Materials Science is a fundamental and applied interdisciplinary field at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and engineering that studies the relationship between the composition, structure, processing technology, and properties of materials.
In high-tech industries — aviation, rocket and space technology, special machinery, and the defense sector — it is the materials scientist who determines the boundaries of technical capabilities. A specialist in materials science creates and tests super-strong, heat-resistant, composite, nanostructured materials, and protective coatings capable of withstanding extreme loads, high temperatures, radiation, and aggressive environments.
The training of specialists in materials science is built around the following key objects:
- aviation and rocket-space technology materials: heat-resistant nickel and titanium alloys, carbon-carbon composites, high-strength ceramic and cermet materials, polymer composites;
- coatings and modified layers: nanocoating deposition methods, thermal spraying, vacuum-plasma deposition, laser hardening, surface modification, and nitriding;
- physical and technical processing technologies: advanced welding technologies (electron-beam, laser, friction stir welding), metal forming, additive manufacturing (3D printing with metals and ceramics);
- dynamics, strength, and solid-state physics: crystal structure, phase transformations, mechanical fatigue, creep, fracture toughness, physics of strength and plasticity;
- research and diagnostic methods: electron and optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, spectroscopy, tribological testing, non-destructive testing, and mechanical testing.
Learning objectives by higher education levels:
First (Bachelor's) level
Goal: Training engineering and technical specialists capable of selecting, applying, testing, and controlling the quality of modern materials and their processing technologies for mechanical engineering and the aerospace sector.
Main focuses of Bachelor's degree training:
- mastering the fundamental basis of solid-state physics, chemistry, strength of materials, and structural materials theory;
- studying technologies of heat treatment, metal forming, welding, casting, and surface modification;
- mastering modern equipment for investigating microstructure, hardness, strength, and wear resistance of materials;
- using software for modeling structures and properties (CAD/CAE, ANSYS, Thermo-Calc).
Third (Educational-Scientific) level — acquiring theoretical knowledge, skills, competencies sufficient for producing new ideas, solving complex problems in professional, pedagogical, and research-innovation activities, mastering scientific methodology, and conducting original research with scientific novelty.
Main focuses of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) training:
- conducting fundamental and applied experimental research in advanced materials for extreme operating conditions (aerospace engineering);
- developing new concepts for creating nanostructured layers, multi-component coatings (High-Entropy Alloys), and adaptive composites;
- modeling fracture processes, damage accumulation, fatigue, and material dynamics under critical loads;
- mastering university teaching methodologies, writing scientific papers for international publications (Scopus / Web of Science), and defending a dissertation.
Key graduate competencies:
- research and analysis — optical, scanning (SEM), and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, microhardness testing;
- coating development and modification — PVD/CVD deposition technologies, plasma hardening, surface laser processing, creation of nanocoatings;
- mechanical testing and strength — static and dynamic strength calculation, structural service life estimation, fatigue strength and creep testing;
- advanced processing technologies — additive manufacturing (SLM/DMLS metal 3D printing), special welding types, high-precision physical and technical processing;
- scientific activity (for PhD) — scientific experiment planning, mathematical data processing, patent filing, publication of grant and scientific research papers.
Graduates of Specialty G8 Materials Science have a unique profile for career opportunities in high-tech and knowledge-intensive industries:
- aerospace and defense industry: materials engineer, quality control specialist for materials at aircraft and rocket manufacturing enterprises (SE "ANTONOV", Yuzhnoye State Design Office, "Motor Sich", etc.);
- research centers and testing laboratories: research engineer, metallography specialist, non-destructive and destructive testing engineer in certified laboratories;
- mechanical engineering and additive manufacturing: 3D printing materials engineer, thermal and chemical-thermal treatment specialist, welding technologies and coatings specialist;
- R&D centers of international corporations: researcher in R&D divisions of automotive components, semiconductors, medical implants, and tooling materials developers;
- academic and scientific-pedagogical sphere (for PhD): researcher at institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (for example, E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute, I.N. Frantsevich Institute for Problems of Materials Science), university lecturer and professor.
Training is provided by:
- Department of Composite Structures and Aviation Materials Science (403);
- Department of Doctoral and Postgraduate Studies.
Education is provided under the following educational programs:
| Educational Program | Degree | Mode of Study | Duration of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite Materials Engineering | Bachelor based on complete general secondary education | Full-time | 3 years and 10 months |
| Processes of Physical and Technical Processing | Doctor of Philosophy | Full-time and part-time | 4 years |