Course overview
The performance of almost any engineered product, an aircraft, a battery, a bridge, a medical device, depends on the materials it is made from. Advances in composites, alloys, nanomaterials, and smart materials are opening possibilities that were out of reach a decade ago, but only for engineers who understand what these materials can do and how to choose between them. This course builds that understanding in an applied, decision-focused way.
Participants move through the main classes of advanced materials, composites and polymers, high-performance metals and alloys, nanomaterials and smart materials, then into material selection and design integration. The course closes on sustainability and the circular economy in materials and on future directions, using real applications across aerospace, automotive, energy, and healthcare.
Why this matters in engineering
Choosing the right material is one of the highest-leverage decisions in engineering, affecting performance, cost, weight, durability, and increasingly the environmental footprint of a product. Engineers who understand advanced materials and how to evaluate them make better design choices and open new possibilities, an approach that connects to the sustainability focus of the Sustainable Engineering and Green Manufacturing course.
What you will be able to do afterwards
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Classify advanced materials and describe their key properties.
- Explain where composites, alloys, and nanomaterials are applied.
- Apply material selection criteria that balance performance, cost, and sustainability.
- Integrate material choices into the design process.
- Assess the life-cycle and circular-economy implications of materials.
Course outline
Unit 1: Introduction to advanced engineering materials
The unit sets out the landscape of advanced materials.
- Classification and properties of advanced materials.
- The role of materials in modern engineering.
- Key trends in materials science.
- Case examples of materials-driven innovation.
Unit 2: Composites and polymers
Participants examine composites and advanced polymers.
- Properties and types of composite materials.
- Applications in aerospace, automotive, and construction.
- Advanced polymers and performance plastics.
- Sustainability considerations in composites.
Unit 3: Metals and alloys in engineering
The unit covers high-performance metals.
- High-performance alloys and their applications.
- Corrosion resistance and durability.
- Lightweight metals in transportation and energy.
- Advances in metallurgy for engineering.
Unit 4: Nanomaterials and smart materials
Participants study emerging material classes.
- Properties and applications of nanomaterials.
- Smart materials in sensing and adaptive systems.
- Emerging uses in healthcare and energy.
- Challenges and opportunities in nanotechnology.
Unit 5: Material selection and design integration
The unit connects materials to design decisions.
- Criteria for selecting materials in engineering projects.
- Balancing performance, cost, and sustainability.
- Tools for material performance evaluation.
- Integrating materials into the design process.
Unit 6: Sustainability and circular economy in materials
Participants examine the environmental dimension.
- Life-cycle assessment of materials.
- Recycling and reusability of advanced materials.
- Circular-economy approaches in engineering.
- ESG implications of material choices.
Unit 7: Future directions in engineering materials
The closing unit looks ahead.
- Innovations shaping materials science.
- The role of AI and digital tools in materials development.
- New materials for the energy transition.
- Preparing for future materials challenges.
How the course is delivered
The course combines structured teaching with real application examples and guided analysis of material properties and selection decisions. Participants work through material choices for realistic engineering problems, so the knowledge connects to design practice. Concepts are explained clearly for engineers from a range of disciplines, and the emphasis is on applied reasoning.
Who should attend
The course suits mechanical, materials, and design engineers, product developers, manufacturing and quality staff, and technical professionals who select or work with advanced materials. A general engineering background is helpful; deep materials-science expertise is not required.
About EuroQuest International Training
EuroQuest International Training is an international training provider founded in 2015, with a catalog of more than 1,000 courses delivered to over 15,000 participants. Headquartered in Bratislava, EuroQuest runs courses across a network of European and regional training hubs and focuses on practical, current, and professionally relevant content.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a materials-science degree for this course?
No. It is aimed at engineers and technical professionals from a range of disciplines, and explains materials concepts in an applied way focused on selection and design rather than deep theory.
Does the course cover material selection, not just properties?
Yes. A full unit addresses selecting materials and integrating them into design, balancing performance, cost, and sustainability, since choosing well is where materials knowledge creates value.
Are sustainability and recycling covered?
Yes. The course treats life-cycle assessment, recyclability, and circular-economy approaches as a core topic, since the environmental footprint of materials is now central to responsible engineering.
Related courses
- Digital Twin and Smart Manufacturing Technologies
- AI Applications in Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
- Quality Assurance in Manufacturing and Production
- Automation and Robotics in Manufacturing
Register for this course
To reserve a place or request an in-house session for your team, contact EuroQuest International Training and our team will help you confirm dates and details.
All Course Dates & Locations
27 dates · 15 cities · Sep 2026 – Jun 2027