Materials Science

Studying Materials Science

Materials science is centered on materials and their properties, structures, production, and application: in this field of study, you will see metals, ceramics, and plastics from a new perspective and become familiar with semiconductors, nanomaterials, and smart materials in a new way.

Materials science is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines scientific and engineering knowledge, in particular physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, and computer science. You’ll research the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of materials and learn how materials are manufactured and processed.

You’ll develop the skills to combine different materials to create innovative properties, such as highly durable and sustainable plastics for smartphones or cars. This knowledge will enable you to contribute to the advancement of new materials and other innovations. In most cases, you’ll also have the opportunity to apply the theories you’ve learned directly in the lab, gaining hands-on experience.

In a materials science degree program, you can focus on specific materials, fields of application, or topics. These include, for example, resource-conserving materials, paper technology, or application in industry (materials engineering). Typical degree programs in this field of study are called materials science, materials and process engineering, applied materials science, materials chemistry, as well as materials science and materials engineering.