The course builds on basic knowledge of materials science, general chemistry, and physics acquired during previous years of study. Students are expected to be familiar with the fundamentals of crystallography, have a basic awareness of equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase transformations, and understand the relationships between material structure and properties. Throughout the semester, we systematically build on these foundations, linking the necessary physical and thermodynamic concepts to specific processes in materials and practical examples.

To obtain the course credit, students are required to attend all practical classes (100% attendance), submit all laboratory reports at an appropriate technical and presentation standard, and successfully pass two tests during the semester. Attendance at practical classes is mandatory, and any absence must be properly justified. In the case of an excused absence, the corresponding topic will be covered through an individual assignment.

The final examination consists of written and oral parts. The written examination assesses students' knowledge of the topics announced at the beginning of the semester. During the oral examination, students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of specific topics and their ability to identify relationships and draw logical conclusions.

The final grade is based on the assessment of laboratory work and the results of both the written and oral examinations.

The aim of the course is to develop your understanding of the internal structure of materials and your ability to interpret their properties and behaviour based on physical principles. You will learn how crystal lattice defects, diffusion processes, and phase transformations influence the resulting microstructure and material properties. You will acquire a physical understanding of elastic and plastic deformation, material failure, and the fundamental principles of fracture mechanics. You will also become familiar with the physical origins of selected thermal, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties, as well as corrosion and other material degradation processes.

This elective course, offered in the third year of bachelor's studies, provides a valuable foundation for students wishing to further explore materials science, materials engineering, applied physics, or related technical disciplines. A deeper understanding of the physical principles governing material behaviour is also valuable for future design engineers, computational engineers, and manufacturing engineers, enabling them to better account for actual material properties and limitations when designing and manufacturing mechanical components.

Study materials include lecture presentations, supporting materials for laboratory classes, and recommended textbooks and reference literature. Electronic study materials are made available to students through the university's e-learning platform.

• Programme B-STI-A Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  
• Programme B-STI-Z Bachelor's 1 year of study, winter semester, recommended course
  

• Programme B-ZSI-P Bachelor's

  specialization STI , 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional