M.Phil. Materials Engineering
Technological advancement has been hinged to the nature of materials existing at any point in time. This is evidenced by the different periods in time that had the era named after the dominant materials of the time such as stone age, iron age etc.
The development of new materials to meet any particular challenges is the result of the application of advanced knowledge and research on materials and the accompanying fabrication methods. These needs call for engineers to acquire current advanced materials knowledge to enable them address the engineering challenges in industry and society effectively. The proposed programme essentially utilizes the fundamentals of thermodynamics, materials transformation, kinetics and computational methods to answer engineering and sociological problems in materials processing.
Challenges in the area of energy production and storage in a sustainable manner will be addressed by the programme. The programme will also address the needs of fresh graduates who want to acquire further knowledge as well as practicing engineers who seek advanced knowledge to help them solve problems at their workplace.
The programme focuses on advanced study of the “processing-structure-property-performance” relationship of materials. Introductory research in areas such as mechanical behaviour of materials, design of mechanical products and systems, and manufacturing will be emphasised. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for PhD level studies and advanced engineering practices. This will require the use of their knowledge in the fundamentals of chemistry, mathematics, physics and engineering. Thus, this programme will provide students, specifically, with:
a. Understanding theoretical principles and practical methodologies associated with solving materials engineering problems,
b. Exposing students to relevant development in the field, to foster the application of modern methods,
c. Ability to identify, carry out failure analysis and propose solutions,
d. Understanding of the current trends in technologies in terms of design and selection of materials for energy and sustainable development,
e. Provide materials engineering consultancy and expert services, and
Application of computational methods in materials design.
1. Aims and Objectives:
The aim of the programme is to provide training in materials processing, manufacturing and development, and apply the principles of basic sciences and engineering to understanding the behaviour of materials, their development and applications.
The objectives of the programme are to:
i. Provide engineering leadership in industrial, governmental, and academic settings, while serving both their profession and the public
ii. Bring about innovation in a wide variety of technical fields including, but not limited to materials, energy, electronics, medicine, communications, transportation and recreation
iii. Excel in careers related to the entire life cycle of materials – from synthesis and processing, through design and development, to manufacturing, performance, and recycling.
2. Components of the programme:
Students will be required to take all core courses in both semesters and at least one elective which would be determined or suggested by the student’s supervisor. The first academic year will be devoted to the taught courses. However, at the end of the first year, students will be required to present a synopsis for their research work. The second academic year will be dedicated to their research work that will lead to the compilation of a standard thesis report. The thesis work will be supervised by a lecturer and examined externally and internally. Students will also be required to attend seminars given by professionals from industry and take part in field trips organized as part of the programme.
3. Course structure:
YEAR ONE – SEMESTER ONE
Core Courses
Thermodynamics of Materials
Defects, Diffusion and Transformation of Materials
Solid State Theories of Materials
Research Methods
Elective Courses
Polymeric Materials
Ceramic Materials
Metallic Materials
Materials Synthesis
Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
YEAR ONE – SEMESTER TWO
Core Courses
Interfacial Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Advanced Materials Characterization
Materials in Sustainable Development
Mathematical, Statistical, and Computational Techniques in Materials Science
Elective Courses
Materials for Energy Development
Composite Materials
Functional Materials
Biomaterials
1 Entry Requirements for Admission of Students:
The following shall be the admission requirements for prospective students:
a. Either a First Class or Second Class (Upper Division) B.Sc. degree or its equivalent in Engineering and Sciences, or any field of specialization relevant to the programme from a recognized University or b. Second Class (Lower Division) B.Sc. degree or its equivalent in Engineering and Sciences or any field of specialization relevant to the programme from a recognized University with at least three (3) years of relevant experience.
c. Applicants with degrees in other engineering/science disciplines (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, etc.) may be required to take prerequisite courses to make up for deficiencies in undergraduate materials engineering.
d. For non-English speaking applicants, arrangements are in place with the Department of Languages for the acquisition of the necessary English language skills prior to embarking on the programme.
2 Requirements for Graduation:
A candidate shall be deemed to have qualified for the award of MPhil Materials Engineering degree
when he/she has:
a. Passed all required courses and obtained a minimum of 34 credit hours.
b. Achieved a minimum cumulative weighted average of 55.00.
c. Completed a research work leading to an examinable thesis.
d. Submitted a journal article from his research work for publication, and
e. Satisfied all other requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, KNUST.
3. Employment:
Graduates from the programme may find employment opportunities in industries including the
following:
a. Oil and gas industry,
b. Mining and mineral exploration industry,
c. Steel industry,
d. Aluminium industry,
e. Jewellery industry,
f. Cosmetic industry,
g. Automobile industry,
h. Polymer industry,
i. Ceramic industry,
j. Foundry works,
k. Research and tertiary educational institutions, and
l. Non-Governmental Organisations.