MATERIALS ENGINEERING AT McGILL

Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Engineering

What is materials engineering?

What do super-strong titanium alloys for spacecraft and artificial bone implants for surgical patients have in common? They simply wouldnt exist without materials engineers, who design the processes and develop the technologies to create these materials. The work of materials engineers is necessary everywhere since everything is made out of materials. In particular, they help in developing super-strong alloys for the aerospace industry, lighter materials to reduce the environmental consequences of the transport industry, miniaturized and higher performing materials for the electronics industry, as well as ceramic composites used in artificial hips and bone replacements. The recycling industry also relies heavily on materials engineers to discover new ways to re-use and recycle materials and reduce their toxic load on the environment.

Faculty of Engineering
www.mcgill.ca/engineering

Department of Mining, Metals and Materials Engineering

www.mcgill.ca/minmet

Materials Engineering Program

www.mcgill.ca/minmet/materials

Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS)

www.mcgilleus.ca

Is this the program for me?

The field of materials science is multidisciplinary, and materials engineers possess excellent skills in math, physics and chemistry. Creative problemsolving is a must at every stage, whether while working in laboratories to discover new ways of fabricating materials or to improve the sustainability of various production plants. Materials engineers are responsible, independent, self-motivated, adaptable to constraints and, as they are often required to work in teams, good communication skills are a must.

Engineers Without Borders McGill Chapter

www.mcgill.ca/engineering/student/life/ewb

What can I do when I graduate?

Materials engineers are involved in a variety of fields, including the resource and manufacturing sectors, designing and implementing processes in a factory or plant. They also work in materials research and development; creating new materials such as nanomaterials, and biomedical, automotive and aerospace materials; and improving the sustainability of traditional heavy industries such as steel, copper and nickel refining. Graduates in materials engineering are highly sought-after by employers. Many graduates become consultants who help companies select and develop materials; for example: working with the aerospace industry to ensure that aircraft are constructed with the best possible materials. As materials engineering involves designing processes to develop new materials, engineers have the skills required to be good project managers, and often move into management and executive positions.

How do I apply? Admissions information

www.mcgill.ca/applying

www.mcgill.ca

MATERIALS ENGINEERING AT McGILL

What is student life like?
The undergraduate student body ranges from 20 to 30 incoming students every year, so students get to know each other well and form close friendships during their time at McGill. Students are also on familiar terms with faculty members. Student organizations, such as the Engineering Undergraduate Society, help ensure that school life maintains a good mix of work and pleasure. McGill also has a student chapter of Engineers Without Borders, which works to improve the quality of life for people in developing regions and nations.

Why McGill?
McGills materials engineering program dates back to the late 19th century and was the first of its kind in Canada. The materials engineering degree is organized in the form of a unique co-op program that includes three paid internship terms in the industry. Students are given an opportunity to gain hands-on, practical work experience and are often hired by these companies upon graduation. All McGill engineering degrees are recognized by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE), and through international agreements are equally recognized by professional bodies in Australia, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K. and the U.S.

What kinds of courses do students take?

The first year of study includes general sciences courses in math, chemistry and physics. Quebec CEGEP students typically receive one-year advanced standing. Following first year, students take courses in processing, fabrication, applications and performance of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers and composites). Many courses feature a heavy lab component, involving extensive teamwork.

What our graduates are saying

Metals and Materials Engineering is a very close knit program. Everyone knows each other, from undergrads to graduate students to professors and staff members. Because I am French Canadian, studying at McGill was really beneficial, since I improved my English considerably, which was critical to my career path. The social life of the department is also something that I truly enjoyed. As part of your first year, you are exposed to real life work, which really lets you know if you are in the right program and also gives you some industry contacts. Patrick Hroux, B.Eng05 (Materials) Metallurgist NewCrest Mining, Ltd Cadia Valley Operations site Orange, New South Wales, Australia

APRIL 2007