Materials Science Syllabus & Subjects 2023: Semester-wise List, Top Colleges Syllabus PDF
Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content
Materials Science courses primarily focus on the properties of solid substances and explain how these properties affect their structure or composition. Though basically an engineering discipline, students can also opt for MSc or BSc courses in Materials Science. It is an interdisciplinary field and opens the realms of several sectors like Automobile, Ceramics, Pharmaceuticals, and Defence. Students completing this course will get opportunities to become Material Engineers, material technicians, product testers, or metallurgists in various industries.
- Materials Science Syllabus - Important Facts
- List of Subjects in Materials Science Syllabus
- 2.1 Typical Core Subjects for Materials Science
- 2.2 Typical Elective Subjects for Materials Science
- Detailed Syllabus for Materials Science
- Specialisations in Materials Science
- Books and Authors Related to Materials Science
- Entrance Exams for Materials Science
- Materials Science Syllabus for Distance Programme
- Top Colleges for Materials Science and Syllabus
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Materials Science Syllabus
Materials Science Syllabus - Important Facts
Take a look at the types of Materials Science courses offered and a brief about the syllabus.
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BE & BSc in Materials Science are four-year courses: The syllabuses of BE and BSc in Materials Science are divided into eight semesters and focus on subjects like nanomaterials, kinetics of materials, and thermodynamics.
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ME & MSc in Materials Science are two-year courses: The syllabuses of ME & MSc in Materials Science are divided into four semesters and focus on advanced concepts like Nanotechnology, Physical Metallurgy, and advanced characterisation methods.
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Scope in India: As manufacturing, pharmaceutical, automobile, and several other industries are growing in India at a tremendous pace, the students who hold degrees in Materials Science will not face any shortage of lucrative job opportunities.
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Difference in the syllabus of IITs and NITs: IITs are considered to be the best place for pursuing MTech and BTech degree courses in Materials Science. It is because of their extensive syllabus and focus on industrial requirements and applications. NITs also offer competitive courses in Materials Science but their focus is mainly on theoretical subjects.
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GATE syllabus for Materials Science: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), is one of the most popular entrance exams that students give for admission to Materials Science courses. The GATE syllabus for Materials Science includes subjects like atomic structure and bonding, Diffusion, metal and alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, optical, mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties.
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Exam pattern for Materials Science courses: Materials Science exam mainly consists of theoretical and practical papers. The theory exams are 100 marks each, of which 25 marks are allotted for internal assessment. The practical exams are 100 marks each as well.
List of Subjects in Materials Science Syllabus
The Materials Science syllabus can be divided into core subjects and elective subjects. The core subjects are taught in the first few years and the elective subjects can be opted for in the final years.
Typical Core Subjects for Materials Science
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
---|---|
Introduction to Materials Science |
The introduction to Materials Science and how it has evolved over the years is explained in this subject. Some key parts of the syllabus include:
|
Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology |
It includes an introduction to nanotechnology and nanomaterials and their various applications in the field of engineering. Some key parts of the syllabus include:
|
Synthesis and Characterisation of Nanomaterials |
It covers bottom-up and top-down techniques of synthesis and includes information on related topics as well. Some of the essential concepts covered in it are:
|
Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials |
The basic introduction to kinetics of different types of materials and thermodynamics along with thermodynamic laws are featured in this subject. The key topics include:
|
Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetic Theory |
The basics of quantum mechanics are covered in this subject, and the meaning of electromagnetic theory and its applications are given. The key concepts include:
|
Computational Materials Science |
Computational Materials Science refers to the study of theory, models, and simulation required to grasp the insights of materials and their properties. The key concepts include:
|
Metals, Ceramics, and Composite Materials |
Different types of materials like ceramics, composites, semiconductors, and metals are explained along with their physical, chemical, and electronic properties. The key concepts include:
|
Polymer and Biomaterials |
An introduction to polymers and biomaterials and their industrial applications are discussed in it. It covers topics such as:
|
Physical Metallurgy |
The art of manufacturing products from different materials is explained in this subject. It covers topics such as:
|
Advanced Characterisation Techniques |
Advanced characterisation techniques are discussed in this subject with their meaning and uses. Some of the key topics include:
|
Materials for Energy Applications |
The materials used in energy creation, supply, and related applications are explained with examples in this subject. The main topics covered in this subject are:
|
Typical Elective Subjects for Materials Science
Subject Title |
Subject Details |
---|---|
Applied Materials Science |
It covers concepts related to polymers, dielectrics, ceramics, magnetism, superconductivity, optical fibres, and new engineering materials. |
Science and Technology of Materials |
It covers topics regarding dielectric materials, optoelectronic materials, thermoelectric materials, superconducting materials, and magnetic materials. |
Nanotechnology |
An introduction to nanotechnology along with properties and applications of nanomaterials, synthesis of nanomaterials, and characterisation techniques are taught here. |
