2019 Undergraduate Courses
  • 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) | 2019

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of Science (Materials)

Abbreviation:

BSc(Mat)

UOW Course Code:

1853

CRICOS Code:

073927D

Total Credit Points:

144

Duration:

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Home Faculty:

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences

Intake Session(s):

Autumn/Spring

Delivery Mode:

On-campus

Delivery Campus / UAC Code:

Wollongong / 757636

Overview

Materials Science is the application of science in the design and testing of new materials; the physics and chemistry of materials; and the improvement of existing materials. Materials science students explore the ways in which new materials are changing our world; find out how to measure and control the strength of metals and polymers; learn about the structure of crystals and glasses; or discover how semiconductors work.

This program aims 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. Core Materials subjects involve detailed study of the structure of properties of metals, ceramics and polymers.

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to demonstrate:

CLO Description
1 Demonstrate coherent knowledge of the chemistry and physics in materials, including metallic, ceramic and polymeric materials.
2 Demonstrate fundamental materials knowledge including material microstructures, material thermodynamics, material mechanics, and phase transformations.
3 Demonstrate skills in carrying out microscopic observation, mechanical and physical properties testing, and interpretation of the interrelationship between the material process condition, microstructure, and performance in application.
4 Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills in design and diagnosis of materials composition, processing, application, and failure in material scientific researches and industrial applications of materials.
5 Communicate clearly and coherently knowledge and ideas to others.

Course Structure

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.

Electives in second and third years are selected from a list of subjects in the fields of Materials, Chemistry or Science and Technology Studies. Suggested elective programs are listed below. Students should consult their Course Advisor when choosing elective subjects.

To qualify for award of the Bachelor of Science (Materials), a candidate must complete 144 credit points, comprised of the following:

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Year 1
Choose ONE of the following two subjects:
CHEM101 Chemistry IA: Introductory Physical and General Chemistry 6 Autumn
CHEM104 Foundation Chemistry: Properties of Matter 6 Autumn
NOTE: Students who have achieved a mark of 65% or more in NSW HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) must select CHEM101. All other students must enrol in CHEM104.
ENGG103 Materials in Design 6 Autumn
PHYS141 Fundamentals of Physics A 6 Autumn
MATH141 Foundations of Engineering Mathematics 6 Autumn, Spring
Choose ONE of the following two subjects:
CHEM102 Chemistry 1B: Structure and Reactivity of Molecules for Life 6 Spring
CHEM105 Foundation Chemistry: Reactions and Structures 6 Spring
NOTE: Students who have achieved a mark of 65% or more in NSW HSC Chemistry (or equivalent) must select CHEM102. All other students must enrol in CHEM105.
ENGG105 Engineering Design for Sustainability 6 Autumn
PHYS142 Fundamentals of Physics B 6 Spring
MATH142 Essentials of Engineering Mathematics 6 Spring, Summer 2019/2020
CHEM106 Foundation Chemistry: Properties and Reactivity of Matter 6 Summer 2019/2020
# Note: CHEM106 is required for students completing CHEM104 and CHEM105 as pre-requisite subjects for most 200-level CHEM subjects.  CHEM106 will be counted as a Chemistry elective in Year 2.
Year 2
MATE202 Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria 6 Autumn
MATE201 Structure of Materials 6 Spring
MATE203 Phase Transformations 6 Spring
MATE204 Mechanical Behaviour of Materials 6 Spring
MATE205 Materials Characterisation Techniques 6 Spring
Plus THREE electives from the Material, Chemistry or Science & Technology Studies lists below. 18 credit points.
Year 3
MATE301 Engineering Alloys 6 Autumn
MATE381 Experimental Methods and Computing 6 Autumn
MATE302 Polymeric Materials 6 Spring
MATE303 Ceramics, Glasses and Refractories 6 Spring
Plus FOUR electives from the Material, Chemistry or Science & Technology Studies lists below. 24 credit points.
Materials Electives
MATE411 Advanced Materials and Processing 6 Autumn
MATE306 Fracture, Failure and Degradation 6 Autumn
MATE402 Secondary Materials Processing 6 Autumn
MATE413 Structural Characterisation Techniques 6 Autumn
MATE304 Transport Phenomena in Materials Processing 6 Spring
MATE433 Surface Engineering 6 Spring
MATE412 Electronic Materials 6 Spring
MATE305 Primary Materials Processing 6 Spring
Chemistry Electives
CHEM211 Inorganic Chemistry II 6 Autumn
CHEM212 Organic Chemistry II 6 Autumn
CHEM324Chemical Analysis and Inference 6 Autumn
CHEM213 Molecular Structure, Reactivity and Change 6 Spring
CHEM214 Analytical and Environmental Chemistry 6 Spring
CHEM360 Organic Synthesis III 6Spring
CHEM106 Foundation Chemistry: Properties and Reactivity of Matter 6 Summer 2019/2020
Science and Technology Studies Electives
STS 216 Environmental Sociology and Politics 6 Spring
STS 286 Risk, Media and Communication 6 Spring

Other Information

Graduates can apply for entry to Honours in Chemistry or Master of Philosophy.

Further information email: eis@uow.edu.au or Academic Program Director 

Last reviewed: 25 October, 2018