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		MSE Frequently Asked Questions What are some examples of activities I might find in industry today that are dependent on materials? What kinds of interests and skills should I have in order to study in the materials disciplines? What should I study in high school? What are the job opportunities? What kind of work would I do? What kinds of courses would I take for a B.S. degree? What degree programs are available in the field? Where can I learn more about the field? What are some examples of activities I might find in industry today that are dependent on materials? New methods are being developed for the extraction of metals from lower grade ores at globally competitive costs. The development of electronic devices, including computers, is rooted in the properties and processing of materials. Therefore, the ability to design smaller and more powerful devices is largely a materials problem. Often these materials must be refined to ultrahigh purity and formed into single crystals. Improved thrust-to-weight ratios for aircraft depend largely on increasing the operating temperatures of engine components, or reducing the weight of the aircraft, particularly the engine. Approaches to accomplishing this include developing better high-temperature engine alloys, or lighter but stronger materials. Many of these materials will be based on intermetallics, which are metallic compounds that can develop the high-temperature strength and stability of ceramics without the severe brittleness. Further, the ability to make specific atom substitutions in these compounds gives the potential for exciting new properties. Similar attempts to improve performance and reduce weight in automobiles have led to the use of a variety of new metal / polymer / ceramic composites. These are not only used in structural parts, but for devices like turbochargers. More and more, communications systems rely on fiber optics. The ability to make optical fibers finer than a human hair that can be made into cables with optical properties suitable for more efficient, long communication lines - represents an exciting new materials technology. Amputees can now run on high-tech legs made up of a variety of advanced materials: titanium alloys originally developed for aircraft; carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composites; and flexible, springy polymers. Shape-memory alloys, or "metals with a memory", are being used for a variety of new products including anti-scald devices for showers and eyeglass frames that can snap back into original shape on being heated. Several different methods are now used routinely to apply ceramic coatings to a variety of materials. For example, high-tech drill bits are coated with nitrides or oxides to improve life. The process of superplasticity allows the economical forming of complex shapes from a variety of materials, including metals (such as steel) and metal/ceramic composites. Superplasticity makes it possible for properly designed materials to be stretched as much as 1,000 percent using little force, and it offers exciting possibilities for new and unique approaches to fabrication. Many environmental problems are being solved by application of current minerals, metals, and materials technologies. Improved materials processing technologies will stress preventing harm to the environment through eliminating the emissions of harmful gases and reducing the creation of harmful solid wastes. Recycling conserves both materials and energy, but the development of more efficient methods is needed. What kinds of interests and skills should I have in order to study in the materials disciplines? Interests should include a curiosity about nature and the physical sciences and about puzzles and mysteries. Skills or academic strengths that are helpful include the physical sciences, mathematics, communication skills, and the ability to work individually and with a team. What should I study in high school? Students should try to take all the physical sciences and mathematics courses offered at their school. In addition, students should take advantage of all available opportunities to develop their communication skills. Study of a language other than English is desirable. Talk to your guidance counselor about requirements at the university of your choice. Minimum high school preparation might include: Algebra Geometry Trigonometry Physics Chemistry Computer programming English What are the job opportunities? Since materials are involved in virtually every aspect of our lives, there are generally more opportunities than graduates. Job placement and starting salaries are expected to be excellent into the next century. Currently, the annual starting salaries for graduates of four-year degree programs are in the range of $32,000 to $40,000 per year. These salaries are competitive with those in many professional fields requiring more schooling. What kind of work would I do? Graduates in Materials Science and Engineering work in a variety of industrial activities, including manufacturing/processing, recycling, and the selection and design of materials for: Aerospace vehicles Ground transportation systems Household appliances Energy conversion and utilization devices Biomedical applications Information and communication systems Electronic and magnetic devices Optical and optoelectronic components Job functions are also varied and include: Manufacturing Design and development Research Sales and marketing Technical services Quality control and testing Performance and failure analysis Administration Teaching What kinds of courses would I take for a B.S. degree? Study programs normally include a core of mathematics, basic sciences (chemistry and physics), computer programming, communications, humanities and social sciences, coupled with engineering topics. Specific programs within the materials disciplines usually reflect the materials emphasis in the name of the program (i.e., materials, metallurgical, ceramic, polymer, etc.). Programs in materials include instruction across the classes of materials. Coursework in engineering topics includes studies involving the four elements of the field: structure, properties, processing/manufacturing, and performance of the materials. Understanding the scientific principles relating to the properties and behavior of materials is a basic component of the program. In addition, the plan of study includes the atomic configurations in materials and how to characterize them in both a structural and chemical sense. Further, coursework on how to process/manufacture materials is a key element in all programs. Engineering design courses focus on the performance of materials in applications and emphasize devising new materials, components, systems, or processes to meet particular objectives. Courses can include materials selection, processing and fabrication, the analysis of failures, as well as the design of composites, materials for harsh environments, electronic materials and devices, and high temperature materials. What degree programs are available in the field? More than half of the engineers from the materials discipline begin their first job with a four-year baccalaureate (B.S.) degree. Degrees are granted in several specializations and concentrations, including materials, metals, minerals, ceramics, and polymers. Within these study programs, one can emphasize areas such as processing, structure-property relationships, electronic properties, and chemical and environmental effects. Many students continue their studies to earn an advanced degree, a master's (M.S.) degree or a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree. They do this either directly after earning the B.S. degree or after some work experience. An M.S. degree generally can be earned within two years after the B.S. degree. The doctoral degree, which typically involves four years of study and research beyond the B.S. degree, is usually completed by those interested in careers in research and/or teaching. Depending on an individual's career goals, the B.S. degree may also be followed by study in such fields as business administration, management, medicine, and law (e.g., patent law). Where can I learn more about the field? "Advanced Materials: Reshaping Our Lives," National Geographic, vol. 176, December 1989, page 746. Scientific American, vol. 255, October 1986. Entire issue devoted to materials. The Materials Revolution, edited by Tom Forester. Published in 1988 by MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass. The Cambridge Guide to the Material World, by Rodney Cotterill. Published in 1985 by the Cambridge University Press BLS Projections of Engineering Employment, Engineers, A Quarterly Bulletin on Careers in the Profession, July 1995, pp. 10-15. This page is from the booklet by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), a professional association devoted to exploring the issues and technologies of importance to the field of materials science and engineering. Funding for this publication was provided by TMS, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers. Copies of this booklet are available from: TMS 420 Commonwealth Drive Warrendale, PA 15086 Telephone: (412) 776-9000 Facsimile: (412) 776-3770 In Canada from: The Metallurgical Society of CIM c/o Administrative Officer 3400 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West Suite 1210 Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3Z 3B8 Telephone: (514) 939-2710 Facsimile: (514) 939-2714 Site related questions or comments? Contact crc@tms.org last modified: