Metallurgy is a field of materials science and engineering that studies the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, intermetallic compounds and their mixtures, known as alloys. Metallurgy includes both  science and  technology metal. Metallurgy is distinct from metal crafting. Mechanics depend on metallurgy in much the same way as medicine relies on medical science for technical advancement. 

The science of metallurgy is divided into two main categories: chemical metallurgy and physical metallurgy. Chemical metallurgy is mainly concerned with the reduction and oxidation of metals, and the chemical performance of metals. Research subjects in chemical metallurgy include mineral processing, metal extraction, thermodynamics, electrochemistry chemistry, and chemical degradation (corrosion).[1] In contrast, physical metallurgy focuses on the mechanical properties, physical properties, and physical performance of metals. Research topics in physical metallurgy include crystals, material properties, mechanical metallurgy, phase transformation and failure mechanisms.