PhD. Materials Engineering
The programme focuses on the 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. 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
f. Application of computational methods in materials design.
The aim of the programme is to provide training and experiential opportunities that facilitate the learning and mastery of domain-specific knowledge in materials engineering by applying the principles of basic sciences and engineering in understanding the behaviour of materials, their development and applications.
The objectives of the programme are to train people with:
(i) Broad-based knowledge in materials engineering and specific knowledge relevant to their own research interests, including theories and methods of intervention.
(ii) Ability to make original and significant contributions to the scientific knowledge base in their area of research.
(iii) Ability to engage in a productive research career, including publications, grant writing and conference presentations.
(iv) Ability to provide engineering leadership in industrial, governmental, and academic settings, while serving both their profession and the public.
Components of the Programme:
Provide details of the curriculum and mode of delivery to include the following:
The doctoral degree requires students to take a minimum of 40 hours of graduate-level courses. Any student who has earned a recognisable MSc degree with at least 28 hours of graduate-level courses applicable to the proposed doctoral program, may be allowed to transfer these hours of credit on approval by the student’s advisory committee, and the graduate program coordinator. A minimum score requirement of the remaining 12 credit hours must be technical electives (related to the student’s research area and approved by the advisory committee) chosen from the Ph.D. Materials Engineering programme, special designed independent studies with contents designed by the advisory committee, or other graduate courses available in the university which are relevant to the student’s research. These courses must be taken during the first year of study.
The focus of the programme is on research. Students will be required to present a synopsis for their project work during the first semester of their study. A comprehensive examination will be conducted at the end of the first year of study. Students will be examined on all types of materials including the process-structure-property-performance of different engineering materials. Students are required to obtain a minimum mark of 50 % in each of the areas. Any student who fails any of the areas has another chance to re-sit the examinations and pass. The remaining years will be devoted to their research work that will lead to the compilation of a dissertation. The research work will be supervised by an advisory committee and examined by a panel from within and outside KNUST. Students will also, be required to attend seminars given by professionals from the industry and take part in field trips organized as part of the programme.
a. Required (core) course(s)
SN Course Code Title
1. MSE 551 Thermodynamics of Materials
2. MSE 552 Interfacial Thermodynamics and Kinetics
3. MSE 553 Defects, Diffusion and Transformation of Materials
4. MSE 554 Advanced Materials Characterization
5. MSE 555 Solid State Theories of Materials
6. MSE 556 Materials in Sustainable Development
7. MSE 557 Research Methods
8. MSE 558 Mathematical, Statistical, and Computational Techniques in Materials Science
9. MSE 559 Engineering Materials
10. MSE 560 Phase Equilibria
b. Special Elective course(s)
SN Course Code Title
11 MSE 751 Nanomaterials in Pavement Construction
12 MSE 752 Nanoscale Optoelectronics
13 MSE 753 Supercapacitors
14 MSE 754 Design Against Failure
15 MSE 755 Cyclic Voltammetry at Solid/Liquid Interface
16 XXX XXX Open Graduate Level Electives
c. Research component
SN Course Code Title
17 MSE 851 Seminar I
18 MSE 852 Seminar II
19 MSE 853 Thesis I
20 MSE 854 Thesis II
d. Practical training, industrial attachment, internship, clinical experience, etc.
N/A
1 What is the entry requirements for admission of students?
The following shall be the admission requirements for prospective students:
a. An MSc./MPhil degree or its equivalent in any engineering background or any field of specialization relevant to the programme from a recognized University.
b. 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 What is the requirements for graduation?
A candidate shall be deemed to have qualified for the award of the PhD Materials Engineering degree when he/she has:
a. Passed all required courses and obtained a minimum of 40 credit hours, b. Achieved a minimum cumulative weighted average of 55.00,
c. Completed a research work leading to an examinable dissertation,
d. Published (or accepted) TWO (2) journal articles from his/her research work in an acceptable journal, and
e. Satisfied all other requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, KNUST.
3 What are the possible fields for 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.