Volume 30 (2022): Issue 51 (November 2022)

Computational thermodynamics is an important tool used to predict the phase equilibria, phase compositions, transformation temperatures, solubility limits and many thermodynamic properties of multi-component materials. In this contribution, the possibilities of how to introduce computational thermodynamics into the university Materials Science courses using Thermo-Calc software are described. Also, the application of computational thermodynamics in materials research and development of new materials is shortly outlined.

The article is focused on presenting the method of online teaching of two subjects: CAQ and Metrology and Quality of Technological Processes, which are implemented in the summer semester on Bachelor’s study degree. The teaching was to be implemented in such a way that there was interaction with the students, and, at the same time, we also had to prepare the protocols later elaborated by students. The article will compare the face-to-face method of teaching, its methods as well as the evaluation of the two subjects, with the online method of teaching. Two subjects focused on the control and measurement of dimensions will be compared, but with different ways of implementing the exercises during the online process. Both subjects used laboratories to process them. The result is a relatively comparable success in both subjects.

This contribution describes the online teaching process of selected thermal analysis techniques, which are performed within the subject of “Methods in Research of Material Structure and Properties”. It deals with some aspects of both, attendance, face-to-face method of study, and distant online study during the pandemic situation in Slovakia. Although online learning has undoubtedly some advantages, it should be employed only when not impeding the development of practical, experimental skills in a particular branch.

The aim of the article is to compare the results of the study before and during the pandemic. It is also a reflection on what we experienced and how we undertook pedagogical work with students in critical teaching conditions. The coronavirus pandemic brought about an unexpected and rapid change in all aspects of education. It seems like neither the teachers nor the students were ready. The article describes how the transition to online teaching took place overnight. It describes how technical subjects were taught and examined in a new online environment. This is about how the students evaluated that form of education in the subjects of ‘Heat Treatment and Metal Surface Treatment’ and ‘Material Science I’. The results of the study confirmed that even in the conditions of complete separation in the social and work contact, it is possible to study by conscientious preparation and self-access.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to convert teaching to a distance method. The distance form of education had the advantage of student´s choice of place and time for study. However, students had to study using self-access. This could have a negative impact on study results. On the other hand, they could retain their academic results due to the extension of the time needed to grasp the subject matter. This article deals with the analysis of the performance of students regarding the study grades and the time required to complete a single assignment in the course of Mechanical Testing and Defectoscopy of Materials.

The process of education is an integral part of the development of each student’s personality. For this reason, it is also necessary to verify the knowledge acquired during the studies. The article deals with the examination in two material-oriented courses. One is taught at the Bachelor’s degree and the other at the Master´s degree at the STU Faculty of Materials Science and Technology located in Trnava. The different approach to the examination results is evaluated, as both methods of testing produced comparable results.