Career prospects

Materials chemist function in a working context:
With an interdisciplinary scientific basis in the field of materials science, the three-year graduate is able to assume functions related to the management and optimisation of production and marketing processes for complex materials and devices. Specific scientific skills in chemistry and physics enable him to interface well with production managers, suppliers and customers. skills associated with the function:
The Degree Course in Materials Science provides a solid scientific basis and knowledge of innovative processes and technologies, and thus trains graduates capable of working in production or research realities in which issues concerning the improvement of the performance of existing materials (polymers, ceramics, glass, metals, composites, semiconductors) and the development of new materials are addressed.
In order to perform the described functions, a materials science graduate is required:
- basic knowledge of the chemistry and physics of materials; - ability to apply methods and techniques, including innovative ones; - ability to use even complex equipment and to acquire both theoretical and experimental technological skills; - ability to apply knowledge to the requirements of safety and respect for the environment; - propensity to work in a team; - aptitude to work in an international context and to relate to people of different disciplinary and cultural backgrounds. professional outlets
The Materials Science graduate can work as a high-level technician in industries, including high-tech ones. Materials with specific properties are used in all companies that require specific materials for their production. Preferred employment opportunities are in the plastics, microelectronics and mechanical engineering sectors, or even more specialised ones such as aerospace and materials surface treatment. In all these fields, a sound knowledge of the chemistry and physics of matter enables the materials science graduate to perform tasks in process management and optimisation, and to identify possible new solutions to product development problems.
Graduates of the class will possess knowledge suitable to carry out professional activities, also by participating in activities such as those in the industrial field; in research, control and analysis laboratories; in the fields of synthesis and characterisation of new materials, health, food, environment and energy, applying the acquired disciplinary methods of investigation, with autonomy within defined procedures.
Although the preparation for employment in research and development centres or in real basic research activities is left to the subsequent levels of study (Master's Degree in Materials Science and PhD), the solid basic preparation, which is the objective of the first-cycle degree course, makes the graduate in Materials Science a technician with very flexible employment characteristics and able to adapt rapidly to technological developments.
More generally, a thorough grounding in both mathematics and physics and chemistry differentiates the materials scientist from graduates in other chemical or physical disciplines, making him or her well-suited for employment in industries operating in a wide variety of commodity sectors.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS Materials Science graduates are able to
- communicate ideas on materials-related topics and problems, both their own and those of literature, to different audiences, in writing and orally; - dialogue with experts in related fields, particularly engineers, physicists and chemists, recognising the possibility of complementary interpretations and visions.
The training course is structured in such a way as to stimulate students from the first year onwards to produce written and oral reports on aspects and properties of various materials as an end-of-lab activity, as an examination of certain characterising and/or related subjects or/and as preparation for the final examination. They therefore learn to express themselves directly to teachers from different cultures and to deal with interlocutors from new backgrounds and languages.
Verification of achievements in communication skills takes place through written and oral reports. Also considered as moments of evaluation are the multiple meetings for discussion of laboratory and traineeship activities, as well as the preparation of the final examination.