It is the study and science and art of metals and their properties, separating metals from their ores, the making and compounding of alloys, and the technology and science of working and heat-treating metals to alter their physical characteristics. Metallurgy is commonly used in the craft of metalworking. Metallurgical engineering can be broadly divided into three categories - physical metallurgy, extractive metallurgy, and mineral processing. Physical metallurgy needs problem solving skills. In this case a metallurgical engineer prepares the sorts of metallic alloys needed for different types of manufacturing and construction works. Extractive metallurgy involves extracting metal from ore. Mineral Processing deals with the technology of processing mineral products after it is extracted from the earth crust in impure form.

Eligibility for Metallurgical Engineering

A bachelor's degree to pursue career in this department. You can major in metallurgical engineering, metallurgy, or materials science. It usually takes four or five years to earn a bachelor's degree. You can earn a master's degree in one or two years of additional full-time study. It usually takes about four years of full time study to receive a doctoral degree once you have earned a bachelor's degree.

Job Prospects for Metallurgical Engineers

Metallurgists are employed in foundries, heat treatment shops, rolling mills, etc. industries. They are also employed in research laboratories, industries and plants extracting and processing metals like iron and steel, nickel, tin, copper, zinc, aluminium and brass etc. Tata Iron and Steel Company at Jamshedpur and steel plants of Durgapur, Bhillai, Rourkela and Bokaro also employ them.