials are synthesized and applied in technology.

This topic covers the thermodynamic equilibrium of multi-component materials and the kinetics of phase changes. Learners will understand how to interpret phase diagrams and control microstructural evolution through heat treatment to achieve desired material properties.

This field investigates the synthesis, structure, and properties of macromolecules and advanced materials. Learners will understand polymerization techniques, polymer characterization, and how to engineer materials for specific mechanical, thermal, and chemical applications.

This topic covers the structure, properties, and synthesis of polymeric materials and fiber-reinforced composites. Learners will understand how molecular architecture influences mechanical behavior and how to select these materials for structural applications.

Rheology studies how matter flows and deforms, covering the non-Newtonian behaviour of polymers, suspensions, gels, and biological fluids. You will understand viscoelasticity, constitutive models, and the measurements used to characterize complex fluids.

This subject examines the life-cycle assessment, environmental impact, and recycling processes of engineering materials. Learners will understand how to select eco-friendly materials and design products for circularity and end-of-life recovery.