Materials Science M.Sc.

 

In the interdisciplinary Master course of study Materials Science, student have the possibility to acquire advanced knowledge for successful development of tailored materials. The curriculum is anchored in theoretical-natural science concepts and is supplemented with engineering sections. The development and design of new functional materials are at the focus.

The interdisciplinarity of the course of study is reflected in each of the four specialization areas offered at RWTH Aachen (Nanotechnology, Electronic Materials and Building Elements, Surface Technology, and Construction Materials). In the Nanotechnology area, chemical and physical aspects of nanostructures are highlighted as well as the final implementation of material science basics in finished products. The specialization Electronic Materials and Building Elements provides equal knowledge in the field of semiconducters and organic electronics. Different perspectives are also provided in the Surface Technology specialization: build-up welding for surface processing is taught as is chemical analysis using secondary ion mass spectrometry. Students here can also study biocompatibility or improved corrosion protection. The specialization Construction Materials offers close work with engineering and primarily higlights metallic materials and their manufacturing and processing processes. Part of the curriculum also includes the effects of plastic malformation at the atomic level and their influence of material characteristics.

The specializations share a background in process and material modeling, which includes an increasing component of computer-based materials research, as well as the acquisition of advanced knowledge in the field of characterization methods.

Characteristics of the RWTH Aachen Course of Study

In the RWTH Aachen Master course of study Materials Science, students have the opportunity to expand their acquired knowledge and skills individually within four specializations. The curriculum unifies future-orienting areas at RWTH Aachen: Georesources and Materials Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and Computer Science and Natural Sciences. This approach to an engineering education based on natural science ensurces consideration is given to the development of new materials with tailored characteristics for a broad spectrum of application in research, development, and production.

The materials science course of study is often tought from a purely natural science perspective in Germany. At RWTH Aachen it is an interdisciplinary course of study that aims at teaching materials engineering knowledge on the basis of fundamental materials characteristics and to use this knowledge in the production and processing processes. Within RWTH Aachen, the materials science course of study can be compared to materials engineering. The difference between the two in the Master's courses of study is in the possible specialization areas. Here, materials engineering is emphasized in the areas metallic materials and process technology. In Materials Science, it very much depends on the specialization chosen. If someone selects construction materials or surface technology, he or she will advance into engineering topics. In contrast, if a student chooses nanotechnology or electronic materials and building elements, he or she will receive an education heavy in natural science.

 

Degree Content

The Master's degree is split between a core area (mandatory subjects for all specializations) and the specialization. The core area consists of multiple lectures on material characterization and process and material modeling.

In the Master's program, students choose two out of the four specializations offered:

• Nanotechnology
• Electronic Materials
• Surface Technology
• Construction Materials

Structure

Semester	Core Area	Specialization Subjects	Electives	Non-technical Electives
1	Process and Material Modeling, Characterization Methods 1	Specialization Subject A	Elective	Non-technical elective
2	Characterization Methods 2	Specialization Subject B	Elective	Non-technical elective
3		Project	Elective Elective Elective
4	Master's Thesis

Detailed information is available on the course of study website.

The division has research and teaching collaborations with a number of European and non-European universities. Student mobility is at the focus of the activities abroad. The ERASMUS program for example, gives students the opportunity to study at another European university for one or two semesters. The division has its own advising system to help with planning the stay abroad. The Moveonline Exchanges database is helpful if you would like an overview of all RWTH Aachen exchange programs. As a materials science student, you can not only use the division's exchange relationships but also those from other faculties involved.

Internships

All internships during the program are institute internships. An industry internship is not scheduled but is possible with a student's initiative.

 

Prerequisites

A prerequisite for starting studies in a first university degree, with which the necessary background education can be proven, as determined in the exam regulations. The exam board determines whether it fulfills the entrance requirements.

 

Career Prospects

With the basic knowledge previously acquired during Bachelor studies and the advanced specialized knowledge gained during Master's studies, students have good prospects for starting their career with a broad spectrum of employment in industry and research. Fields include manufacturing, processing, application, and the optimization of high-performing materials. Possible industry branches include ceramics and fireproof industry, building materials, chemical industry, glass, computer and microchip industry, assessment and damage analysis, aerospace engineering, semi-conductor technology, technical journalism, or the quality assurance of possible work fields.

Through the advancement and specialization in their Master's studies, graduates have excellent carrer prospects for higly qualified, independent activites in research and development, in industry and administration, and both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the Master of Science degree qualifies students for doctoral students, thus providing the foundation for a further research career.

 

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Regulations that generally apply to all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, including information on language proficiency requirements, can be found in RWTH's General Examination Regulations. These general regulations are further specified and complemented by the subject-specific examination regulations.

If two examination regulations are valid for a degree program during a transition phase, the most current version shall apply to students enrolling in the program for the first time.

Please note that only the German examination regulations are legally binding.

Module Handbook
Subject-Specific Examination Regulations
RWTH's General Examination Regulations

 

Faculty

The interdisciplinary Master course of study in Materials Science is offered by the Division of Materials Science and Engineering in the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering in collaboration with the following faculties:

Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty for Electrical Engineering and Information Technology