Course detail

Introduction to Material Science and Engineering

FSI-BUMAcad. year: 2026/2027

The course is based on the knowledge acquired in the courses on physics, chemistry, physical chemistry and mathematics. It deals with an inner structure of materials, crystal structure of solid materials, crystal lattice and their characteristics. Also discussed is thermodynamics of materials, diffusion, equilibrium phase diagrams, phase transformations and their influence on the structure and material characteristics. The course addresses also the problem of deformation and fracture behaviour of materials, strengthening and softening gadgetry, structural characteristics, mechanical characteristics at static, impulsive and cyclical load. The basic mechanisms are then shown how they influence the behavior of some application groups of materials.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Assignment to study programme types

Bachelor's

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Vít Jan, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (ÚMVI)

Entry knowledge

Students are expected to have general knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry acquired at secondary school. They should have the basic knowledge of reaction of materials to general situations.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Credit requirements:
The basic requirement for obtaining credit is active participation in all practical sessions, based on proper home preparation and submission of laboratory reports according to the instructor’s guidelines. Preparation for the exercises is verified by two written credit tests. The student must successfully pass both tests. Only one of these tests may be retaken during a make-up session.

Examination:
The examination consists of a written and an oral part. In the written part, the student answers questions related to the topics covered by the course content. During the oral part, the student responds to questions concerning the written section and to additional questions from the examiner.

Missed practical sessions must be made up in agreement with the respective instructor.

Aims

The aim of the course is to familiarise students with inner structure, structure and physical principle of processes taking place in technological processing of materials. Students will be cognizant of the interactions among chemical composition, processing, structure and properties of materials necessary for manufacturing technology and construction use.
Students will have an overview of physical and chemical operations, which to a large extent influence materials capabilities. The acquired knowledge is necessary for successful completion of the further course "Structure and Properties of Materials".

Study aids

Lecture presentations, exercise assignments, and other supporting materials are available on the course e-learning platform.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Ashby, F. M. - Jones, D. R. H. Engineering Materials I, II Pergamon Press Ltd.,England, 1989
Callister,W.D. (Jr.) Material Science and Engineering, An Introduction.John Wiley Ions, Inc., New York, 1994; 2003
DOWLING, E.N. Mechanical Behavior of Materials.
OHRING, M. Engineering Materials Science.

Type of course unit

Lecture

39 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Vít Jan, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Structure of Matter
Thermodynamics and Description of Equilibria
Kinetics and Phase Diagrams
Diagrams with Polymorphic Transformation
Solidification and Crystallization
Reactions in the Solid State
Mechanical Properties I
Mechanical Properties II
Mechanical Properties III
Structural Materials – Metals
Non-metallic Inorganic Structural Materials
Organic Structural Materials
Degradation Processes
Other Physical Properties of Materials and Analytical Techniques in Materials Engineering

Laboratory exercise

26 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Vít Jan, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Microscopy
Metallography
Crystallography
Equilibrium Phase Diagrams 1
Thermal Analysis
Equilibrium Phase Diagrams 2
Equilibrium Phase Diagrams 3
Diagram of the Metastable Fe–Fe₃C System
Tensile Test
Hardness Tests
Impact Bending Test
Degradation Processes – Fatigue
Summary – Comprehensive Analysis of Structural Materials