APSC 100 FAQs - MTRL

Below are frequently asked questions and answers relating to the MTRL program.

General

What is Materials Engineering?

Materials Engineering is an exciting field that explores the entire lifecycle of materials, from raw materials extraction and processing to component fabrication and materials utilization. It also includes evaluating the societal and economic benefits of materials throughout their lifecycle. Materials engineers are at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, driving advancements across diverse industries and creating cutting-edge products. Our fully accredited program leads to a Bachelor of Applied Science in Materials Engineering, equipping you with the skills to make a significant impact on the world.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Materials Engineering aims to develop an understanding on the entire life cycle of materials, including recovery of materials from minerals, designing and engineering materials into products, understanding and evaluating materials performance, proper disposal and recycling of materials, and evaluating societal and economic benefits

 

Why do students choose Materials Engineering?

Hear directly from some of our MTRL students

 

 

What do Materials Engineers Do?

You can find detailed information on what graduates of our program do after they graduate here including profiles of some of our recent graduates here.

What courses do MTRL Students Take?

Our program focuses on training in fundamentals, both in quantitative (e.g. core math) and qualitative (e.g. project management) fundamentals as well as Materials Engineering specific foundations in 1) fundamentals of thermodynamics and kinetics 2) materials processing, and 3) materials properties. At the end of the Materials Engineering Undergraduate Program, students will be able to:

1. Characterize and select materials for design by evaluating the linkages between material properties, microstructures and processing.
2. Analyze materials engineering problems using a balance of mathematics, physics and chemistry including thermodynamics , mass, momentum and energy transport, kinetics and mechanics of materials.
3. Solve materials engineering problems. Identify and formulate problems, develop and apply analytical and experimental methods of investigation, identify contributing factors and generate, validate, and evaluate alternative solutions.
4. Design processes for the extraction, synthesis and processing of materials to meet technical, economic, environmental and ethical needs and constraints.
5. Communicate effectively in a professional environment through technical reports and presentations. Articulate and justify technical solutions to diverse audiences.
6. Recognize and evaluate the societal benefits of materials engineering. Appreciate and evaluate the environmental and societal impact of materials. Recognize the importance of professional and ethical responsibilities, the evolving nature of materials engineering and the importance of lifelong learning.

You can find a detailed explanation of the undergraduate MTRL program here

What Projects do MTRL Students Get Involved With?

Materials Engineering students are involved with a wide array of projects across campus including having leadership roles in a number of design teams like UBC Volcan, Wastenauts, UBC Rapid, UBC Formula and Orbit.

Materials Engineering Students also get involved in a variety of other projects during their studies, including their capstone design projects

What is the job market like for Materials Engineering?

Materials Engineers work around the world and, as such, the job market for Materials Engineers is always good. Because of the breadth of a Materials Engineering degree there is flexibility to apply ones skills to areas in high demand. For a statistical view of job opportunities for Materials Engineers in Canada see

Canada Labor Market Information

WorkBC Job Market Information

Learning More about Materials Engineering in Application

The Materials Engineering Expert Series