Brief description
We all want products that function perfectly, look good, last a long time, are affordable and, above all, sustainable. In the study of materials science, you will learn the basics and the practice to develop innovative materials, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and modern recycling methods that meet these requirements: "intelligent" functional materials, robust and flexible composites or novel coating technologies.
You will learn how well-known materials such as metal, glass or plastic are structured and what properties they have. But also how they are manufactured, processed, applied and commercially used, how their quality can be tested, how they can be improved and how novel materials can be developed from them. The course also incorporates engineering and scientific knowledge, and you deal with exciting questions about the future: What materials can we use for energy supply - for efficient solar cells, new types of batteries, energy-saving electric motors or "green" electronics? And how can we replace critical raw materials in materials or recycle them as completely as possible in the spirit of the circular economy?
Whether fiber optic cables, powder for 3D printing, implants or prostheses: In materials science, you deal with the core of materials, which is the basis for a wide range of products and future-oriented technologies in medicine, mobility or digitization.
Even with a bachelor's degree, you are already well prepared for development and research-intensive top positions in science, industry and administration. Or you can take advantage of the specialization in the master's program and even spend part of the master's degree abroad, for example at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in Lima, to obtain a double degree.
Why Ilmenau?
Because studying here is fun! As a student, you will be taught in small seminar groups and receive particularly intensive support in the mentoring and tutoring program right from the start. The equipment is modern and highly innovative - ideal for studying at the cutting edge. "Small but mighty", that is the study of materials science in Ilmenau.
The course of study is not only interdisciplinary in design, but is also lived out in this way. This makes it particularly application-oriented. With "practicING" you can also expand your studies with additional practical courses. As a joint degree program with FSU Jena, the Materials Science program exploits the full potential of both universities: While Ilmenau focuses particularly on practical and application-oriented materials engineering, Jena deals with the fundamentals of materials science.
Above all, however, the TU Ilmenau is one of the very few universities in Germany where students can already use the highly specialized equipment and facilities in the clean room of the Center for Micro and Nanotechnologies for their work. The clean room is one of the largest in Europe and the center is a world leader in research in micro- and nanotechnologies and materials science.
This is another reason why your teachers have excellent networks both locally and worldwide. Whether you want to study abroad, do an internship or write your thesis in one of the companies or research institutes in the technology region: at the TU Ilmenau, you can prepare yourself for the global job market and develop personally while still studying. For example, in one of the university's numerous clubs such as the Engineers without Borders or Team Starcraft, the student workshop UNIKAT or the IlmkubatorLab.
Through Ilmenau with Janine and Marcel
Janine and Marcel take you on an exciting tour through the campus of the TU Ilmenau and through Ilmenau itself. They describe how they live and study in Ilmenau, give numerous leisure time tips and insights into the place of study of the Ilmenau University of Technology and take you to hidden places in the city.
(This video was created as part of a campaign by the Campus Thuringiathe official portal for choosing a course of study in Thuringia. Further insights into the study locations in Thuringia can be found at here. © Pixelpakete GbR)
Foundations of engineering (e.g. physics, mathematics, computer science, mechanical engineering, production process, electrical engineering)
Chemical foundations and material science (e.g. inorganic and general chemistry, organic and physical chemistry, materials science, material characterization)
Material technology (optional modules) (e.g. materials technology, inorganic-non-metallic materials, plastics engineering, materials of electrical engineering, electroplating)
Soft skills
Advanced internship and bachelor thesis
The Bachelor of Materials Science attaches great importance to practical work and the application of the knowledge gained, so that during the course of studies, internships are repeatedly held in the university's own laboratories. In addition, project work is planned for the fifth semester and a 12-week specialist internship for the sixth semester. There is no mandatory basic internship necessary.
