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M-TECH in Material Science Engineering at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Material Science & Engineering at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This M.Tech Material Science & Engineering program at Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy focuses on the fundamental understanding and application of materials across various engineering domains. With India''''s growing industrial and research landscape, this specialization is critical for developing advanced materials for sectors like automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and energy. The program emphasizes synthesis, characterization, processing, and performance of traditional and advanced materials.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh engineering graduates with a background in Material Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical, Chemical, or related disciplines seeking entry into advanced materials research and development. It also suits working professionals aiming to upskill in areas like biomaterials, nanomaterials, or computational materials science, and career changers looking to transition into the rapidly expanding materials industry in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths as materials engineers, R&D scientists, process engineers, or quality control specialists in Indian manufacturing, defense, and research organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in companies like Tata Steel, DRDO, ISRO, and various automotive and electronics manufacturers.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Material Science Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensively on understanding the fundamental principles of material science, including atomic structure, bonding, thermodynamics, and characterization techniques taught in semesters 1 and 2. Utilize textbooks, online resources like NPTEL lectures, and peer study groups to solidify knowledge.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Material Science, Callister''''s Materials Science and Engineering textbook, Interactive simulations, SASTRA''''s Material Science labs
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is crucial for problem-solving in R&D and manufacturing roles, forming the bedrock for advanced topics and industry applications.
Develop Hands-on Lab Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all laboratory sessions (Physics of Materials Lab, Material Characterization Lab, Mechanical Behavior of Materials Lab, Materials Processing Lab). Seek to understand the theory behind each experiment, accurately record data, and critically analyze results. Proactively learn about equipment operation beyond basic requirements.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA''''s advanced materials characterization and processing labs, Lab manuals, Demonstrative videos
Career Connection
Practical skills in material characterization, testing, and processing are highly valued by industries, enabling graduates to contribute immediately to product development and quality control.
Engage in Early Research Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental seminars and workshops, engage with faculty on their research areas, and start identifying potential topics of interest for your project work. Reading relevant research papers in journals like ''''Journal of Materials Science'''' will broaden your perspective and help in problem formulation.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA Central Library (digital resources), Scopus/Web of Science, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Early exposure to research methodologies and specific fields helps in choosing a relevant project, which is critical for specialized roles in R&D and higher studies.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Elective Selection & Specialization- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose professional electives based on your career interests (e.g., polymers, computational materials, energy materials). Delve deeper into these specialized areas through additional reading, online courses (e.g., Coursera, edX), and mini-projects.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA''''s elective course descriptions, NPTEL advanced courses, Industry reports on emerging material trends
Career Connection
Specialization enhances your profile for targeted roles in specific material industries and demonstrates expertise in high-demand areas.
Initiate Project Work with Industry Relevance- (Semester 3)
For Project Work – Phase I, aim to identify a research problem that has potential industrial application or addresses a contemporary challenge in materials science. Collaborate with faculty and explore potential external industry mentors for guidance and real-world context.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA''''s research labs, Faculty research profiles, Industry contacts via placement cell, Project management tools
Career Connection
A well-executed, industry-relevant project demonstrates problem-solving skills, research aptitude, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, significantly boosting employability.
Network and Attend Professional Events- (Semester 3)
Join professional bodies like the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) or Materials Research Society of India (MRSI) as a student member. Attend their conferences, workshops, and webinars to network with professionals, researchers, and potential employers in the materials domain.
Tools & Resources
IIM student chapters, MRSI events calendar, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship opportunities, industry insights, and potential job leads, building a crucial professional community.
Advanced Stage
Comprehensive Thesis Development & Presentation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your Project Work, focusing on rigorous experimentation, data analysis, and high-quality thesis writing. Practice presenting your research findings clearly and concisely, preparing for the viva-voce examination and potential conference presentations.
Tools & Resources
Research software (Origin, MATLAB), LaTeX for thesis writing, SASTRA''''s research publication guidelines, Presentation software
Career Connection
A strong thesis and confident presentation skills are vital for R&D roles, academic positions, and conveying complex technical information effectively in any industry.
Focused Placement and Career Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with SASTRA''''s placement cell for M.Tech specific opportunities. Prepare a tailored resume highlighting your specialization, project work, and lab skills. Practice technical interviews, aptitude tests, and group discussions relevant to materials science roles.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA Placement Cell resources, Online aptitude platforms, Mock interview sessions, Company-specific materials science interview questions
Career Connection
Direct engagement with placement services and targeted preparation significantly increases chances of securing desirable positions in core materials industries and research organizations.