Optical Fibre Network Design |
The basics of fibre optics, optical fibre components, optical link design, single wavelength fibre optic networks, and wavelength division multiplexing are included in it. |
Optoelectronic Devices |
It covers the concepts related to photonics, waveguides, nonlinear optics, microwave waveguides, microwave transistors and diodes, and microwave field-effect transistors. |
Detailed Syllabus for Materials Science
The syllabus for Materials Science courses varies slightly from one college/university to another. Also, the type of course, MSc, BSc, MTech, or BTech, opted by the students determines the syllabus the students will be studying. An overview of the detailed syllabus for MSc in Materials Science is given below as a reference for the students:
Semester |
Core/Elective |
Subject Title |
Description |
---|---|---|---|
Semester I |
Core |
Quantum Mechanics |
Concepts like matter waves, wave operators and equations, Schrodinger Equation, Ehrenfest’s Theorem, transmission and reflection coefficients in potential barriers are covered in this subject. |
Semester I |
Core |
Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity |
Classification of inorganic compounds such as carbonates, halides, sulphates, and oxides, their salts and melting points are discussed here. |
Semester I |
Core |
Mathematics for Chemists |
Dimensional analysis, exponents, scientific notation, unit conversion, and other important mathematical operations and functions useful for chemists are discussed in it. |
Semester I |
Elective |
English Communication |
The students are trained to speak, write, and listen in English properly in this subject. They get insights into correct English grammar and sentence construction techniques as well. |
Semester II |
Core |
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics |
The subject includes the temperature variations, thermodynamic properties of solids, theories on classical mechanics, and other important concepts. |
Semester II |
Core |
Chemistry of the Elements |
The basic chemistry of elements, types of elements and their classification, and related concepts are covered here. |
Semester II |
Core |
Organic Chemistry: Reagents and Synthetic Methods |
The techniques utilised for the synthesis of compounds and the role of reagents are explained in this subject. |
Semester II |
Core |
Group Theory and Molecular Spectroscopy |
The meaning of molecular spectroscopy and group therapy and the use of group theory when it comes to spectroscopy are discussed in it. |
Semester III |
Core |
Material characterisation using microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction |
The subject covers concepts related to symmetry elements, crystalline solids, crystal defects, bulk averaging methods, emission spectrometry, and force microscopy. |
Semester III |
Core |
Electronic and magnetic properties of Solids |
The subject includes topics such as monatomic and diatomic lattices, Bloch’s Theorem, Semiconductors, superconductors, small particle magnetism, single-domain particles, etc. |
Semester III |
Core |
Materials for Energy |
The subject covers key topics in photovoltaics and covers the basic concepts of batteries. The properties of thermoelectric materials are also discussed in it. |
Semester III |
Elective |
Microporous and Mesoporous Materials |
The subject discusses materials like zeolites, silicalites, and silica along with their properties and related functions. |
Semester IV |
Core |
Nanomaterials and Thin Films
|
The topics related to quantum dots, length, energy, time scales, and applications of nanoparticles and thin film are covered in it. |
Semester IV |
Core |
Ceramics and Polymers |
Oxide ceramics, ceramic insulators, and capacitors, glass-forming properties, and classification of polymers are some key concepts that this subject deals with. |
Semester IV |
Core |
Dielectric, Mechanical, and Optical Properties of Materials |
The factors affecting mechanical properties, dielectric constant and polarisability, and optical absorption in insulators, metals and semiconductors are discussed in this subject. |
Semester IV |
Core |
Semiconductor Devices and Electronics |
Energy bands in solids, semiconductor materials, heterostructures, lattice matching, and density of states are included in it. |
Semester IV |
Core |
Advanced Materials including Biomaterials |
It deals with concepts related to composites, lightweight materials, electrets, and biomaterials. |
Semester IV |
Elective |
Carbon Nanotechnology |
It includes topics like the geometry of nanoscale carbon, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and their applications. |
Specialisations in Materials Science
Materials Science courses offer specialisations that allow students to learn more about the subjects that hold their interest. It also allows them to follow a diverse career path. Some of the popular specialisations offered by Materials Science courses are listed below:
Specialisations |
Specialisation Subjects |
Details |
---|---|---|
Biomaterials |
|
The Biomaterials specialisation gives details about processes like material mixing, bonding, development of biomaterials in tissue engineering, and plants. |
Data Analytics and Computational Materials |
|
This specialisation teaches the students to employ data analytical and computational skills to identify, choose, and manufacture materials. It includes the use of different theories, simulations, and models to understand the behaviour and properties of materials. |
Manufacturing and Infrastructure |
|
This specialisation helps students to discover and develop materials needed in aerospace, manufacturing, automobile, and other industries that are related to infrastructural development. |
Smart Materials and Devices |
|
The modification and discovery of materials for the purpose of attaining the required optical, magnetic, and electronic properties are included in this specialisation. |
Books and Authors Related to Materials Science
We have short-listed these books for students interested in increasing their knowledge on different topics in Materials Science:
Subject |
Book Title |
Author |
Description |
---|---|---|---|
Methods of Mathematical Physics |
Elements of Group Theory for Physicists |
A. W. Joshi |
This book talks about group theory and its basic properties. The applications of group theory mathematics in crystallography, quantum mechanics, and solid-state physics are also given in this book. |
Electromagnetic Theory and Electronics |
