Our Department
Introduction
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. The department comprises 25 faculty members and is meticulously planned to provide a comprehensive education and research environment. We maintain close academic-industrial collaborations with institutions such as the National Nano Device Laboratories (NDL), the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, and high-tech companies in the Hsinchu Science Park. Our focus is on technological integration and materials innovation, aiming to cultivate talents for advanced material design and manufacturing in high-tech industries.
The department places great emphasis on students' foreign language proficiency and encourages graduate students to participate in international conferences and present their research annually. These efforts have earned widespread recognition from both academia and industry, domestically and internationally. In recent years, students have visited and engaged in exchange programs with prestigious universities and prominent research centers abroad, such as the University of Washington, the University of California, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Their exceptional performance during these visits has been highly praised.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU boasts the strongest and most comprehensive faculty team, cutting-edge research directions in advanced technology, state-of-the-art facilities, and the newest and largest international-class department building. It is highly favored by the high-tech industry and maintains strong connections with top universities worldwide.
The Most Competent Faculty
The professors in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU specialize in various scientific fields and have received comprehensive and solid educational training, graduating from renowned institutions both domestically and internationally (such as MIT, Northwestern, UC Berkeley, University of Illinois, Oxford, National Taiwan University, Tsinghua University, National Chiao Tung University, Cheng Kung University, etc.). In addition, our faculty members have received numerous prestigious research awards in Taiwan, including the Wu Da-Yu Award, the Hou Jin-Dui Award, and the Outstanding Research Award, among others. In today’s rapidly advancing scientific landscape and ever-changing industrial trends, our faculty is well-equipped to provide students with forward-thinking insights and broad, visionary scientific knowledge.
Cutting-Edge Research in Advanced Technology
The key development focuses of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU are:
1. Electronic Materials (Semiconductor Materials, Electronics-related Materials): Semiconductor (IC) material processing and component fabrication, electronic assembly, and electronic components.
2. Optoelectronic Materials (Flat-panel display materials, such as LCD, OLED, etc.): Materials related to liquid crystal displays, light-emitting diode (LED) materials, and optoelectronic communication materials.
3. Energy Materials (Versatile energy materials): Solar energy materials, organic and inorganic energy composite materials and components.
4. Biomedical Materials (Versatile biomedical materials): Drug delivery and release materials, biomedical and chemical sensing materials and components.
5. Nanomaterials (Versatile high-tech materials): High-performance electronic and optoelectronic nanomaterials and components.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU is located near the Hsinchu Science Park, fostering close collaboration with numerous high-tech companies. Over the years, many of its research have been successfully transferred to the industry, creating a win-win situation. The technology transfer revenue has reached new heights repeatedly.
Visionary Educational Goals
Educational Focus of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU:
1. Develop students' foundational knowledge in materials engineering and their ability to learn across disciplines.
2. Cultivation of Research Skills: Equip students with the fundamental abilities to engage in research and become outstanding talents in the high-tech industry.
3. Foster an international outlook and enhance students' abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing foreign languages.
4. Encourage the formation of well-rounded individuals who care about society and value the protection of the Earth's resources and environment.
5. Cultivate students' abilities in teamwork, communication, integration, and leadership.
6. Prepare students to become leaders with a broad vision in the field of technology.
The Nation's Only Materials Engineering Laboratory
State-of-the-Art Research Facilities
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU possesses a rich and professional array of instruments.
These include valuable analytical and processing equipment such as the Auger Electron Spectrometer, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and over a hundred other sophisticated instruments.
The Newest and Largest International-Class Department Building
The international-class Materials Science and Engineering building at National Chiao Tung University was completed in 2005. It provides students with ample space for learning and application, ensuring a smooth and successful academic journey.
Favorite Among High-Tech Industries
According to a report by CommonWealth Magazine, among the executives at the Hsinchu Science Park, including board chairpersons and general managers, 63.5% are alumni of National Chiao Tung University (NCTU). Additionally, approximately 80% of the publicly listed companies in Silicon Valley, founded by Chinese entrepreneurs, are led by NCTU alumni. According to a survey by Cheers Magazine, NCTU's College of Engineering graduates are highly sought after by companies. Graduates from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, particularly those with master's and doctoral degrees, receive offers from an average of five or more companies actively pursuing them for employment.
Outstanding Research Excellence
According to a report by the National Science Council, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU has ranked first in the country for the impact factor of papers published in international journals (SCI papers) over the past three years. This reflects the department's leading position in the quality of published research within the nation's materials science departments.
Robust Global Competitiveness
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2014 – Materials Science, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU proudly ranked second in Taiwan, earning recognition as one of the top institutions in the field of materials science in the country.
Industry-Integrated Photolithography Laboratory
After entering the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the fabrication of semiconductor and optoelectronic components during their junior year. This allows them to prepare thoroughly before entering the industry and helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world practice.
Close Integration with Academic Institutions
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NYCU has close collaboration with the NCTU Center for Advanced Materials Research. Whether in materials research or interdisciplinary integration, the department consistently remains at the forefront, standing out compared to other universities.