Background 

The School of Materials Science and Engineering is part of the engineering programs at Bahir Dar Technology Institute (BiT). It began its journey with the establishment of the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) department within the College of Science in 2011. The school aims to prepare competent graduates capable of addressing industrial challenges related to materials. In 2020, the department launched an undergraduate program to expand its academic offerings, and it subsequently upgraded to a school while relocating to Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (BiT).

The School of MSE emphasizes the significance of materials science and engineering in driving innovation and development. With a focus on the relationship between material properties, structure, and performance, students engage in both theoretical and practical studies across various scales. This comprehensive approach enhances their ability to develop and improve materials for diverse applications. The interdisciplinary nature of materials science and engineering is increasingly recognized, fostering collaboration across fields to advance knowledge and application in this critical area.

One of the main objectives of the School is to prepare knowledgeable, skilled, and mature engineers and technologists through a robust curriculum of undergraduate and graduate studies. It is dedicated to producing problem-solving research outputs by promoting research focused on knowledge and technology transfer that aligns with the country’s priority needs. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen and enhance technology-based services and support that cater to the developmental requirements of the nation through consultancy and community services. Furthermore, the school aims to foster wealth creation through technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

Currently, the school is running 1 undergraduate, and 1 master program. It has 12 active academic staff (1 associate professors, 5 assistant professors, 3 lecturers, and 3 assistant lecturers), and 1 on postdoctoral Study leave staff. 

Student Admission 

Admissions and placements to all regular undergraduate programs are processed through the ministry until such time as the university will be allowed to enroll its students. It may also be granted to students completing their secondary education in foreign countries on the basis of equivalent academic achievements that shall be determined by the ministry. Admissions to all undergraduate continuing and distance education programs is processed through the various faculties, in consultation with the institute registrar, by considering criteria to be developed by the Academic Standards and Review Committee. The criteria shall be developed based on the framework from ministry and/or ETA.

Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

Graduates of the Materials science and engineering program are expected within a few years of graduation to have:

PEO1: Established themselves as practicing professionals in the capacity as policy makers and leaders in government and industry and/or be engaged in advanced study in mechanical engineering or a related field. 

PEO2: Graduates will function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multi-disciplinary settings. 

PEO3: Graduates will have the preparation and ability to engage in independent and life-long learning in the broadest context of technological change.

Student Outcomes:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informal judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions and 
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies