Engineering and Materials Science
Introduction to the Field
Materials Science and Engineering, considering the national capacities and numerous large and small industries available in our country, is regarded as one of the fundamental engineering disciplines. Its expansion and development hold significant importance. Nowadays, the need to design and produce new engineering materials on one hand, and to develop modern manufacturing and fabrication methods plus analysis of these materials and processes using computational methods, simulation, and artificial intelligence, has made Materials Engineering essential for research, development, and supplying skilled personnel required by industries in new technological fields.
This field studies the microstructure of materials, the relationship between microstructure and material properties, manufacturing and production methods, material applications, and their performance. It encompasses a wide range of mineral materials (metals and ceramics) and non-mineral materials (polymers). Materials science involves research to achieve fundamental knowledge about internal structure, properties, and processing of materials. Meanwhile, materials engineering primarily relates to the practical application of fundamental materials knowledge (materials science) in a way that transforms materials into desired products or those needed by society. The materials referred to in this field include a broad spectrum covering metals, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, composites, biomaterials, nanomaterials, and advanced materials.
Given Iran's current situation—with abundant energy resources and diverse mineral reserves across its geographic area—and development plans in high value-added metal industries, advanced materials, and related downstream industries, training materials engineers who meet specialized needs and can lead and develop these industries has become an undeniable necessity.
Field Objectives
· Investigating, researching, and testing the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of materials
· Researching and examining material production and forming processes
· Investigating causes of failure and malfunction of components
· Inspection and quality control of industrial parts
· Producing special materials such as sensors and composites
Number and Types of Course Units
The Materials Science and Engineering program includes general courses (22 units), basic courses (26 units), mandatory specialized courses (70 units), elective specialized courses (15 units), and employability skill courses (4 units), which together with a 3-unit project total 140 units.
This field has no specializations at the undergraduate level and includes specialized areas such as engineering materials, manufacturing processes, and material extraction and production processes. Additionally, universities have the discretion to design a 15-unit specialized package depending on their mission, faculty expertise, and laboratory and workshop facilities by selecting courses from elective specialized courses.
Specializations and Academic Levels
Previously, the undergraduate program offered three specializations: industrial metallurgy, extractive metallurgy, and ceramics. However, since 2016, all specializations in engineering fields were eliminated, and currently, the program is only recognized as Materials Science and Engineering. At the master's level, specializations include welding, ceramics, casting, metal forming, composites, corrosion and materials protection, materials characterization and selection, metal extraction, biomedical engineering with biomaterials specialization, and biomedical engineering with tissue specialization.
Materials Science and Engineering Department at Qom University of Technology
The Materials Science and Engineering program at Qom University of Technology was officially established in 2024 with authorization from the Ministry of Science and currently operates with two faculty members. Recruiting faculty is the first priority for expanding this program at the university.
Workshops and Laboratories of This Field
According to the approved curriculum dated 06/17/2024 by the Supreme Council of Higher Education Planning of the Ministry of Science, the workshops and laboratories of this field include the following:
General laboratories and workshops: include General Chemistry Laboratory (first semester), Physics 2 Laboratory (second semester), General Workshop (first or second semester), and Electrical Fundamentals Laboratory (common elective specialty).
Mandatory specialized laboratories include Metallography and Materials Microstructure Laboratory (third semester), Mechanical Properties of Materials Laboratory (fourth semester), Metal Extraction Laboratory (fifth semester), and Solidification Principles and Casting Laboratory (sixth semester).
Optional specialized laboratories in four packages include:
Common package: Electrical Fundamentals Laboratory, Materials Identification and Analysis Methods Laboratory, Electrochemical Principles and Corrosion Laboratory
Materials Engineering package: Ceramics Laboratory
Manufacturing Processes package: Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Laboratory, Welding and Joining Laboratory, Forming Laboratory, Heat Treatment Laboratory
Materials Extraction and Production package: Mineral Processing and Concentration Laboratory
Currently available laboratories and workshops in the Materials Science and Engineering department at the university include:
- Mechanical Properties of Materials Laboratory
- Metallography and Microstructure Laboratory
- Heat Treatment Laboratory
- Welding Workshop
- Pattern Making and Casting Workshop
Developing laboratories and workshops related to the field is on the agenda of the department head, laboratory manager, and university officials, and they will be gradually established and expanded.
Career Opportunities in This Field
Graduates of Materials Science and Engineering, if equipped with the necessary skills and expertise, can work in government and private organizations and industries such as mineral processing and upgrading, ferrous and non-ferrous metal production and alloy manufacturing, casting and metal forming industries, coating and materials protection industries, glass and ceramic industries, composite and electronic materials production, magnetic materials, machinery manufacturing and industrial parts production, oil and petrochemical industries, automotive industries, nanomaterials and biomaterials sectors, as well as research and development centers. Experience and skill acquisition are crucial for employment and entrepreneurship in this field; therefore, students should focus not only on gaining theoretical knowledge but also on acquiring practical skills and experience. Direct interactions with related industries and entrepreneurs, scientific visits, and interest in participating in the industry are essential for academic progress and securing employment in this field.