Materials Science and Engineering
DEAR CANDIDATES
The Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin is an exceptional place, where one can develop his or her interdisciplinary interests in order to possess knowledge and skills crucial for fulfilling their professional ambitions. The Faculty is a leading scientific and didactic unit. We offer courses in the most important areas of Polish economy such as chemistry, chemical and process engineering, materials and nanomaterials engineering, chemical technology, as well as our two majors taught in English – chemical engineering and materials science and engineering. Each of our majors has a teaching programme taking into account the latest directions of technological development and each of them is designed to meet the demands of fast-developing socio-economic environment.
Seven researchers of our Faculty officially belong to 2% of the world’s most influential scientists.
We also possess some of the best equipped laboratories not only in our country, but in the world. Developed technologies and materials place us among the most innovative scientists in Poland. This characteristic affects our high standards in quality of education in our courses, that is also confirmed by certificates assigned by the Polish Accreditation Committee and high ranks of our majors in the most respected rankings.
The Faculty offers a wide range of Student Scientific Groups and opportunities of cooperation within research and development projects, all aimed at developing interests and scientific passions of our students. At the Faculty there are organised numerous events and regular meetings and trainings with company representatives where students can gain new skills and have a chance to learn the newest trends in chemical engineering, materials science or chemistry. To add more, according to National Salary Survey, the future graduates of our Faculty have good perspectives for attractive salaries.
Materials Science and Engineering – description of the field of study
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary field focused on the design, fabrication, and characterization of new materials, including polymers, ceramics, metals, and composites. A novel, advanced materials play key roles in diverse applications, including energy capture and storage devices, sustainable and advanced packaging materials, biomaterials, and more. As a result, by applying fundamental science to pursue beneficial engineering solutions, MSE has a major societal impact. Based on the knowledge of the underlying physical, chemical, and biological phenomena, material science engineers, can design and study new materials at various length scales, ranging from the atomic and molecular, and nanoscopic level to that of macroscopic, complex systems, including various devices. Importantly, the cutting-edge applications that can overcome major societal challenges require a detailed understanding of the relationships between the structure of a material and its properties. This knowledge can be used to tune materials for advanced technologies, ranging from biosensors and functional surfaces to aerospace composites and medical device platforms. Ultimately, MSE covers all aspects of research and innovation in the field of materials: from basic science to the design and synthesis of materials, from characterization to advanced processing, while also including regulatory and quality management aspects.
Materials Science and Engineering study – the most important information
Faculty of Technology and Chemical Engineering conducts only Bachelor of Engineering degree in Materials Science and Engineering, which lasts 3.5 years. Tuition fees are 4400 PLN / semester
The requirements to be met by the applicants for bachelors’ study in Materials Science and Engineering:
- English language proficiency – minimum B2 level (more information on language requirements: https://admission.zut.edu.pl/in-english/english-language-requirements.html)
- secondary school certificate that entitles its holder to take up bachelor programs in the country of issue
- general requirements for a candidate here: https://admission.zut.edu.pl/in-english/general-requirements-for-candidates/for-bachelor-programmes.html
Materials Science and Engineering at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin is a study that takes place on a daily basis. The curriculum includes theoretical lectures, as well as classes, projects and laboratory and internships.
As a Materials science engineer, you can find employment in a variety of existing sectors, including:
- aerospace
- automotive
- energy
- pharmaceuticals
- food and drink
- water treatment
- telecommunications
- and in research units.
Further, developments in the materials science and engineering field, such as nanotechnology or the usage of advanced composites, can result in new sectors and new job opportunities being created.
What such an engineer do, what does his/her job look like?
Materials science engineers design, develop, process, and test materials for a wide range of practical applications, such as electronics, coating, packaging, biotechnology, and the medical device industry. They study the structure and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, as well as their composites. Day-to-day, materials science engineers may be involved in all aspects of materials development, ranging from the synthesis of new materials to advanced processing, such as 3D printing or photolithography, or characterization, such as spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, or mechanical testing. In this fashion, by enabling the manufacture of new materials that meet certain chemical, electrical, and/or mechanical requirements, they facilitate the development of new products/applications or the improvement of existing technologies. Further, they can also be involved in selecting existing materials for specific products/applications or developing new strategies and pathways for leveraging existing materials.
Where can a graduate work?
