Information on Material Science Eligibility Criteria, Top Colleges in India, Career
Prospects, Scope and Other Details
Material Science and Technology is an interdisciplinary
field applying properties of matter to various areas in science and engineering.
Material science is the oldest form of engineering and applied science. It deals
with fundamental properties and characteristics of material. It incorporates elements
of applied physics and chemistry. With Nano science and Nano technology being given
significant attention today, materials science has been brought up in the forefront.
Materials are at the root of man’s progress in the modern world. Advances in technology
today are limited by the availability of newer materials with desired properties.
Thus, the development of solar cell materials would make greater use of solar energy
feasible, ceramic materials would make automobile and other engines lighter and
more fuel efficient, optoelectronic materials would revolutionize the communication
industry, etc. For this, a thorough study of existing materials and making of new
functional materials are to be continued with increasing vigour. Such a task, however,
requires an integrated approach to the subject using established principles of science
and engineering.
Material Engineers deal with extracting, developing, processing and testing of different
materials and minerals. Material Engineers create new materials from ceramics, metals,
plastics, semiconductors and composites needed for chemical, electrical and mechanical
industries. These engineers also select new materials for new applications and products.
Courses Offered:
- B.Tech/B.E (Material Science)
- M.Tech/M.E (Material Science)
- B.Sc (Material Science)
- M.Sc (Material Science)
- Doctoral programs in Material Science
Eligibility Criteria:
Students who have passed their 10+2 with physics, chemistry, mathematics
and English are eligible to apply for undergraduate course in Material Science.
For entry into post graduate programs like M.Tech, M.E. or Doctoral programs offered
by various universities, it is necessary to clear the GATE exam.
Syllabus:
Some of the subjects in material science engineering are introduction to
material engineering, metallurgical thermodynamics, physics of materials, material
characterization, non metallic materials, refractories and ceramics, advanced engineering
materials, mechanical behavior of materials, physical ceramics, metal forming processes
etc.
Scope:
Material science is one of the
hottest career areas in science. The strong link of material science to products
in the marketplace means that more job opportunities are to be found in this area
than in the other areas of science, resulting in positive future job outlook. Applications
for new materials and modifications of existing materials are expected to keep the
demand for trained materials scientists growing.
Material Science graduates are recruited by small and large companies at various
positions. These positions include research and development, design of materials
and structures, manufacturing, marketing and many other. Material scientists and
engineers can find employment in many of the following industries: aerospace, appliances,
automotive, communication, computers, construction, electronics, equipment, government
laboratories, nuclear, oil and gas, power generation, shipbuilding, and others.
Remuneration:
Material Engineers find job opportunities in both government and private
sector. A graduate material engineer can earn a starting salary of 
15000/- to
20000/- per month.
For material engineers, salary is not the limiting factor and increases with gain
in experiences and promotions. Earning factors also depend on higher qualification
like masters degree in materials engineering or in business administration or research
degree. Material Engineers also get employment opportunities as researchers in R&D
laboratories and in academics as lecturers and professors.
Top Colleges in
India: Top colleges providing Material Science and Technology courses
in India are:
- Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
- Regional Engineering College, Durgapur
- Zakir Hussain College of Engineering & Technology, Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh
- Banaras Hindu University, Institute of Technology, Varanasi
- Andhra University College of Engineering, Visakhapatnam
- Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi
- The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Faculty of Technology & Engineering, Vadodara
- Sardar Vallabhai Regional College of Engineering and Technology, Surat
- College of Engineering & Technology, Navi Mumbai
- Jadavapur University, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Calcutta
- Anna University, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai
Top Companies:
Many companies in the field of aerospace, appliances, automotive, communication,
electronics, equipment, government laboratories, nuclear, oil and gas, power generation,
shipbuilding, universities employ material engineers.
