Faculty of Engineering
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of Science (Materials)

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of Science (Materials)

Abbreviation:

BSc(Materials)

Home Faculty:

Faculty of Engineering

Duration:

Three years full-time or part-time equivalent

Total Credit Points:

144

Delivery Mode:

On campus (Face-to-face)

Starting Session(s):

Autumn/Spring

Location:

Wollongong

Approx. ATAR Entry:

75

Assumed Knowledge:

Any two units of English plus Mathematics

Recommended Studies:

HSC Mathematics Ext. 1 plus Chemistry or Physics

UOW Course Code:

757

UAC Code:

757636

CRICOS Code:

031274F

Overview / Course Aims

The objective of the Materials Science course is to provide the scientific knowledge and technical skills necessary for a successful materials-based career in areas such as quality control and laboratory testing, materials process control and research and development in government and private sector laboratories. It also provides an ideal basis for those who wish to pursue a career in secondary teaching.

The core materials subjects involve detailed study of the structure of properties of metals, ceramics and polymers.

Course Requirements

All students must complete the required number of credit points and satisfy all course requirements for the degree - refer to course structures below. The Bachelor of Science (Materials) normally takes three years to complete. All students must take particular notice of the Course Rules regarding minimum rate of progress.

The formal contact hours, methods of teaching and learning and forms of assessment vary from subject to subject. Details will be provided to students at the commencement of each subject by the Subject Coordinator. Students should attend all classes including lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes.

Study Options

Electives in second and third years are normally selected to provide a coherent minor in a particular field, eg. Materials, Chemistry, Science and Technology Studies or Engineering. Suggested elective programs are listed below. Students should consult their Course Advisor when choosing elective subjects.

Honours

Students with a good academic record are encouraged to proceed to an Honours year, a fourth year of study providing training in independent research.

Credit Transfer

Applicants holding relevant TAFE Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas with a consistently good performance will normally be granted 48 credit points (one year) of credit.

Students are advised to take the maximum number of mathematics and science units available in their TAFE course.

Further Studies Options

Graduates can apply for entry to Honours in Materials or Master of Science - Research.

Career Opportunities

Opportunities exist in teaching, industry, administration, scientific communication and research.

Course Program

Subject

Session

Credit Points

Year 1

CHEM101

Chemistry 1A

Autumn

6

ENGG153

Engineering Materials

Autumn

6

MATH141

Foundations of Engineering Mathematics

Autumn

6

or

MATH187

Mathematics 1: Algebra and Differential Calculus

Autumn

6

PHYS141

Fundamentals Physics A

Autumn

6

CHEM102

Chemistry 1B

Spring

6

ENGG154

Engineering Design and Innovation

Spring

6

MATH142

Essentials of Engineering Mathematics

Spring

6

or

MATH188

Mathematics 2: Series and Integral Calculus

Spring

6

PHYS142

Fundamentals Physics B

Spring

6

Year 2

MATE201

Structure of Materials

Autumn

6

MATE202

Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria

Autumn

6

MATE203

Phase Transformations

Spring

6

MATE204

Mechanical Behaviour of Materials

Spring

6

plus

Four electives

 

18

Year 3

MATE301

Engineering Alloys

Autumn

6

MATE302

Polymeric Materials

Autumn

6

MATE381

Experimental Methods and Computing

Spring

6

MATE303

Ceramics, Glass and Refractories

Spring

6

plus

four electives

 

24

Year 4 (Honours)

MATE406

Research Project

Annual

24

plus

four electives

Materials Electives

MATE411

Advanced Materials and Processing

 

6

MATE304

Transport phenomena in Materials Processing

 

6

MATE306

Fracture, Failure and Degradation

 

6

MATE433

Surface Engineering

 

6

MATE412

Electronic Materials

 

6

MATE305

Primary Materials Processing

 

6

MATE402

Secondary Materials Processing

 

6

MATE413

Structural Characterisation Techniques

 

6

Chemistry Electives

CHEM211

Inorganic Chemistry II

 

6

CHEM212

Organic Chemistry II

 

6

CHEM314

Instrumental Analysis

 

8

CHEM213

Molecular Structure, Reactivity and Change

 

6

CHEM214

Analytical and Environmental Chemistry

 

6

CHEM321

Organic Synthesis and Reactivity

 

8

Science and Technology Studies Electives

STS100

Knowledge Culture and Social Change

 

6

STS112

The Scientific Revolution

 

6

STS216

Environment in Crisis

 

6

STS286

Risk Media and Communication

 

6