Materials Scientist

Learning path

Take these courses in order, from beginner to mid-level.

1. 1

   Step 1: STEM Foundations: The Universal Skill Stack

   The shared base every STEM career uses: working with numbers and units, testing ideas fairly, handling data and code, and explaining your work.

   Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 18mAlso used in 34 other careers
2. 2

   Step 2: Foundations for Physical Science & Materials Careers

   How chemists, physicists and materials scientists work: the science and math core, units and estimation, the research path, and how to read and record science.

   Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 35mAlso used in 2 other careers
3. 3

   Step 3: Digital Literacy for Tech & STEM Work

   The everyday computer, internet, safety and AI skills every tech and STEM job assumes you already have.

   Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 6h 8mAlso used in 34 other careers
4. 4

   Step 4: Professional Communication & Teamwork

   Write clear emails and documents, present and run meetings, work well on teams, and navigate résumés, interviews and networking.

   Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 24mAlso used in 34 other careers
5. 5

   Step 5: Math for Tech & STEM

   The practical math behind tech and STEM work: numbers, algebra, functions, geometry, logic and counting, with short code exercises.

   Level: Beginner5 modules · 15 lessons · 7h 32mAlso used in 34 other careers
6. 6

   Step 6: Spreadsheets for Data Work

   Clean tables, correct formulas, lookups, pivot tables and honest charts in Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc or Excel.

   Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 6h 35mAlso used in 16 other careers
7. 7

   Step 7: Python Fundamentals

   Learn to program in Python from zero: values, decisions, loops, functions, data structures, files, modules and a small data project.

   Level: Beginner5 modules · 15 lessons · 9h 53mAlso used in 22 other careers
8. 8

   Step 8: Statistics Fundamentals

   Describe data, reason with probability, and draw honest conclusions from samples, with short fill-in-the-blank Python exercises.

   Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 6h 50mAlso used in 14 other careers
9. 9

   Step 9: Lab Safety Fundamentals

   Recognise lab hazards, read GHS labels and Safety Data Sheets, choose PPE, and understand the training and records that keep labs safe.

   Level: Beginner3 modules · 9 lessons · 5h 10mAlso used in 5 other careers
10. 10

    Step 10: Chemistry Fundamentals

    Atoms, bonding, gases, balanced equations, moles, solutions, pH, buffers, equilibrium and an organic and biochemistry preview, with short fill-in-the-blank Python calculators.

    Level: Beginner4 modules · 12 lessons · 5h 49mAlso used in 6 other careers
11. 11

    Step 11: Intro to Data Analysis with Python

    Load, clean, reshape and explore real data with Python and pandas, then turn the results into clear findings.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 13 lessons · 12h 55mAlso used in 10 other careers
12. 12

    Step 12: Calculus & Linear Algebra for STEM

    The calculus and linear algebra behind science, engineering and machine learning: derivatives, integrals, vectors, matrices, gradients and eigenvalues, with Python exercises.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 48mAlso used in 11 other careers
13. 13

    Step 13: Physics for Engineering & Science

    The physics behind engineering and the physical sciences: motion, forces, energy, momentum, torque, circuits, induction, waves and heat, with Python exercises and a home pendulum lab.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 7h 17mAlso used in 5 other careers
14. 14

    Step 14: Scientific Python

    Use NumPy arrays, plots, fitting, numerical methods, units and instrument data files to do real engineering and science calculations in Python.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 12h 58mAlso used in 6 other careers
15. 15

    Step 15: Probability & Statistical Inference

    Model uncertainty with random variables and distributions, then estimate, test and update beliefs from data, with Python simulations you run in the browser.

    Level: Intermediate4 modules · 12 lessons · 9h 26mAlso used in 7 other careers
16. 16

    Step 16: Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Strength

    Statics, strength of materials and an introduction to dynamics: equilibrium, trusses, section properties, stress and strain, beam diagrams, bending and deflection, F = ma, vibration and factors of safety, with Python exercises.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 6h 31mAlso used in 2 other careers
17. 17

    Step 17: Thermodynamics & Fluids

    The laws of thermodynamics, steam tables, power and refrigeration cycles, fluid statics, Bernoulli, pipe losses, heat transfer, R-values and heat exchangers, with Python exercises.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 5h 11mAlso used in 3 other careers
18. 18

    Step 18: Materials Science Fundamentals

    How the structure of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites sets their properties: crystal structure, defects and diffusion, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, failure, phase diagrams, heat treatment and materials selection.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 42mAlso used in 3 other careers
19. 19

    Step 19: Lab Techniques & Instrumentation

    Core bench skills and instruments: balances, glassware, pipetting, buffers, centrifuges, chromatography, spectrophotometry, calibration, microscopy and aseptic technique.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 41mAlso used in 4 other careers
20. 20

    Step 20: Lab Data & Quality

    Keep trustworthy lab records, query LIMS data, run QC with Westgard rules, build calibration curves, estimate uncertainty, and work within SOPs, CAPA and accreditation.

    Level: Intermediate3 modules · 9 lessons · 4h 54mAlso used in 4 other careers
21. 21

    Step 21: Regression & Experimental Design

    Fit and check multiple regression and GLMs, design randomised, blocked and factorial experiments, and turn analyses into clear, reproducible reports for the researchers you work with.

    Level: Mid-level4 modules · 12 lessons · 8hAlso used in 5 other careers
22. 22

    Step 22: Materials Characterization & Processing

    X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM, DSC and TGA, tensile, hardness, fatigue and fracture testing, ASTM methods, polymer, ceramic and thin-film processing, and materials databases.

    Level: Mid-level3 modules · 9 lessons · 6h 5m

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