Materials Science and Engineering

To develop human resources in the fields of “metal production engineering” and “functional material science and engineering,” which can contribute to industrial development as well as a sustainable society

What you can learn and research in this course?

Smartphones, automobiles, and the Tokyo Sky Tree are all made from materials. The blue-LED material that won the Nobel Prize in Physics has greatly impacted our lives. The materials science and engineering knowledge gained in this course will support society and help build the future. We expect students to acquire the ability to solve a wide range of problems. We have included mathematics and physics with materials engineering in our educational program, in which engineering and science are integrated. We have set up the two fields: “metal production engineering” and “functional materials science and engineering.”

Field of Metal Production Engineering

Based on the physical and chemical properties of metals and ceramics, such as materials physical chemistry, materials organization, and metal structure materials science, students study materials purification, materials strength, heat treatment and materials processing. They also learn about composite materials science as well as materials processing such as new materials development through thin film processing technology, metal smelting, metal recycling, casting, welding and powder metallurgy.

Field of Functional Material Science and Engineering

Based on electromagnetics, solid-state physics and semiconductor science and engineering, students study the behavior of electrons inside solid bodies and the electrical, magnetic, thermal and crystallographic properties of solid bodies. They also learn about functional oxides, superconductors, organic semiconductors, new functional materials such as magnetic materials, new energy materials, and the non-destructive assessment method of advanced structural materials.

How our research can be applied to society?

Materials are the cornerstone of industry. They are important not only in the materials industry such as the steel industry, but also in supporting modern society and bringing innovation as the basis for products in a wide range of industries, including automobiles, machinery, infrastructure, electrical and electronic devices, and medicine. Japan is well known as a “materials superpower” because materials research is very active in our country. Many materials research results from Japan, such as blue LEDs, neodymium magnets, and lithium-ion batteries, have been adopted in society and have changed the world. Research in the Materials Course is expected to continue to create innovations and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

What this course looks for in students?

In the Materials Course, students will acquire a scientific understanding of the properties of materials at atomic and molecular levels as well as specialized knowledge and skills that will lead to the development of new materials and their manufacturing and evaluation technologies, which will support all industries and contribute to society. This course seeks students with the following abilities and qualities:

  • Students must have basic academic skills in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and English, appropriate for studying materials science and engineering.
  • A high level of motivation to study in the field of materials science and engineering.
  • A strong interest in the field of materials science and a desire to address social issues through industrial development while maintaining harmony with the environment.

What kind of human resource will this course develop?

We have two fields of study–Metallurgical Production Engineering and Functional Materials Science and Engineering—in which students can learn about materials processing and recycling technologies, new materials, and advanced devices as well as acquire the ability to apply and develop them. We aim to develop human resources that can (1) contribute to the development of materials that will play a role in technological innovation and (2) respond to issues ranging from local industry to global energy, environment, and resource management.

What kind of career path is expected after graduation?

People who can develop and assess materials are needed in every industry and field. Consequently, a high employment rate is anticipated. Many students are also expected to go on to graduate school.

  • Metallic materials
  • Automobiles
  • Machine manufacturing
  • Electricity and electronics
  • IT
  • Casting
  • Transport
  • Civil service
  • Go on to graduate school, etc.

Curriculum

First year Second year Third year Fourth year
Specialized Basic Courses Basic Mathematics
Calculus I
Calculus Ⅱ
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Physics
Chemistry I
Chemistry Ⅱ
Biology
Vector Analysis
Fourier Analysis
Physics Laboratory
Chemistry Laboratory
Complex Analysis
Probability and Statistics
Earth Science
Materials Science and Engineering Course Subjects Physical Chemistry of Materials Ⅰ
Metallic Structural Materials
Mechanics of Materials
Physical Chemistry of Materials Ⅱ
Microstructure of Materials Ⅱ
Strength and Fracture of Materials
Electrochemistry
Semiconductor Devices
Eco Materials
Welding and Bonding Technology
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Extractive Metallurgy
Casting Materials Engineering
Composite Materials
Graduation Research
Common Courses within Science Basic Exercises in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering
Design and Drawing
Thermodynamics
English for Technology Ⅰ
Microstructure of Materials Ⅰ
Electricity and Magnetism Ⅰ
Quantum Physics Ⅰ
Statistical Physics
Circuit Theory
Electricity and Magnetism Ⅱ
Optics
English for Technology Ⅱ
Numerical Analysis
Computer Programming
Physics, Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory Ⅰ
Physics, Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory Ⅱ
Solid State Physics
Selected Topics in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering Ⅰ
Selected Topics in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering Ⅱ
Industry Visits
Electronic Material Physics
Analysis for Materials Research
Dielectric Materials Science
Semiconductor Science and Engineering
Organic Materials
Magnetic Science and Engineering
Science and Engineering of Superconductivity
Nano Science and Engineering
English Seminar for Science Technology
Advanced Study in Physics, Materials Science and Engineering
Common Courses within the Department Introduction to Soft Path Science and Engineering Ethics for Engineers
Nuclear Engineering
Quality Control and Industrial Management Plan
Introduction to Intellectual Property
Selected Topics in Patent Law
Internships
Overseas Training in English for Science and Engineering

Compulsory Subjects Elective Subjects

Interviews with Students

I want to make use of casting technology to reduce the weight of automobile parts.

MURATA Yurina

[from Morioka Daisan High School, Iwate Prefecture]

I belong to the Hiratsuka-Hareyama Laboratory, where I study the mechanical properties of materials by creating composite materials using casting, welding, joining, and other processing processes. In casting, a mold is formed using sand or other materials to create a space with the same dimensions and shape as the object to be manufactured, and metal is injected into the mold to create the product. This is the technology used in "Nanbu ironware," a specialty of Iwate Prefecture, the "Great Buddha of Nara," and the engine and suspension parts of automobiles. In the future, I hope to utilize this technology in the development of cast iron materials to reduce the weight and increase the strength of parts needed to improve the fuel efficiency of automobiles.

I have always loved science subjects and manufacturing. Although the Faculty of Science and Engineering has an image of a dearth of women, I entered the school because I knew that many female researchers have recently been active in the field, and I longed to be a part of it. Going to school locally allows me to concentrate on my classes and research because there are no major changes in my living environment. I have many opportunities to interact with a variety of people and have a lot of time to do what I like, and I feel that this university is a good fit for me in terms of environment.

Department of Physical Science and Materials Engineering