The aim of the course is to introduce students to the fundamental principles, structure, and properties of metals and their alloys, as well as the treatments and processes applied to achieve desired properties for specific applications. The main objectives of the course are for students to: – understand the relationship between the structure and properties of metallic materials, and how these relate to applied processes and final applications – become familiar with the latest techniques and methods for the characterization of metals and alloys and – develop skills in selecting appropriate metallic materials and refining them according to their intended applications.

Topics include chemical bonds, crystalline structures, defects, physical and mechanical properties, mechanical shaping processes, surface properties, corrosion, equilibrium and Fe-C phase diagrams, phase transformations, metallurgical processes including electrolysis, recycling, and nano-metallurgy. The course also addresses hardening and thermal treatments, metal surface treatments, industrial alloys such as steels, cast irons, light metals, titanium and superalloys, as well as methods for materials characterization, including destructive, non-destructive, and field techniques.

The course is lab-based and focuses on synthesis, heat treatment and characterization methods of metals and alloys.