Materials Innovation

Materials innovation is the science that involves the development and creation of new materials that play crucial roles and are essential for various aspects of human life, including economic and social development, environmental sustainability, and health. Currently, natural resources are being rapidly exploited and depleted, leading to critical environmental issues such as global warming and ongoing disasters and epidemics. This situation necessitates international efforts to regulate the use of natural resources, with a focus on efficient recycling throughout the value chain to ensure their return as circulating resources through appropriate processes. Additionally, there is a pressing need to accelerate the development of innovative materials to replace those that contribute to environmental problems, leveraging the country's biodiversity.

In response to this developmental direction, the " Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Innovation for Sustainable Development" has been meticulously designed. The program aims to cultivate graduates equipped with skills and knowledge across three key areas: (1) the materials development process for appropriate application, (2) the innovation development process, and (3) the concept of sustainable development. Furthermore, the curriculum is tailored to impart 21st-century skills, including leadership, critical thinking, collaboration in diverse settings, effective international communication, and creative problem-solving abilities.
The course methodology embraces the theory of knowledge creation and self-intellectual skills, specifically adopting the Constructivism Theory to design learning management, monitor, and evaluate learning outcomes. Moreover, the curriculum integrates the Social Cognitive Theory, which emphasizes three fundamental concepts: observational learning, self-regulation, and perception of self-efficacy. These theories are instrumental in fostering the development of 21st-century skills among students across all six areas of the curriculum, ensuring the production of graduates with the intended characteristics and skills.

The Doctor of Philosophy Program Major in Material Innovation for Sustainability aims to produce graduates with specialized knowledge and expertise in international materials science. Graduates should be capable of integrating and synthesizing knowledge to conduct research that generates new insights and innovative materials relevant to contemporary challenges. This includes aligning with national development and sustainable development goals to enhance industry competitiveness and contribute to economic and societal benefits. Additionally, graduates are expected to demonstrate creativity, entrepreneurial mindset, and proficiency in academic communication at an international level. They should possess leadership and critical thinking skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively in multicultural environments. Moreover, graduates should uphold ethical standards, morality, and respect for intellectual property rights.

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Material Innovation for Sustainability offers a comprehensive curriculum aimed at producing graduates equipped with specialized expertise in international materials science. Through cutting-edge research and a focus on innovation aligned with sustainable development goals, students are prepared to make significant contributions to industry competitiveness and societal advancement. With an emphasis on creativity, effective communication, and ethical conduct, graduates emerge as leaders capable of driving positive change in a multicultural world while upholding the highest standards of integrity and respect for intellectual property.

This program is designed with a modern approach, emphasizing the cultivation of material innovators who can effectively respond to the imperative of sustainable development, both nationally and internationally. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue various career paths, including roles within organizations domestically, multinational corporations, or abroad. The medium of instruction being English facilitates seamless communication in English, enhancing students' ability to present their work confidently, whether in classrooms or seminars.
   Furthermore, the curriculum aims to enhance students' specialized skills, including the generation of entrepreneurial ideas, proficiency in cost and value analysis of innovative materials, and expertise in developing sustainable materials. Graduates can explore diverse career opportunities such as:
1)   Researchers and developers specializing in innovative materials, production design, and quality control in industries associated with various materials, including those aligned with the government's targeted industrial sectors (S-Curve).
2)   Academics and researchers in the field of materials science and innovative materials, serving as lecturers and researchers in government agencies, independent organizations, and public institutions, both domestically and internationally.
3)   Innovative entrepreneurs or members of startup groups aiming to establish businesses focused on developing innovative material products aligned with global trends emphasizing sustainable development.
4)   Various other related career paths.

PLO1    Demonstrates academic ethics, research ethics, and respects intellectual property rights without infringement.
PLO2   Explains the connections to advanced knowledge in materials science, including important materials analysis tools, advanced analysis tools, scientific research processes, economic analysis, and the development of innovative materials that remain current and align with national development and sustainable development objectives.
PLO3    Creates research and innovative materials that adhere to national development and sustainable development guidelines, utilizing advanced mathematics and statistics for the analysis of innovative materials.
PLO4 Analyzes and evaluates the value and worthiness of innovative materials, considering factors such as the life cycle and environmental impacts.
PLO5    Possesses systematic thinking skills to creatively solve complex problems, demonstrating responsibility, leadership, and critical thinking abilities. Capable of collaborating with others in a multicultural society.
PLO6 Presents information on innovative materials and research results effectively for academic communication at the international level.

Plan 1.1:
- 45,500 Baht per semester
- 273,000 Baht per programme

Plan 1.1
   Total credits   48 credits (3-year Doctor’s Degree)
       1. Non-credit required course
       2. Seminar (Non-credit)
3. Thesis               48 credits

(Refer to Doctor of Philosophy Program in Materials Innovation Year 2022)

Links: Plan 1.1

1.1 = Dissertation only (not less than 48 credits) (Master's degree graduates)
1.2 = Dissertation only (not less than 72 credits) (Bachelor's degree with honours graduates)
2.1 = Course work (not less than 12 credits) with Dissertation (not less than 36 credits) (Master's degree graduates)
2.2 = Course work (not less than 24 credits) with Dissertation (not less than 48 credits) (Bachelor's degree with honours graduates)