Materials science​: The MINT study program in Thuringia

Materials are omnipresent. We wear clothes made of breathable fabrics, our cars and bicycles are graceful metal constructions, we fly in airplanes made of light yet strong composites, we need materials for our bodies (knee joints, dental fillings, implants, dentures), we live in houses made of ceramic bricks, mortar, cement and wood, our lenses are made of glass or plastic. Our whole life is characterized by natural or specially developed materials.

The task of materials science is the selection, development and processing of materials. It is a key discipline that acts and mediates between the natural sciences and engineering to drive technical and scientific progress in traditional and promising industries.

Materials science in Jena is a consecutive course of study, i.e. after the bachelor's degree de there is the possibility to add a master's degree de in materials science (4 semesters) and obtain a degree equivalent to the German Diplom.

Under the university's research profile "light, life, liberty", special importance is attached in Jena, in addition to traditional contents, to the materials glass and glass-ceramics, linear and non-linear optics (laser-assisted manufacturing and material processing, glass fibers), medical technology (metallic, ceramic and polymer-based implants) and biomaterials (bioactive glasses).

The broad spectrum of courses at the interfaculty Otto Schott Institute for Materials Research is additionally expanded by cooperation agreements with the Technical University of Ilmenau and the Ernst Abbe University of Jena. The professorships at the institute deal with Metallic Materials, Glass Chemistry, Colloids, Surface and Interfaces, Biomaterials and Composites, the Mechanics of functional Materials, Computational Materials Science, and Bioactive Glasses, and open up a wide range of electives for students to specify and deepen their knowledge.

After successfully completing a degree in materials science, a wide range of career entry opportunities with excellent future prospects as well as varied fields of activity are available.

Due to the increasing demand for MINT employees, there are very good prospects for a well-paid and future-oriented job after completing your studies with us.

The fields of employment range from research and development, industrial production and quality assurance to technical sales.

Use your opportunities to participate in the trends of the future:

• Renewable energies and environmentally friendly technologies
• Industry 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence
• Aerospace industry
• Robotics
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials and Medical Technology

There are also extensive opportunities in traditional industries:

• Optical industry
• Glass and ceramic industry
• Metalworking industry
• Vehicle construction (Automotive)
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical industry
• Electrical industry
• Medical Technology
• Mining and metallurgy
• Building Materials Industry
• etc.