Electromagnetics |
A. N. Mateev |
The basic topics related to electromagnetics, such as passive and active components, resistors, ICs, capacitors, etc. are explained in detail by the author. |
Elements of Materials Science |
Materials Science and Engineering |
V. Raghavan |
The electronic structure of materials and their formation are explained with examples by the author. |
Thermodynamics and Chemistry of Materials |
Thermodynamics of Solids |
Richard A. Swalin |
The basic thermodynamic activities and properties of solid materials are explained in the book. The applications of thermodynamic laws with respect to solids are also explained in it. |
Quantum Mechanics |
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics |
R. L. Liboff |
Matter waves, wave operators and equations, and other concepts related to quantum mechanics are discussed in this book. |
Classical Mechanics and Statistical Physics |
Classical Mechanics |
H. Goldstein |
Phase space, thermodynamic probability, and other concepts related to classical mechanics are explained with proper illustrations in this book. |
Elements of Materials Science |
Materials Science and Processes |
B. S. Narang |
The mechanical properties of solids and compounds are discussed in it. Along with it, the students learn about the elements of Materials Science and their uses. |
Surface Phenomena and Electrochemistry |
Introduction to Electrochemistry |
S. Glasstone |
The book deals with the Electrochemistry concepts like Electrolytic conduction, galvanic cells, and electrochemical devices. |
Dielectric Materials |
Introduction to Properties of Materials |
D. Rosenthal and R. M. Asimov |
The authors write about the concepts related to dielectric materials such as electronic polarisation, and ionic polarisation. |
Solid State Engineering Materials |
Solid State Physics |
C. Kittel |
The book talks widely about semiconductors, materials, and their chemical and engineering properties. |
Entrance Exams for Materials Science
The entrance exams are mostly applicable for those who are seeking admission into engineering courses. Some colleges offer direct admission to MSc and BSc courses on the basis of merit while some conduct their own entrance test for evaluating the eligibility of the students. Some popular entrance tests for Materials Science are listed below:
The difficulty level of national-level exams like JEE and GATE is higher as compared to state-level and university-level entrance tests. The students can prepare for the syllabus by going through the previous year's test papers and sample question papers. Mock tests will also prepare them for attempting a maximum number of questions in a limited time. The syllabus for entrance tests includes these topics:
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Structure of materials
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Crystal structure of materials
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Application of diffusion in sintering
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Metals and alloys
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Polymers and composites
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Advanced tools and materials
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Mechanical properties of solids
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Thermal, electronic, chemical, optical, and magnetic properties of solids
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Environmental degradation of materials
Materials Science Syllabus for Distance Programme
The students can pursue BSc and MSc programmes in Materials Science via distance education. Some institutes and colleges also offer engineering courses in Materials Science through online courses. The duration of these courses typically ranges from two to six years depending upon whether the students opt for full-time or part-time programmes. The syllabus for the distance programmes is identical to that of regular programmes. Some of the important subjects covered in the syllabus of distance programmes are listed below:
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Thermodynamic laws
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Structure of solids
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Nanoparticles and nanotechnology
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Engineering applications of biomaterials
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Composites and their applications
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Electronic and chemical properties of solid particles
The students need to appear for an online exam after completion of the course. The course fee for online courses typically ranges from INR 18,000 to INR 2,80,000 depending upon the institute to which the students have sought admission. The fee for online courses is lower than that of regular ones.
Top Colleges for Materials Science and Syllabus
We have prepared a list of top colleges for Materials Science on the basis of their in-house placement facilities, elective choices offered to the students, and the extensiveness of the curriculum. These top colleges can be seen in the below table:
Sr. No. |
College/Institute |
Syllabus Links |
---|---|---|
1 |
JUIT |
To be uploaded soon |
2 |
Mangalore University |
To be uploaded soon |
3 |
IIT Kanpur |
Download Here |
4 |
Central University of Tamil Nadu |
To be uploaded soon |
5 |
IIT Delhi |
To be uploaded soon |
6 |
NIT Calicut |
Download Here |
7 |
NIT Trichy |
Download Here |
8 |
IIT Bombay |
To be uploaded soon |
9 |
COEP, Pune |
To be uploaded soon |
10 |
BITS Pilani |
To be uploaded soon |
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Materials Science Syllabus
Q: Which different structure levels of materials are discussed in Materials Science courses?
Q: Is chemistry required for Materials Science?
Q: What is the difference between Materials Science and Materials Engineering?
Q: What is the difference between Chemical Engineering and Materials Science?
Q: What are the objectives of the Materials Science courses?
- To help the students understand the electronic, physical, and chemical properties of materials
- To enable students to apply the properties of materials in engineering and industrial applications
- To give an exposure to thermal physics and its engineering applications to the students
- To enable the students to find logical solutions to problems in material engineering
Q: What are the four components of Materials Science?
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