Major Analysis

  The Metal Materials Engineering Major aims to cultivate students into well-rounded individuals with both moral integrity and professional competence, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation. Students are expected to systematically master the fundamental theories of materials science and the basic principles governing the relationship between "composition, structure, process, environment, and properties" of metal materials. They will acquire the ability to solve complex engineering problems related to material composition design, structural research and analysis, microstructure control, processing and preparation techniques, and applications. The Metal Materials Engineering Major focuses on emerging directions such as chip semiconductors, nano/amorphous materials, superconductors, and energy storage materials. By concurrently offering specialized training modes such as Intelligent Manufacturing Classes, Innovation Classes, and IC/Yuexin/Craftsmanship/Inbay Characteristic Classes, the major nurtures cutting-edge high-tech talents for key industries including new-generation electronic information, advanced materials, intelligent manufacturing, and semiconductor integrated circuits. These talents will be equipped to engage in product design and development, quality assurance and control, technological transformation, production organization, and management.

Major Profile

1. Selected as a National First-Class Undergraduate Major Construction Site

2. Certified by the China Engineering Education Accreditation Association

3. Ranked 5th and rated as an A-level major by the Alumni Association

4. Ranked 12th and rated as a B+level major by the Specialty Evaluated by Shanghai Ranking

Overview of Major Development

Originated from the majors of Alloy, Ferrous Metallurgy, and Non-ferrous Metallurgy within the Mining and Metallurgical College established by Guangdong University of Technology in 1976.

In 2000, Guangdong Machinery College merged with other institutions to establish the Metal Materials Engineering Major.

In 2019, the Metal Materials Engineering Major was certified by the China Engineering Education Accreditation Association.

In 2020, it was approved as a National First-Class Undergraduate Major Construction Site.

Major Objectives and Characteristics

Objective 1: To systematically master the basic theories of materials science and the fundamental principles governing the relationship between composition, structure, process, environment, and properties of metal materials, with the ability to solve complex engineering problems related to material structure research and analysis, microstructure control, processing and preparation techniques, and applications of metal materials.

Objective 2: To possess the capabilities for product design and development, quality assurance and control, technological transformation, production organization, and management in the field of metal materials and related areas.

Objective 3: To be able to expand knowledge through self-study or continuing education, broaden international horizons, adapt to career development, and implement energy-saving, material-saving, and environmentally friendly measures in production processes by utilizing new knowledge and technologies.

Objective 4: To exhibit excellent teamwork spirit, organizational and coordination abilities, and effectively communicate with colleagues, professional clients, and the public.

Objective 5: To possess good humanities and social science literacy, engineering ethics and norms, service awareness, legal awareness, and social responsibility.

Characteristics

  Characteristics (1): "Metal Materials + Artificial Intelligence" Composite Talent Cultivation

In strategic pillar industries such as advanced materials, smart appliances, the automotive industry, and new-generation electronic information in Guangdong Province, as well as in strategic emerging industries such as new materials, new energy, lasers, and additive manufacturing, and in institutions such as scientific research academies, customs, and other enterprises and institutions, students will engage in metal material and component design and development, mold and product design, processing technology formulation and production management, material properties and non-destructive testing, procurement and sales, etc. This characteristic aims to cultivate high-quality, innovative, and composite talents with a sense of patriotism, an international perspective, a solid foundation, and innovative abilities.

  Characteristics (2): "Metal Materials + IC (Integrated Circuit)" Cross-disciplinary Composite Talent Cultivation

In the fourth semester, students are selected for the "IC 2+2" program, and in the fifth semester, they enter the Joint College of Integrated Circuit Design to study and acquire relevant knowledge and skills in integrated circuits, developing strong cross-disciplinary problem-solving abilities.

  Characteristics (3) :"Metal Materials + Yuexin/Craftsmanship Class + Inbay Class" Targeted Practical Talent Cultivation

In the sixth semester, students are selected for the "Yuexin/Craftsmanship Class/Inbay Battery 3+1" program, and in the seventh semester, they enter renowned chip and battery enterprises for practical learning, mastering knowledge and practical skills related to product design and development, thereby acquiring strong practical abilities.

Core Courses

The main courses include: Fundamentals of Materials Science, Analytical Testing Techniques, Metal Materials and Heat Treatment, Specialized English, and Principles of Plastic Forming, which lay a solid foundation for students' innovative and research capabilities. Additionally, courses such as Additive Manufacturing Technology and Applications, Advanced Welding Technology, Computer-Aided Design and Course Design, Comprehensive Experiments in Materials Science, and Comprehensive Experiments in Failure Analysis prepare students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the intelligent manufacturing industry. Furthermore, courses tailored for the emerging information industry include Materials Surface Engineering, Introduction to Advanced Materials, and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence.

Practical Training

  The proportion of in-class practical training hours exceeds 30%, encompassing cognitive internships, productive internships, graduation projects, various comprehensive experiments, and course designs. Our school hosts the Inter-university Experimental Comprehensive Skills Invitational Contest annually in Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, which is the 19th Student Experimental Comprehensive Skills Competition of Guangdong University of Technology, focusing on the preparation of carbon steel metallographic samples, providing students with opportunities to compete and enhance their skills. Under the guidance of teachers, students can participate in national competitions annually, including the National College Students' Metallographic Skill Contest and the Material Heat Treatment Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Students also have the opportunity to engage in innovative training projects every year, with ample chances to participate in research projects and explore novel research directions.

Faulty Team and Research Directions

There are 12 full-time teachers and 2 laboratory teachers. All full-time teachers have overseas study or visiting scholar experiences and hold Ph.D. degrees. Students in their freshman and sophomore years can choose mentors to join research teams and conduct related scientific research. In recent years, over 50% of students have participated in research projects.

             Employment and Advantages

The main employment fields of the Metal Materials Engineering Major permeate through industries such as new-generation electronic information, smart appliances, automobiles, advanced materials, and video displays within the top ten strategic pillar industries, as well as emerging industries such as semiconductors, intelligent equipment, cutting-edge new materials, laser additive manufacturing, and precision instrumentation and equipment. The graduates satisfaction rate after one, five, and ten years of their graduation, as well as that of their employers, towards the major exceeds 95%.

Employment characteristics: Numerous top-tier enterprises! Extensive demand, limited competition, and high employment rates!

Further Study and Advantages

In the past five years, the postgraduate enrollment rate has been increasing annually, reaching approximately 30% in 2023. The admission rate to double first-class universities is high, including South China University of Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and so on.

Postgraduate Enrollment Advantages:

1. Students have a solid grasp of the basic theories related to materials science, making them popular among numerous double first-class universities.

2. Students possess rich experiences in material-related research projects, competitions, and practical activities, with strong independent and innovative research capabilities.

3. Students have a wide range of options for research directions at the graduate level.

4. The major has been certified by the China Engineering Education Certification Association, enabling qualified graduates to obtain globally recognized degrees and to enjoy convenient qualifications for direct admission to overseas graduate programs.