Materials Science and Engineering graduates are highly trained, interdisciplinary specialists with many attractive professional careers in Poland and abroad. Because they are at the forefront of technological developments, they can find employment in a range of existing sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. Further, developments in the MSE field, for example, nanotechnology or the use of advanced composites, can result in new sectors and new job opportunities being created. Finally, novel, advanced materials play key roles in addressing the major societal problems of today, including pandemics, aging populations, and climate change. As a result, there will be growing demand for engineers trained in MSE.
Materials science engineers mostly work in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants. Their job responsibilities will vary according to the size and type of company, but they will typically be involved in interdisciplinary teams engaged in developing, modifying, testing, or evaluating materials. This can be from the standpoint of research and development or perhaps determining the causes of product failure and developing ways of overcoming such situations. Materials science engineers may also be called upon to provide technical advice regarding the suitability of existing material for an application or may be involved in monitoring and controlling the quality of a manufacturing process. Finally, of increasing importance is the task of evaluating the impact of materials and their processing on the environment.
Depending on their career stage, MSE graduates may be responsible for supervising a team in academia or industry that includes technicians, technologists, scientists, and engineers. Importantly, graduates who ultimately decide they do not want to work in the materials science field can easily find employment in other areas because the MSE curriculum is inherently multidisciplinary. At the same time, the fundamental concepts in physics and engineering, as well as the acquired skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, advanced analysis, are readily transferable to other fields. Graduates will possess skills in engineering analysis and management, so they may be engaged in various aspects of diverse research and development projects. Further, they can find employment in other areas such as regulations/oversight, technical documentation, or aspects dealing with intellectual property.
What does the wide range of scientific research look like? What projects do students work on?
Classes in Materials Science and Engineering are conducted by competent and qualified staff. Students have access to the latest simulation and design software and programs such as CHEMCAD, Aspen, AutoCad, Statistica, MathCad, Solidworks, Matlab, and modern, well-equipped laboratories. You will acquire knowledge in various fields such as mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and technical sciences, spanning from material synthesis to manufacturing and processing, and finally, methods for detailed characterization of material properties.
Importantly, you will be involved not only in theoretical preparation but also included in practical approaches towards solving complex, materials-related engineering tasks. Additionally, you will develop skills including critical analysis and synthesis of information, selection, and use of appropriate methods and tools, including the use of the available knowledge bases and sources. Further, during your education, you will have the opportunity for hands-on engagement and experimental work with a range of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and (nano)composites. Finally, you may be engaged in various on-going research projects into novel materials, such as advanced packaging, energy storage, drug delivery, medical devices, and more.
Subjects that are taught include Structure of Solids, Materials Processing, Surface Science and Interfacial Phenomena, Mechanics of Materials, Introduction to Experimental Materials Science: Nanomaterials Emphasis, Introduction to Experimental Materials Science: Biomaterials Emphasis, Functional Properties of Materials, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Smart- and Nanomaterials, Introduction to Biomaterials: Drug Delivery and Biosensing and more.
- interdisciplinary knowledge in the field of materials science and engineering with particular emphasis on modern constructional and functional materials for technology, sustainable technologies and health protection, as well as knowledge of the necessary departments of mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology for engineers;
- the ability to use the latest achievements in materials science and engineering, especially in the design and selection of materials for various practical applications, in such fields as electronics, nanotechnology, coating, packaging and composite materials industry, as well as for biotechnology and medical devices industry;
- extensive knowledge of materials design, synthesis and processing technologies, both engineering and functional, life cycle analysis of products and material recycling;
- knowledge and ability to use modern research methods and techniques to characterize and evaluate the properties of materials – from their synthesis to the evaluation of properties and quality and compliance with applicable regulations and standards;
- the ability to perform experimental work using a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers and (nano)composites, enabling the creation of new products and solutions;
- preparation for work in small, medium and large industrial enterprises, design, construction and consulting institutes, research institutes, technical supervision institutions, (bio) technology laboratories;
General information
- duration of the studies: 7 semesters (3,5 year)
- form of studies: full-time
- language of instruction: English
- planned start of the programme: 1 October 2022
- planned completion of studies: 1 March 2026
- detailed description of the programme
- contact person for the programme – prof. Mirosława El Fray
- admissions limit: 24
Financial aspects of studies
Tuition fees: 4400 PLN / semester (approx. 1000 EUR / semester)
Fees not related to tuition:
- registration fee (85 PLN)
- students ID (22 PLN)
- repetition of subjects and additional courses not covered by the study programme (if applicable).
Important note! Students cover all costs related to accommodation and maintenance (living costs, local transport, etc.).