The Curriculum for Metallurgical Engineering

How long will your degree take?

  • Bachelor of Science – 8 semesters
  • Master of Science – 2 years + Bachelor of Science
  • Master of Engineering – 2 years + Bachelor of Science
  • Ph.D. – 4 years + Bachelor of Science

The subjects you will study

The metallurgical engineering program at the University of Utah covers comprehensive study in three main areas: mineral processing, chemical metallurgy, and physical metallurgy.

Mineral processing involves the separation and concentration of minerals in particulate form from ore by size reduction, flotation, and other separation techniques.

Chemical metallurgy covers the methods of extracting pure metals from the concentrated minerals by means of chemical reactions. The extractive technology includes the use of high temperature [pyrometallurgy], aqueous or other solutions [hydrometallurgy], and electricity [electrometallurgy].

Physical metallurgy is concerned with the development of new physical properties in existing metals or combinations of metals (alloys) that exhibit specific characteristics. It also deals with the fabrication of metals into useful products using high temperature and mechanical forces.

Additional subjects you will learn in support of these major areas include metallurgical thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat and mass transport, chemical reaction kinetics, and process statistics, synthesis and economics.

During the first two years, our undergraduate students take courses on mathematics, chemistry, physics, and basic engineering in preparation for the major field described above. Additionally, they must complete the General Education requirements, as all the University students must.

Details of the contents of the curriculum and each course are given in the department’s Undergraduate Program Guide. and in the University of Utah General Catalog.