PROfessions: What Competencies Material Science Students Acquire at Moscow Poly

Moscow Poly “Polytech Media” student media center continues the “PROfessions” rubrics. In a new article, “Material Science and Material Technology” student Daniil Polyakov shares the details about the learning process and employment prospects at largest companies.

What is material science in a nutshell?

Material science is a science about materials, their properties and structures. There is a wide-spread phrase at the department that every freshman has to know by heart – “The structure [of the material] determines [its] properties”.

Why did you choose this field area specifically?

The choice turned out to be spontaneous – I was planning to apply to a different faculty but my results of the unified state examination weren`t enough so, I started considering other options. I saw that the curriculum in this field of study looks pretty good and that`s how I happened to be here.

What qualities are useful in your studies?

The key ability is to work in teams. No material science specialist works alone: almost all lab research sessions are carried out in groups where all members should arrive at a consensus. And one has to be ready that not everything will work out right away. But I think it can be applied to all fields.

What do students of your major study?

We study everything starting from physics to general chemistry. And I can make happy everybody who hates advanced math – it will only last one term. We also study major disciplines, such as “Theory of Material Visualisation”, “Material Resistance” and “History of Material Science”.

My personal favourite discipline is general chemistry, the classes are held by a wonderful teacher. Back in school, I never attended chemistry so, I had to study it from zero, just like many of my group mates. But the classes became the real joy in our lives. I`d also like to mention “Practicum in Structure Visualization”.

What competencies do students of your major acquire?

We have to learn how to work with composite materials, ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

What`s the ratio between theory and practice?

I think it`s 50/50 – we have a lot of practice.

Where can you work after graduation?

You can work as a material science specialist. They`re needed everywhere starting from canned meat plant to companies as Apple, Microsoft, Good and Foxconn.