What it’s about:
In this major, you study the structure, properties, and performance of metals ad alloys. Metallurgical engineering is a distinct discipline, although it is closely related to the more inclusive fields of materials science and materials engineering, which address similar relationships in all classes of materials (such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and fabrics).
What the study of this major is like:
Although metallurgical engineering builds on a tradition of metalworking, that is thousands of years old, it is sufficiently complex that materials and processes are continuously being discovered. Until fairly recently, high-temperature superconductivity, amorphous metals, buckyballs, and carbon nanotubes were unknown. Yet, it you consider the many elements on the periodic table, the ways in which they can be combined, and the possibilities for processing them to achieve novel structures, you will realize that the universe of achievable materials has barely been explored.
As an undergraduate in a program approved by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), you must complete two years of math (including calculus and differential equations) and at least a year of both chemistry and physics. Majors typically take at least 48 semester credits of engineering-related courses, divided between general engineering courses (such as statics, design, and programming) and metallurgical core courses.
The core courses stress the relationships among the structure, properties, processing, and performance of metals and alloys. You study the structure of a metal of scales ranging from the bonding between individual atoms to the interaction of macroscopically visible components in engineered composites (such as fibers and particles). You use advanced techniques including optical and electron microscopy; X-ray diffraction; mechanical testing; thermal analysis; and electrical, magnetic, and optical characterization of materials.
Other courses cover the mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of alloys. Typically, you are required to take at least one course on mechanical properties and one course o physical properties (electrical, magnetic, optical). Often courses on electrochemical behaviour or material (such as corrosion) are also required.
You study processing in courses that range from the thermodynamics of materials and the kinetic processes that govern movement of atoms and molecules, to the applied aspects of materials processing, such as sintering, casting, or vapour deposition of metals and deposition of metals and alloys.
The desired performance of metals and alloys is governed by their properties, as well as factors such as cost, availability, and recyclability. Performance is usually incorporated into a number of courses and then emphasized in a major design project-which you probably undertake during your last year-that integrates knowledge and skills form earlier courses.
Most departments are relatively small and informal. Depending on the college, classes have from 10 to 50 students. Because metallurgical engineering depends on the application of advanced experimental techniques, you may take more lab classes than students in other engineering majors. Most majors get to know faculty members and fellow students, and many programs have student societies that help you become integrated into the profession before you graduate.
There are significant differences in emphasis among various departments across the United States. Some programs focus exclusively on metals; some include other classes of materials (ceramics, composites, and so on.). While some program emphasize extractive processing of commodity metals, others concentrate on physical metallurgy and the application of engineering alloys. A careful examination of third- and fourth-year core and elective courses give you a good indication of a program’s emphasis.
Career options and trends:
Industrial metallurgist*; industrial researcher; research scientist at a university; quality control specialist; production engineer; production supervisor.
Because metallurgical and materials engineers work in all segments of the manufacturing economy, employment prospects for graduates tend to be less affected by downturns in a single industry than are some other engineering disciplines. Demand for metallurgical and materials engineers will likely be sustained by the need for fuel-efficient transportation; by advance in biomaterials, computers, and information technology; and by continued spending on national defense.
Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors
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