Master's Studies

The Department of Materials provides teaching in the Master's study programme Physical Engineering of Materials.

Programme Characteristics

Physical Engineering of Materials is an interdisciplinary study programme based on the synthesis of knowledge from applied mechanics and materials science. Its focus lies in studying the response of bodies and structural components to loading, elevated temperature, the environment and other external effects. Closely related to this is the study of failure processes in relation to the mechanical and structural properties of materials. Mastering this knowledge is essential for solving problems related to the development of new materials and technologies, increasing operating parameters, the service life and reliability of real structural components, failure analysis, and so on. Students gain deeper knowledge especially of the physics of metals, physical metallurgy, elastomechanics, plasticity, continuum dynamics, fracture mechanics, the application of experimental methods, mathematical modelling and similar topics. The study programme is formed by a mosaic of subjects of a theoretical, experimental and computer-science character; it is continually updated and supplemented with the latest findings. An important part of the studies consists of independent, individually focused student projects, whose orientation is usually connected with the research activities of the department's staff or of staff from external institutions with which the department cooperates on grant projects or within contract research. An integral part of the teaching is the refinement of audiovisual and written presentation of one's own results. Students thus often become co-authors of publications in professional journals or of conference contributions. Graduates of this programme become highly qualified specialists able to move smoothly into research or industrial practice.

Graduate Profile

Knowledge

A unique feature is the interdisciplinary character of this programme. During their Master's studies, its graduates acquire broad knowledge of advanced areas of applied physics, focused especially on physical metallurgy, modern methods of materials characterization and engineering mechanics. Selected areas of applied mathematics and computer science form an important part of the knowledge gained. The knowledge acquired is closely linked to the current needs of research and engineering practice.

Skills

Graduates of this Master's programme are able to creatively apply a wide range of theoretical procedures and experimental methods when solving real research and engineering problems. Emphasis is placed on analysing the physical nature of a given problem and on an engineering approach to its solution. In addition to the expertise gained through study, the typical skills of students in this field include adaptability, quick orientation in unfamiliar interdisciplinary problems, critical analysis of problems, analytical or numerical computer processing of a problem, synthesis of results, and high-quality written and oral presentation of the results and findings achieved. Students are led towards responsibility for the work performed and for the decisions made, which in practice may have significant economic, environmental or social consequences.

Competences

Thanks to the expertise and skills acquired, their analytical way of working, a systematic approach to problem solving and the ability to work with modern computing technology, graduates find employment in industry, research and the private sector. They can work at institutes of the academy of sciences, at universities, in the research and development centres of large companies, or in other research organizations. In industry they find employment, for example, in conventional and nuclear power engineering and in the aerospace, transport and other industries. In addition to their professional competences, graduates of this field are also able to succeed in leadership positions. Thanks to their language preparation, they are able to cooperate actively with foreign partners.