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Of Stainless Steel and Biocompatible Ink. History of Materials Science
Von rostfreiem Stahl und biokompatibler Tinte. Zur Geschichte der Materialwissenschaften
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:29:06
Abstract
The seminar examines the history of materials science. Why and how were materials characterized, developed and tested? How did things as diverse as wood, concrete, ceramics and polymers become objects of a single discipline? How did social imaginaries and technical conditions affect scientific work with and on materials?
Objective
Students learn to critically read and interpret different types of texts. They will be familiarised with the interdependencies of technical, scientific and social change. They reflect on (material) scientific practices.
Content
The seminar discusses the socio-technical conditions and effects of materials research from a historical perspective in the 20th century. We observe physicists, chemists and engineers, as well as concrete, foams and electron microscopes, in research laboratories and materials testing institutes, in articles and patents.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 40
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Von rostfreiem Stahl und biokompatibler Tinte. Zur Geschichte der Materialwissenschaften
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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