Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. Program in Materials Science and Engineering

The Ph.D. Program in Materials Science and Engineering at the University Carlos III of Madrid aims to train researchers in the field of materials science and engineering, enabling them to gain experience in techniques of synthesis and/or processing of materials, as well as different material characterization techniques.

About the Program

The objective of this Ph.D. program is to provide students with a technological and research training that enables them to develop their competencies in universities, research departments of public or private enterprises, or technological centers. The program is regulated by RD 99/2011, January 28.

Director and Institute

The director of the program is Prof. Paula Alvaredo Olmos, and the institute is the Alvaro Alonso Barba Technological Institute of Chemistry and Materials.

Admission Requirements

According to art. 6 of the PhD studies regulation (RD 99/2011), in order to access the Program, it is required to have a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and a Master's degree (or equivalent), provided that at least 300 ECTS credits have been passed in these two cycles as a whole, or the equivalent degree qualifies for level 3 of MECES (Marco Espal de Cualificaciones para la Educaci Superior, Spanish Framework for Higher Education Qualifications).

Admission Criteria

Admission is decided according to the criteria set by the Academic Committee as listed below:

• Academic background of the candidate (30%)
• Suitability of the candidate's profile to the lines of research of the Ph.D. Program (30%)
• Viability of thesis proposal with details on the candidate's interest in the Ph.D. Program, line(s) of research to be carried out, contribution, and innovative character (30%)
• Candidate's research interests, motivation, and commitment to the Ph.D. Program (10%)
• English skills will be taken into consideration (proof of minimum level B2 required)
• Candidates may have endorsement from a Professor from the Ph.D. Program

Seats Available

There are 15 seats available for the academic year.

Faculty

The faculty includes:

• Academic Committee: Prof. Paula Alvaredo Olmos, Prof. Verica San Miguel Arnanz, and Prof. Manuel Torres Carrasco
• Faculty: A list of professors and their research areas, including synthesis and characterization of materials, powder technology, synthesis and processing, and physics and mathematics

Training

In addition to the elaboration of the doctoral thesis, students must take some training aimed at improving their research skills and the scientific quality of their research work. This is structured in the following types of training:

• Specific training
• Research skills training

Research

The program has several research lines, including:

• Construction materials, corrosion, and durability
• Surface treatments and adhesion
• Electrochemical characterization of materials
• Composite and multifunctional materials
• Materials with electrical, magnetic, optical, or thermal functionality
• Nanomaterials and nanotechnology
• Materials with biomedical applications
• Ceramic materials
• Materials for energy
• Powder injection molding (PIM)
• Metallic materials and powder metallurgy
• Metallic materials for high temperature
• Special production techniques

Scientific Results

The program has a strong research output, with several publications in reputable journals. Some examples include:

• Thesis: Additive-free thick Li4Ti5O12 and LiFePO4 electrodes for high energy density lithium-ion batteries
• Thesis: Preparaci y caracterizaci de nuevos materiales nanocompuestos termopl疽ticos
• Thesis: Aplicaci de la Tecnolog僘 de Adhesivos en Estructuras Multimaterial
• Thesis: Processing and surface modification of -Titanium alloys produced by powder metallurgy for biomedical application
• Thesis: Durability of eco-friendly alternative materials to Portland cement
• Thesis: Bioabsorbable composite laminates of PLA reinforced with surface-modified Mg wires for orthopedic implant applications
• Thesis: Nano-architectures with hierarchical porosity manufactured by colloidal techniques for application in ceramic semiconductor-based supercapacitors
• Thesis: Development of new ferritic 14 Cr ODS steels with four oxides formers (Y, Ti, Zr, Al) for nuclear applications
• Thesis: A novel antibacterial sol-gel coating for prosthetic devices
• Thesis: S匤tesis y caracterizaci de membranas polim駻icas de intercambio protico y aniico para su aplicaci como electrolitos sidos en pilas de combustible

Thesis Defense

The doctoral thesis consists of an original research work developed by the Ph.D. candidate student in the field of knowledge of the program that enables the student for autonomous work in the field of R+D+i. The thesis must meet the high-quality standards required by the Ph.D. program and be subject to public defense and assessment by an independent thesis committee.

Useful Information

• Ph.D. Studies Overview
• Admission
• Enrollment
• Ph.D. Studies: Monitoring and Development
• Thesis Defense
• Glossary of Terms

Contact

For more information, please contact the Doctoral School Office at the University Carlos III of Madrid.