Materials Science and Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year BEng
Program Overview
This BEng in Materials Science and Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year provides students with a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering principles, equipping them with practical skills and real-world experience through an industrial placement. The program emphasizes problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and communication skills, preparing graduates for successful careers in various industries, including aerospace, biomedical, and manufacturing.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This BEng program in Materials Science and Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of materials science and engineering, and how these are applied across the whole field of engineering. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping students with the knowledge and abilities to address the challenges of the 21st century and provide real and lasting solutions.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Develop a fundamental understanding of materials science and engineering principles.
- Equip students with practical skills in materials characterization, processing, and testing.
- Foster problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
- Enhance communication, teamwork, and project management skills.
- Provide students with real-world experience through an industrial placement year.
- Prepare graduates for successful careers in various industries.
Program Description:
The program is structured over four years, with the third year dedicated to an industrial placement. The first two years focus on developing a strong foundation in materials science and engineering, covering topics such as:
- Materials chemistry
- Mechanical properties
- Materials processing
- Microstructure and thermodynamics
- Deformation and failure
- Functional materials
- Heat transfer and diffusion
- Materials selection and fracture mechanics In the final year, students can specialize in areas of interest, choosing from modules such as:
- Advanced ceramics
- Advanced functional materials
- Advanced materials manufacturing
- Composite materials and micromechanics
- Glasses
- Metals
- Nuclear science, engineering, and technology
Outline:
Year 1:
- Core Modules:
- Introduction to Materials Chemistry
- Introduction to Mechanical Properties and Structural Materials
- Mathematics (Materials)
- Biomaterials I
- Sustainability and the Materials Lifecycle
- Digital Skills for Materials
- Introduction to Materials Properties
- Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanomaterials
- Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Phase Diagrams
- Global Engineering Challenge Week
Year 2:
- Core Modules:
- Industrial Materials Processing
- Microstructure and Thermodynamics of Materials
- Deformation and Failure of Materials
- Functional Materials
- Heat Transfer and Diffusion
- Materials Selection and Fracture Mechanics
- Mathematics II (Materials)
- Structure of Solid Materials
- Engineering - You're Hired
- Optional Modules:
- Biology and Chemistry of Living Systems II
- Biomaterials II
- Materials and Energy
- Perspectives in Materials Research
- Materials Development Group Project
Year 3:
- Core Module:
- Year in Industry
Year 4:
- Core Modules:
- Literature Survey and Project
- Accounting and Law for Engineers
- Introduction to Finite Element Modelling
- Surface Degradation and Protection
- Industrial Management
- Optional Modules:
- Advanced Ceramics
- Advanced Functional Materials
- Advanced Materials Manufacturing
- Composite Materials and Micromechanics
- Glasses
- Metals
- Nuclear Science, Engineering and Technology
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the module, but typically include:
- Exams
- Tests
- Coursework
- Practical work
- Projects
- Presentations
Teaching:
- Methods:
- Lectures
- Labs
- Tutorials
- Problem classes
- Group projects
- Independent research
- Faculty:
- The program is taught by leading experts in their fields with international reputations.
- Faculty members are actively involved in research, ensuring that the curriculum is up-to-date and relevant.
- Unique Approaches:
- The program emphasizes a "learn by doing" approach, providing students with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment.
- The industrial placement year provides students with valuable real-world experience and connections.
- The program is fully accredited by the IOM3, meaning it counts towards later professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Careers:
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in a wide range of industries, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Biomedical
- Chemical
- Civil
- Electronics
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Research and development
Potential Career Paths:
- Materials engineer
- Research scientist
- Process engineer
- Design engineer
- Quality engineer
- Project manager
- Consultant
Opportunities:
- The program provides students with opportunities to work on projects of direct industrial interest.
- The industrial placement year provides valuable work experience and networking opportunities.
- The department has strong links with industry partners, providing access to career fairs and networking events.
Outcomes:
- Graduates are highly sought after by employers due to their strong technical skills, practical experience, and transferable skills.
- The program prepares graduates for successful careers in a variety of industries.
Other:
- The program is based in The Diamond, the University's dedicated engineering teaching facility, which provides state-of-the-art laboratories and learning spaces.
- The University of Sheffield is ranked highly in national and international rankings, including being ranked 1st in the Russell Group for student voice in the National Student Survey 2023.
- The department has a long history of research excellence, with 92% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
- The program is designed to provide students with a valuable and unforgettable university experience.
