BHC’s new building also launching new Materials Science Technology program

A new building under construction at Black Hawk College will house the college’s new Materials Science Technology program and will feature a new laboratory specifically equipped for the hands-on program.

“This is the beginning of new career choices for students. The program will be unique to our region,” said Dr. Michael Rivera, dean of instruction and student learning.

“Black Hawk College is growing to meet the region’s employment needs.”

Students completing the Materials Science Technology (or MAST) program may pursue jobs in product testing, prototype development, technical equipment maintenance, sales, technical writing or training, and supervision.

“The recent rebound in manufacturing hiring has come at just the right time, and the MAST program was the right choice for program development because we know that materials science is the front-running technology in manufacturing all over the country,” Dr. Rivera said.

“NASA, car makers and local companies like John Deere, ALCOA and the Rock Island Arsenal’s Joint Manufacturing Technology Center use materials science to design lighter, yet more rugged products,” he said. “Consumer products like cell phones and computers have also benefitted from advances in materials science technology.”

The developer behind the new program is associate professor Dr. Adebayo Badmos, who received his doctoral degree in metallurgy from the University of Cambridge.

“Materials science technology is an important engineering technology program that has not been available anywhere in the Quad-Cities area or the vicinity,” Dr. Badmos said.

“It’s a discipline that teaches the skills involved in the production, processing and applications of all engineering materials, which include metals, polymers, ceramics and composites,” he said.

Beginning with the Fall 2012 semester, students may enroll in one of three MAST certificate programs:

    •    Metallurgical Technology

    •    Polymers and Plastics Technology

    •    Ceramics and Glass Technology

Or, students can earn the 64-credit hour MAST Associate in Applied Science degree.

Students who are interested in a bachelor’s degree will be able to continue their education with the college’s partners, including Bradley University, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

For more information, call the Advising Center at Black Hawk College at 309-796-5100.