The core of the basic approach to materials science and engineering is to give, improve and enhance the performance of materials to meet the requirements of use as the "centre", and to develop new materials and maximise the potential of existing materials as the "two basic points". Performance is the behaviour of a material in response to an external energy field and is the result of changes in a given environment. Performance is determined by both endogenous and exogenous factors. The internal factor is the microstructure of the material and the external factor is the external environment in which the material is placed.

The solid-state phase change principle is a golden key to unlocking the ability to regulate the properties of materials. It occupies an extremely important place in the specialised course on metallic materials engineering. It is the bridge between the basic course (Fundamentals of Materials Science) and the specialised course (Engineering Materials Science), and is an important pivot point in the basic and specialised programme of materials.