Materials science is a relatively new branch of study that involves both the physical and chemical aspects of materials, more specifically the study of structure- property correlation of materials. Since time immemorial, development of human civilization depended strongly on materials and the influence of materials is so intimate that particular age of human development is referred to the prominent material used during the period like Stone Age, Bronze Age etc. Even today, every conceivable technological development depends on the material to be used. In each of the application, different properties assume significance. It is impossible to keep track of hundreds of materials and their modifications emerging in a very rapid pace. However, a sound foundation on the underlying principles of materials formation and manipulation of their properties would immensely help in not only developing new materials with tailored properties, but also in selecting materials for specific applications. Therefore, study of materials science has evolved into a major thrust area at all levels in most of the institutions across the globe.

Mission:

            Development of top quality human resources in Materials Science.

About the department:

            The M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Materials Science were started way back in 1988 with the starting of Materials Science Division, which became an independent department in 1994.  The MSc programme, involves both Physics and Chemistry with emphasis on technologically important materials such as smart materials, semiconductors, thin films, nanomaterials, composites, polymers, ceramics etc. Since the inception, the department has been highly successful in encouraging and facilitating many students to pursue a career in research. This fact is authenticated by the large percentage of students who have qualified in GATE and joined for research in various areas of Materials Science in prestigious institutes such as IISc., IGCAR Kalpakkam, BARC, JNCASR, CLCR, IISER, Universities in Singapore, Korea, Germany, USA etc. Among the total of 312 M..Sc. graduates, 56 have been successful in GATE, and 68 have chosen research, while another 50 have joined for M. Tech. programs. Thus, nearly 38% of our graduates have gone for higher studies to become Managers, Post Docs, Research Scientists and Faculty in India and abroad at places like GE, BARC, DRDO, ISRO, Samsung, Global Foundries, Ruhr University Germany, IMRE Singapore etc.

In the research field, faculty members could successfully carry out 18 research projects with a funding of about 330 lakhs in areas of Thin Films, Shape Memory Alloys, Nanoparticles, Polymers etc. Among the 156 publications from the department in refereed journals, 144 are international ones, apart from three monographs and nine book chapters. The research work from the department has attracted recognitions to the faculty in terms of post-doctoral fellowships, Sir CV Raman Young Scientist Award, MRSI Medal etc.