The fundamental understanding of materials developed through materials science has replaced empiricism as the basis for development of new materials. Whole classes of new materials such as semiconductors, superconductors, and some high temperature alloys have their roots in modern materials science. All recent achievements in materials have depended as much on developments in materials engineering as they have on materials science. When developing processes for preparation and production of materials, and when designing materials for specific applications, the modern materials engineer must have a grasp of the modern engineering sciences, including heat and mass transfer and chemical kinetics. He or she must also have a proper concern for economic, social, and environmental factors.
Materials processing is a major part of materials engineering.
Improved performance of materials depends directly on advances in processing. There are also many examples of challenging engineering problems in reducing the cost and improving the productivity of industrial processing of materials. The department has strong academic and research activities in all aspects of the processing of materials, as well as in other parts of materials engineering. The links between materials engineering and materials science are very strong, and the two activities are interwoven in the department. Suitable core subjects in these areas are provided at the undergraduate and graduate levels.