PhD Materials Engineering

Background

Technological advancement has been hinged to the nature of materials existing at any point in time. This is evidenced by the different periods in time that had the era named after the dominant materials of the time such as stone age, iron age etc.

The development of new materials to meet any challenges is the result of the application of advanced knowledge and research on materials and the accompanying fabrication methods. These needs call for engineers to acquire current advanced materials knowledge to enable them to address the engineering challenges in industry and society effectively. The proposed programme essentially utilizes the fundamentals of thermodynamics, materials transformation, kinetics and computational methods to answer engineering and sociological problems in materials processing.

Challenges in the area of energy production and storage in a sustainable manner will be addressed by the programme. The programme will also address the needs of fresh graduates who want to acquire further knowledge as well as practicing engineers who seek advanced knowledge to help them solve problems at their workplace.

The programme focuses on advanced study of the “processing-structure-property-performance” relationship of materials. Introductory research in areas such as mechanical behaviour of materials, design of mechanical products and systems, and manufacturing will be emphasised. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for PhD level studies and advanced engineering practices. This will require the use of their knowledge in the fundamentals of chemistry, mathematics, physics and engineering. Thus, this programme will provide students, specifically, with:

• Understanding theoretical principles and practical methodologies associated with solving materials engineering problems,
• Exposing students to relevant development in the field, to foster the application of modern methods,
• Ability to identify, carry out failure analysis and propose solutions,
• Understanding of the current trends in technologies in terms of design and selection of materials for energy and sustainable development,
• Provide materials engineering consultancy and expert services, and
• Application of computational methods in materials design.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of the programme is to provide training in materials processing, manufacturing and development, and apply the principles of basic sciences and engineering to understanding the behaviour of materials, their development and applications.

The objectives of the programme are to:

• Provide engineering leadership in industrial, governmental, and academic settings, while serving both their profession and the public
• Bring about innovation in a wide variety of technical fields including, but not limited to materials, energy, electronics, medicine, communications, transportation and recreation
• Excel in careers related to the entire life cycle of materials – from synthesis and processing, through design and development, to manufacturing, performance, and recycling.

Entry requirements for admission of students

The following shall be the admission requirements for prospective students:

• An M.Sc./MPhil degree or its equivalent in Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or any field of specialization relevant to the programme from a recognized University.
• For non-English speaking applicants, arrangements may be made with the Department of Languages for the acquisition of the necessary English language skills prior to embarking on the programme.

MODE OF APPLICATION

1. Applicants (International) must apply online. International applicants who are admitted will be required to pay an application fee of USD 200.00 before registration.
2. Candidates should proceed to online admissions website: KNUST Application Portal and begin the application process.
3. Once the process has been completed, candidates MUST PRINT OUT 2 COPIES of the completed application form from the portal and submit them (by post) to the School of Graduate Studies together with all relevant documents (Photocopies of Certificates, Recommendation Letters, and Transcript for those attending KNUST for the first time) to the following address:

The Secretary

School of Graduate Studies

KNUST

Kumasi-Ghana