Program overview
In simple terms, this major studies materials that are neither metals nor organics – such as ceramics, glass, cement, refractories, semiconductor ceramics, optical fibers, and more. The phone screen you use every day, window glass, toilets, and even the outer shell of a space shuttle all rely on them. Core courses include Fundamentals of Materials Science, Physical Chemistry of Inorganic Materials, Materials Analysis Methods, Ceramic Technology, Glass Technology, Cement Technology, etc. You'll learn how to mix raw materials, fire them, test performance, and make materials stronger, more heat-resistant, and more transparent. It's suitable for students who enjoy hands-on experiments, don't mind chemistry and physics, and are willing to work in factories or labs. China has a unique edge in this field – for example, Jingdezhen's ceramic techniques have been passed down for thousands of years. Many universities (such as Wuhan University of Technology and South China University of Technology) are strong in advanced ceramics and specialty glass, with state-of-the-art lab equipment, allowing you to experience everything from traditional to cutting-edge processes.