Material Science

Learn about the physical properties of materials such as hardness and molecular structure, and learn how those properties dictate how those materials will behave in various conditions, a core competency for mechanical and civil engineering, among other fields.

What is Material Science?

Learning material science can help engineers to understand how different materials interact with each other to create new or improved products. By knowing the structure, properties and performance of materials, engineers can develop stronger, lighter and more durable products. In addition, learning material science can also help engineers to reduce manufacturing costs and improve production efficiency.

Materials science is a relatively new field that emerged in the early 20th century as a result of the industrialization of society. The field emerged due to the need to understand and control the materials that were being used in the new factories and products that were being developed.

The field of material science has since grown to encompass a wide range of topics, from the study of nanomaterials to the development of sustainable materials.

The goal of material science is to develop new materials with improved properties. This can be done through the study of existing materials and their properties, as well as through the development of new materials through the use of innovative production methods.

A material science engineer may work in a variety of industries, developing new materials for use in products such as medical devices, aircraft, and automobiles. They may also work in the field of research, developing new methods to improve the production of existing materials.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in material science, it is important to have a strong foundation in physics and chemistry. A degree in material science or engineering can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter this exciting field.

Material Science Resources

Mechanics of Materials III: Beam Bending

Mechanics of Materials III: Beam Bending

About this Course This course explores the analysis and design of beam bending problems. Prerequisite Knowledge: You will need to have successfully completed my earlier course “Mechanics of Materials I: Fundamentals of Stress and Strain and Axial Lo...

Mechanics of Materials I: Fundamentals of Stress & Strain and Axial Loading

Mechanics of Materials I: Fundamentals of Stress & Strain and Axial Loading

Syllabus Week 1 Welcome Stress and Strain Fundamentals Introduction and Course Overview Stress Fundamentals - Axial Centric Loads State of Stress at a Point Normal Strain Fundamentals Quiz Quiz: Quiz on Stress and Strain Fundamentals...

Mechanics of Materials II: Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels and Torsion

Mechanics of Materials II: Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels and Torsion

This course explores the analysis and design of thin-walled pressure vessels and engineering structures subjected to torsion....

Material Behavior

Material Behavior

Have you ever wondered why ceramics are hard and brittle while metals tend to be ductile? Why some materials conduct heat or electricity while others are insulators? Why adding just a small amount of carbon to iron results in an alloy that is so much...

Mechanics of Materials IV: Deflections, Buckling, Combined Loading & Failure Theories

Mechanics of Materials IV: Deflections, Buckling, Combined Loading & Failure Theories

About this Course This course explores the analysis and design of engineering structures considering factors of deflection, buckling, combined loading, & failure theories Subtitles available in English 2 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week...

Mastering bitumen for better roads and innovative applications

Mastering bitumen for better roads and innovative applications

During the four coming weeks, best experts in bitumen will bring you their knowledge and experience to build a strong understanding of today’s realities and new perspectives on the future of bitumen. Total is the European leader on bitumen markets. I...