The degree programme in Materials Science aims to train professionals with methodological, theoretical and applicative knowledge to understand and interpret the basics and problems of the vast world of materials science by taking a modern and interdisciplinary approach. Graduates will be able to carry out high-level technical tasks at technology-driven organisations, or continue their academic career by choosing from a range of options (second cycle degree programmes or professional master's programmes) in the areas of chemistry and physics, as well as, of course, in the area of materials science. The learning activities on offer combine those of the traditional degree programmes in Physics and Chemistry. These produce highly specialised graduates in each field who, however, have limited transferrable and interdisciplinary skills, which are peculiar to materials science.
The study plan of the degree programme in Materials Science is specifically designed to produce a problem-solving oriented professional, thanks to a curriculum that deepens the students' knowledge of basic subjects such as mathematics, computer science, physics and chemistry, on the one hand, and their understanding of the applicative aspects of materials science problems,which usually require an interdisciplinary approach, on the other.
Graduates develop a solid knowledge of the fundamentals of algebra andmathematical analysis, of chemistry and physics, of programming languages andalgorithms. The learning outcomes for the basic areas of Mathematics, chemistry, physics and computer science require graduates to be able to use mathematical tools for scientific computing, to understand and be familiar with the periodic table of the elements, to be able to apply their knowledge of physical phenomena by using the experimental and computational scientific method, as well as IT tools for the analysis of large datasets.
Graduates are familiar with the structure of atoms and molecules and their reactivity, the structure of condensed matter, and the physical and chemical properties of materials. Graduates are therefore able to classify materials and their properties by using the chemical names of compounds and processes, identifying materials characterisation techniques, and considering possible fields of application for materials based on their properties.
Graduates are familiar with experimental measuring techniques in the areas of physics and chemistry, and with the computational methods of quantum chemistry and materials science. They will be able to experimentally characterise thephysical and chemical properties of materials and to calculate the properties of atoms, molecules and condensed systems.
Graduates will learn a common language for the physical and chemical properties of materials, gain knowledge of the guiding principles for designing new materials and an understanding of the life cycle of materials and of sustainability principles. Thanks to this knowledge, they will be able to combine their understanding of material physics and material chemistry for asynergistic characterisation of the physical and chemical properties of materials, as well as learning how to disseminate the outcomes of integrated theoretical and experimental experiences.
Knowledge and competencies will be acquired critically, by means of learning approaches such as learning by thinking for traditional lectures, with a focusin particular on problem solving and on the effective application of the same method across several fields. On the other hand, activities in the laboratory will adopt a learning by doing approach, using group activities to train thinking, knowledge-sharing and discussion skills. Each student will also carry out a practicum, in which a material will be designed, synthetised, experimentally characterized and computationally analysed. Within the degree programme, University educational credits are awarded for lectures, where teachers present the basic aspects and methods of a discipline, for practical work, where thespecific course unit so requires, and for laboratory work on applicative aspects.
The degree programme is structured in semesters:
First semester: A basic conceptual and methodological training is provided inthe areas of basic mathematics, physics and chemistry. An English language proficiency test is held for scientific jargon (CEFR level B1) and a basic introduction to materials science is given in the area of material physics.
Second semester: Basic knowledge in mathematics, physics and computer scienceis expanded and primary materials science training is provided in the area of material chemistry.
Third semester: Basic training in analytical, organic and inorganic chemistryis completed. Core course units in three out of the four disciplinary areas ofthe Mathematics degree programme class – i.e. “Material physics”, “Materialchemistry”, and “Industrial processes and applications” – are introduced.
Fourth semester: Learning activities in the area of “Material chemistry” are completed with a core course unit in “Physical chemistry of materials”. A first elective course unit is introduced (TAF-D), along with core course units in the “Structure of matter” disciplinary area. As a matter of fact, an important aspect of the learning project of the degree programme in Materials Science is hinged upon this disciplinary area. The degree programme is aimed at a strong consolidation and integration of material physics and material chemistry through a shared (chemical and physical) language to study the structure and properties of materials, which is implemented by means of interdisciplinary and integrated course units that cover the key subject groups (SSD), i.e. FIS/03and CHIM/02.
Fifth semester: An integrated course unit (FIS/03 and CHIM/02) is provided for computational modelling of materials, which is achieved by combining the methodologies and languages of both physics and chemistry. Furthermore, two course units focus on the latest lines of technological development indicated in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). One of them is a material physics course unit on modern “Nanomaterials”, while the other is an integrated course unit in “Materials for energy”, in line with the strategic measures ofthe NRRP with regard to cross-sector knowledge of material properties and functionalities according to the contents of Mission 2 (Green revolution and ecological transition). This course unit combines aspects of the cycle and sustainability of materials from the material physics viewpoint (FIS/03) with strictly chemical aspects that encompass the various subject groups of basic chemistry (CHIM/01-02-03-06), which students can choose to gain an interdisciplinary understanding of materials for energy transition.
Sixth semester: An interdisciplinary, experimental/computational and chemical/physical practicum is offered. Students will apply their basic and integrated physical and chemical knowledge, as well as laboratory skills, to prepare a personal project, the outcomes of which will be the subject of an oral presentation. The presentation will be assessed. Finally, each student will do a dissertation internship, covering experimental and/or theoretical activities in the laboratory, at research institutes, bodies, universities, clinical laboratories and/or companies in Italy or abroad.
