Science and Technology of Μatеrials

Innovative applications and tasks in science, technology, and medicine, including their industrial use, require new materials whose range of performance differs from previous material concepts. Examples of goals and challenges of existing key technologies are increasing the energy efficiency of materials (mechanical engineering, energy, and environmental technology as well as IT), the sustainable extraction of bio-based raw materials (bioeconomy), or the design of bioactive surfaces, for example for medical implants (medical technology). In order to address these challenges, synergies between different scientific and technical subject cultures are increasingly coming into play. Since overcoming current challenges in every area of ​​technology is only possible with good knowledge, selection, and characterization of materials and materials in question, there is a continuing need for well-trained materials and materials scientists.

The joint degree master's program in Science and Technology of Materials is offered as a joint degree between the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). It is an interdisciplinary course of study that focuses on the production, characterization (material and functional description), and knowledge-based further development (processing) of structural and functional materials in the laboratory and in nature. With regard to the desired material functions, it is the chemical, physical, and in many cases also biological factors that determine the properties, stability, and environmental compatibility of a material. The current challenges in material development continue to lie in improving the material properties as well as in realizing more sensible designs that aim to reduce the quotient of material quantity and technical effect. The gain in functionality compared to the absolute quantities of materials produced comes to the fore.

The overarching goal of the degree program is to train natural scientists and engineers for the above-mentioned challenges and their use in material production and characterization, in material development, in construction, in simulation and in production. In addition, the course builds on the ever-increasing awareness of the importance of material cycles and resource efficiency. Approaches for how to achieve these goals should be taught across disciplines in this course of study.