Introduction
The development of materials science and engineering at National Taiwan University (NTU) was started in the 1960s by Professor Tze-Hong Loh, who founded the Materials Research Group. In August 1982, this group was transformed into the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering. At that time, the institute offered only a Master program. The Ph.D. program was initiated five years later, in 1987, and the Bachelor program was launched in 2001.
Since the establishment of the Institute, more than 500 students have graduated, almost all of whom are now active in both academic and industrial fields. To elevate the level of academic achievement in both quality and quantity, recruitment of undergraduate students was instituted in 2001, and the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering was renamed the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The department has five research divisions: metallic materials, polymeric materials, ceramic materials, electronic materials, and processing.
Research areas in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) include both fundamental theory studies and investigations of ways to create novel solutions for material problems in engineering systems. In order to meet the demands of rapid scientific change and to develop materials for advanced technologies, our purpose is to cultivate students with complete knowledge of materials science and to provide them with the ability to do advanced research. The most talented undergraduate students are selected according to the Joint University Admission test. After finishing the four-year program, these undergraduate students are strongly recommended to continue their study in the graduate program in order to complete their training.