Explore Entrepreneurial or Higher Study Avenues- (Semester 4)
Consider exploring possibilities for starting a materials-focused startup, leveraging your project work, or pursuing further research (PhD). Attend workshops on entrepreneurship or research proposal writing, and connect with alumni who have taken these paths.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA''''s Entrepreneurship Development Cell, Research grant opportunities (DST, SERB), Alumni network
Career Connection
This broadens career horizons beyond traditional employment, fostering innovation and leadership or leading to advanced academic and research careers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech. / M.Sc. in Material Science / Materials Engineering / Nanoscience and Technology / Metallurgy / Mechanical / Chemical / Electrical / Electronics / Physics / Chemistry / Mechatronics / Polymer Science / related disciplines with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 71 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MESC101 | Engineering Mathematics for Materials Scientists | Core | 4 | Matrices and Linear Algebra, Vector Calculus, First Order Ordinary Differential Equations, Higher Order Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations |
| MESC102 | Elements of Material Science | Core | 3 | Atomic Structure and Bonding, Crystalline and Amorphous Solids, Imperfections and Diffusion, Mechanical Properties of Materials, Corrosion and Degradation, Electrical, Magnetic, and Optical Properties |
| MESC103 | Physics of Materials | Core | 3 | Crystal Physics, Band Theory of Solids, Dielectric Materials, Magnetic Materials, Superconducting Materials, Semiconductor Materials and Nanomaterials |
| MESC104 | Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials | Core | 3 | First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, Phase Equilibria and Phase Rule, Solution Thermodynamics, Diffusion in Solids, Reaction Kinetics and Rate Laws, Nucleation and Growth Phenomena |
| MESC105 | Structure and Characterization of Materials | Core | 3 | X-ray Diffraction Techniques, Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM), Spectroscopic Techniques (EDS, XPS), Thermal Analysis (DSC, TGA), Optical Microscopy and Sample Preparation, Mechanical Testing Fundamentals |
| MESC106 | Physics of Materials Lab | Lab | 2 | Hall effect measurement, X-ray diffraction analysis, Four probe conductivity measurement, Dielectric constant determination, Magnetic susceptibility measurement, Energy band gap determination |
| MESC107 | Material Characterization Lab | Lab | 2 | Optical Microscopy and Image Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) operation, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Mechanical Hardness Testing, Impact and Tensile Testing, Fractography |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MESC201 | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | Core | 3 | Stress, Strain and Elasticity, Plasticity and Yield Criteria, Strengthening Mechanisms, Fracture Mechanics, Fatigue of Materials, Creep Phenomena |
| MESC202 | Materials Processing and Manufacturing | Core | 3 | Solidification and Casting, Powder Metallurgy Techniques, Ceramic Processing Methods, Polymer Processing, Welding Metallurgy, Surface Engineering |
| MESC203 | Electronic, Dielectric and Magnetic Materials | Core | 3 | Semiconductor Physics and Devices, Dielectric Properties and Applications, Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Materials, Magnetic Hysteresis and Domains, Soft and Hard Magnetic Materials, Optical and Electro-optical Materials |
| MESC204 | Corrosion Engineering | Core | 3 | Electrochemistry of Corrosion, Forms of Corrosion, Corrosion Prevention Methods, Corrosion Testing, High Temperature Corrosion, Degradation of Materials |
| MESC205 | Biomaterials | Core | 3 | Biocompatibility and Host Response, Metallic Biomaterials, Ceramic Biomaterials, Polymeric Biomaterials, Composite Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery |
| MESC206 | Mechanical Behavior of Materials Lab | Lab | 2 | Tensile testing and stress-strain analysis, Hardness testing (Vickers, Rockwell, Brinell), Impact testing (Charpy, Izod), Fatigue testing, Creep testing, Ductile to brittle transition temperature |
| MESC207 | Materials Processing Lab | Lab | 2 | Heat treatment of steels, Metallographic sample preparation, Powder metallurgy techniques, Polymer molding and characterization, Ceramic preparation and sintering, Surface coating techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MESC301 | Composites and Nanomaterials | Core | 3 | Composite Classification and Constituents, Fabrication of Composites, Mechanical Properties of Composites, Nanomaterial Synthesis Methods, Characterization of Nanomaterials, Applications of Nanomaterials |
| MEPE301 | Polymer Science and Technology | Elective | 3 | Polymerization Mechanisms, Structure and Properties of Polymers, Polymer Additives, Polymer Processing Techniques, Polymer Composites, Polymer Degradation and Recycling |
| MEPE302 | Powder Metallurgy | Elective | 3 | Powder Production Methods, Powder Characterization, Compaction Techniques, Sintering Mechanisms, Hot Isostatic Pressing, Applications of Powder Metallurgy |
| MEPE303 | Ceramic Processing | Elective | 3 | Ceramic Powder Synthesis, Forming Methods for Ceramics, Sintering of Ceramics, Glass Forming and Properties, Refractory Materials, Advanced Ceramics Processing |
| MESC302 | Project Work – Phase I | Project | 6 | Literature Review and Problem Identification, Defining Research Objectives, Methodology Development, Experimental Design, Preliminary Data Collection, Interim Report Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MESC401 | Project Work | Project | 14 | Advanced Experimental Work, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Results Discussion and Conclusion, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Oral Presentation and Defense (Viva-voce), Publication of Research Findings |
