Modern Construction Materials Course | IIT Madras | Civil Engineering
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1228 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Civil Engineering, Construction Materials Technology, Materials and Construction Building Services |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Science of Modern Construction Materials with IIT Madras
The built environment is evolving rapidly, driven by innovations in materials science. For civil engineers and architects, understanding these modern construction materials is no longer optional—it's essential for designing sustainable, durable, and efficient structures. A new, in-depth course from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) provides the perfect foundation for this critical knowledge.
Course Overview: Building a Scientific Foundation
ABOUT THE COURSE: This 12-week program is designed to provide the scientific basis for understanding and developing construction materials. It serves as a cornerstone for postgraduate students aiming for careers in research, teaching, construction engineering, marketing, and innovation. For undergraduates in civil engineering and architecture, it acts as an excellent capstone course, integrating prior knowledge into a specialized materials-focused framework.
Learn from Renowned IIT Madras Faculty
The course is led by distinguished professors with deep expertise in construction materials science:
- Prof. Ravindra Gettu: A Chair Professor of Civil Engineering at IIT Madras with over a decade of teaching experience. He has coordinated introductory courses and possesses extensive research, education, and consultancy experience, with a specific focus on construction materials.
- Prof. Aslam Kunhi Mohamed: An Assistant Professor in the Building Technology and Construction Materials group at IIT Madras. His expertise lies in the atomic-scale modeling of materials, with a Ph.D. focused on the molecular structure of cement hydrates from EPFL and postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich.
Who Should Enroll?
- Intended Audience: Core for postgraduates (ME/MTech/MArch/MS/MPhil/Ph.D.) and upper-level undergraduates (BE/BTech/BArch).
- Prerequisites: A foundational knowledge of civil engineering or architecture.
- Industry Support: Highly relevant for professionals and companies across the construction sector.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The curriculum is meticulously structured to build knowledge from atomic principles to complex material systems:
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Prologue, Science & Technology of Materials, Atomic Bonding, Structure of Solids |
| Week 3-5 | Movement of Atoms, Microstructure Development, Surface Properties, Mechanical Response, Failure Theories, Fracture Mechanics |
| Week 6 | Rheology & Thermal Properties, Review of Construction Materials, Wood & Wood Products |
| Week 7 | Polymers |
| Week 8 | Fibre Reinforced Polymers, Metals |
| Week 9 | Bituminous Materials |
| Week 10-11 | Concrete (Comprehensive Coverage), Glass (Guest Lecture) |
| Week 12 | Waterproofing Materials, Polymer Floor Finishes, Anchors |
Essential Reading Materials
The course references authoritative texts to complement the lectures:
- Text Book: Building Materials by P.C. Varghese
- Reference Books: A curated list including works by Callister (Materials Science and Engineering), Neville (Properties of Concrete), Mehta & Monteiro (Concrete: Microstructure, properties and materials), and Ashby & Jones (Engineering Materials 1), among others.
Why This Course is Essential for Your Career
In an era of smart infrastructure and green building codes, expertise in modern construction materials is a powerful career differentiator. This IIT Madras course offers:
- Fundamental to Applied Learning: Journey from atomic bonding to real-world applications like polymers and high-performance concrete.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from professors at the forefront of materials research.
- Comprehensive Coverage: A unique blend of traditional materials (wood, metals, concrete) and modern composites (FRPs, advanced polymers).
- Strong Industry Relevance: Directly applicable knowledge for roles in construction, consulting, research, and product development.
Whether you're a student looking to specialize or a professional aiming to update your knowledge, this course on Modern Construction Materials provides the scientific depth and practical insight needed to excel in the future of construction.
Enroll Now →