*Course Description* 

This course explores the principles of physical metallurgy, including microstructure-property relationships, phase transformations, alloy design, and advanced characterization techniques for metals and alloys. 

 

 *Learning Objectives* 

By the end of this course, students will: 

1. Analyse phase diagrams and microstructure evolution in metals. 

2. Apply thermodynamics and kinetics to phase transformations (e.g., precipitation, martensitic transformations). 

3. Design alloys for specific mechanical, thermal, or corrosion-resistant properties. 

4. Use advanced characterization tools (SEM, TEM, XRD) to evaluate microstructures. 

 

*Required Materials* 

- Textbook: Physical Metallurgy Principles by Reza Abbaschian (4th ed.). 

- Software: Thermo-Calc, MATLAB (for simulations). 

- Lab access: Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD). 

 

*Course Schedule* 

| Week | Topics                                      | Assessments | 

|------|---------------------------------------------|-------------| 

| 1–2  | Review of phase diagrams, Gibbs free energy | Homework 1  | 

| 3–4  | Solidification & nucleation theory          | Lab 1 (Microstructure Analysis) | 

| 5–6  | Precipitation hardening, aging kinetics     | Midterm Exam | 

| 7–8  | Martensitic transformations, shape memory alloys | Homework 2 | 

| 9–10 | Alloy design for aerospace/automotive apps  | Project Proposal | 

| 11–14| Advanced characterization techniques        | Final Project & Presentation | 

 

*Assessment* 

- Homework & Labs (30%) 

- Midterm Exam (25%) 

- Final Project (35%) 

- Participation (10%) 

 

*Policies* 

- Late submissions: 15% penalty per day. 

- Collaboration: Allowed for labs, but individual reports. 

- Lab safety: Mandatory PPE (gloves, goggles) during experiments. 

 

*Graduate Program Curriculum Overview* 

A typical *M.S./Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering* includes core courses, electives, and a thesis/dissertation. 

 

*Core Courses* 

1. *Extractive Metallurgy* 

   - Pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, electrometallurgy. 

   - Sustainability in metal extraction (e.g., recycling, low-carbon processes). 

 

2. *Mechanical Behaviour of Materials* 

   - Plastic deformation, fracture mechanics, fatigue, creep. 

 

3. *Advanced Materials Characterization* 

   - Hands-on training with SEM, TEM, EBSD, and XRD. 

 

4. *Computational Materials Science* 

   - Modelling phase transformations, microstructure evolution (CALPHAD, phase-field modelling). 

 

*Electives* 

- *Corrosion Engineering* 

- *Nanomaterials & Thin Films* 

- *Additive Manufacturing of Metals* 

- *Biomaterials & Medical Implants* 

- *Advanced Welding & Joining Technologies* 

 

*Research/Thesis* 

- *M.S.*: 1–2 years of research (e.g., alloy development, process optimization). 

- *Ph.D.*: 3–5 years of original research (e.g., novel extraction methods, high-entropy alloys). 

- Defence and peer-reviewed publication required. 

 

 *Program Policies* 

- *Credits*: 30–36 credits (M.S.), 60+ credits (Ph.D.). 

- *Comprehensive Exams*: Required for Ph.D. candidacy (written + oral). 

- *Industry Partnerships*: Optional internships with mining/metals companies (e.g., ArcelorMittal, Rio Tinto).