What is Material Science

Can someone please explain to me what it actually is, for example give me a tangible definition? Thanks for your help

It's the science of materials, simply Basically it's the physics, chemistry and engineering of materials, and then how you apply that knowledge to develop new materials or to select the best materials for usage in particular applications.

You'll learn about the mechanical, optical, thermal, and electronic properties of materials in a degree in materials science, particularly stuff like stress and strain in materials, crystal structure, material fatigue and failure, semiconductor physics, etc.

A field that deals with the study and discovery of materials for different uses and purposes

Any kind of man made material was made through materials science

Thanks for your reply!

Could you explain to me what a material is, is it something like wood or is sodium for example a material or is it an element?

Thanks for your answer!

Do you know anything about how they select the materials that go in batteries? Or the future of battery materials? If so I would be really interested if you know of any links etc..

Thanks for your reply!

Could you explain to me what a material is, is it something like wood or is sodium for example a material or is it an element?

So like graphite for example

Elements would be a part of chemistry whereas material science looks at the structure of compounds and uses that to make new materials

Materials for energy storage is a big area of research currently in materials science, so definitely relevant to the field.



Both are materials depending on the composition and scale of things. Materials considers things from meso (nano to micro) up macro (whole object type things, e.g. material properties of a steel beam) scale. The exact focus can vary a bit, the "science" side tends to focus on nano and micro scales of things while the "engineering" side tends to focus on the larger scales and applications. But the two areas aren't rigidly divided, which is why most such degrees tend to be called something like "materials science and engineering" rather than just materials science or materials engineering.

Ah thanks for explaining. Side question what is YOUR favourite material? and why?

Also have you studied this because I feel like you know a lot!

Can someone please explain to me what it actually is, for example give me a tangible definition? Thanks for your help

Hi there,

I am currently an engineering student at the University of Portsmouth.

To put it simply, Material science or also know as material engineering is the study of design, discovery, and development of both existing and new materials.

This involves research and discovery, including the creation of more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly lightweight composite materials, for use within the automotive, marine, aerospace, and construction industries. Partnership with organisations and other partners to develop hybrid, long-term durable composites – made from waste biomass, to meet the mechanical performance required by the same industries.


Tasks undertaken by material scientists and engineers include; analysis, manufacturing, design, modelling, rapid prototyping, 3-D printing, testing, repair, structural integrity evaluation, applications and knowledge transfer of advanced materials and manufacturing.

I hope this helps
Ethan - UOP Rep