Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Materials Science

Summary

If you're intrigued by the natural world around you, or enjoy understanding how things work, Waikato's Bachelor of Science (BSc) is what you're looking for.

Why study a BSc?

The range of career options available to Bachelor of Science (BSc) graduates isn't surprising when you consider the nature of the degree. It is extremely flexible so you can combine papers to suit your strengths and interests. We keep it general in the first year so that your choice, when you do come to specialise, is an informed one.

Putting into practice what you learn in your lectures is a major part of this degree - and you'll gain hands-on experience with some of the most up-to-date and high-tech computing facilities and laboratory equipment.

We also take you right to the source, with field trips that might include an overnight stay to gather geothermal samples or a week-long bush camp to examine a region's flora.

The Bachelor of Science can be taken either through the School of Science or the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, depending on your desired major/s.

Why study Materials Science?

Materials Science focuses on understanding the intrinsic structure of a material and the control of its structure through processing. It studies the relationship of the engineering properties of the three main classes of materials (metals, polymers and ceramics) as well as composites and semiconductors. Materials Scientists are in high demand internationally – particularly within the thriving polymer/plastics, metals, ceramics and composites industries. Your detailed understanding of material properties will help you to make important decisions on how to develop new materials and which materials should be used for specific products or applications. The wider Waikato region contains the highest density of materials-based companies in New Zealand, so as a University of Waikato Materials Science graduate you could also have a number of local employment opportunities available to you. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge to contribute to creating an engineering-based knowledge economy in New Zealand. As a Materials Science student at the University of Waikato, you will benefit from teaching that is research-led, provided by experts from across the materials spectrum who are internationally renowned for their research in light metals and composites. Facilities

The University of Waikato is home to a suite of well-equipped laboratories. You will have access to some of the latest scanning electron microscopy and advanced characterisation equipment – used to analyse and assess the structure of materials.

Career Opportunities

Materials Scientist

Materials Production Scientist/Consultant

Materials Failure Analyst

Sustainable Development Scientist/Consultant

Corrosion Consultant

Metallurgical Manufacturing Scientist/Consultant

Ceramic Manufacturing Scientist/Consultant

Composites Manufacturing Scientist/Consultant

Wood Manufacturing Scientist/Consultant

Research Scientist