New degree program in materials science
In the study the hands also get dirty sometimes
Alexander Hartmaier introduces the new Materials Science program. © RUB, Marquard
The combination of natural science and engineering issues characterizes the study of materials science at Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
Starting in the winter semester 2021/22, RUB is expanding its range of courses and offering the bachelor's degree program in materials science for the first time. "We are training future engineers who can develop, test and improve materials," reports Prof. Dr. Alexander Hartmaier, who heads the Chair of Materials Mechanics.
Combining theory and practice
In the first two years of study, students learn the basics of mathematics, physics, chemistry, materials science and materials engineering. The focus is on linking practice and theory: "From the first semester, our students will apply their theoretical knowledge in practical courses and also get their hands dirty when, for example, they harden, break or deform materials in a controlled manner," says Hartmaier.
From the fifth semester onwards, students can choose between the specializations "Modeling and Simulation" and "Experimental Materials Science". Afterwards, they can choose a master's degree in "Material Science and Simulation" or mechanical engineering at the RUB, or they can take the step into the professional world. "Our graduates have very good prospects of finding a job in the materials industry in the Ruhr region, with which we have long had close links. They can be employed in quality control, product development or analysis," says Hartmaier.
Wide range of job prospectsWith their skills, they will also be able to address sustainability issues, such as recycling plastics, or make further advances in medical technology. Here, for example, materials scientists are helping to refine stents made of shape memory alloys for heart operations, which are inserted folded into the vein and then unfold by themselves as they heat up to body temperature.
The materials science program is open-admission; interested students can enroll for it around mid-August and begin their studies on October 11, 2021.