Overview

The field of Materials Science and Engineering offers unlimited possibilities for innovation and development. Attention is being focused on developing and processing metals, ceramics, polymers and composites with improved properties. The activities of the materials engineer range from materials production, including their extraction from ores and their refining, to the … For more content click the Read More button below. Advanced materials can provide a major competitive advantage in virtually every part of a country's manufacturing industry. Because Australia is a country rich in minerals, materials science has been designated as a priority area for research and development. Examples of recent and significant developments include the emergence of environmentally friendly and economical metal processing methods, advanced surface coatings, biomedical materials, electrical ceramics, engineering polymers, and advanced composites. The School of Materials Science and Engineering is in a good position to provide the increased numbers of graduates necessary for development of these new initiatives in materials. It is the only school in Australia that offers professional courses in ceramic engineering, metallurgical engineering and materials engineering as well as providing postgraduate specialisation in these fields. The School is extremely well equipped with a wide range of advanced computing, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, X-ray and optical and electron microscopy facilities. Students are provided with education and industrial training to prepare them for a significant and important professional career.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
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Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
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Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
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In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
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Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
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Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline
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Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
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Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
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Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
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Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.
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Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
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Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
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Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
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Professional use and management of information.
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Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
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Effective team membership and team leadership.
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Program Structure
192 Units of Credit:

Students must complete 192 UOC as a standalone program.

Level 1 Electives

Students must take at least 6 UOC of the following courses.

General Education

Students must take 12 UOC of the following courses.

Any course defined as a Science course see Table 1 cannot be taken as General Education (GE). Any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs) or nominee.

Excluded General Education Courses

Maximum Level 1 UOC

Students may only undertake a maximum of 60 UOC of the following courses.

Level 2 Maturity Requirement

Students must have completed 36 UOC before taking any of the following courses.

Level 3 Maturity Requirement

Students must have completed all Introductory core courses before taking any Level 3 course.

Level 4 Maturity Requirement

Students must have completed 102 UOC before taking any of the following courses.

Recommended Level 1 Electives

The following courses are recommended:
- CVEN1300 or MINE1300 or MMAN1300 (6 UOC)

Sample Programs

To access sample program(s), please visit:

Related Programs

Related Programs

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - BE (Hons)3707 - Engineering (Honours)
Bachelor of Science - BSc3970 - Science

Related Double Degree Programs

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - BE(Hons)
Bachelor of Engineering Science - BEngSc
3132 - Materials Science and Engineering (Honours) / Engineering Science
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - BE(Hons)
Bachelor of Commerce - BCom
3134 - Materials Science and Engineering (Honours) / Commerce

Program Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning
Progression Requirements
Internships and Placements

Professional Outcomes

Accreditations
Professional Recognition

Recognition of Achievement

University Medal
Honours Classes

Additional Information

University Medal

Medalists will be determined in accordance with UNSW Policy and Procedure. However, to be considered for a university medal students will need to have achieved at a minimum an Honours WAM greater than or equal to 85 and a thesis mark greater than 65.

Science Handbook Rules and Editions

Students must follow the program rules and requirements in the UNSW Handbook published in the year they commence their studies with the Faculty of Science.

Students who transfer from another UNSW Faculty into Science (for example, from a Bachelor of Arts into a Bachelor of Science) must follow the program rules and requirements in the UNSW Handbook published in the year of their transfer.

Students, who are readmitted to UNSW after a period of unapproved absence or deferment, or after exclusion, must satisfy the program rules in the Handbook published in the year of their readmission. In addition, these students may be subject to restrictions on which courses taken at UNSW may be counted on their return. In some cases, students returning from an unapproved absence may be required to repeat courses. See the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Advanced Standing section below for more details. Students who take approved leave or deferment will follow the Handbook for the year of their original commencement unless otherwise approved by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs). 

Faculty of Science Rules

The Faculty of Science has some rules that relate to all students enrolled in programs offered by the Faculty in relation to recognition for prior learning, general education, course exclusions, study load, and cross-institutional study. All students should read the information contained on the Faculty General Rules and Requirements page.

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)