Materials Science vs. Physics How do they complement each other?

[cytochrome]

Which field of science is at the forefront in the design of novel materials (biomaterials, semiconductors, energetic materials, etc.) and nanotechnology?

I would imagine that physicists and materials scientists work together to achieve the above goals, but can someone describe to me the role of each?

What do materials scientists do?

What do condensed matter and solid state physicists do?

How do they compliment each other in the lab?

Is there any other field that leads research in computational materials design and nanotechnology?

What would someone major in if they wanted to study this broad topic?

 

[Rono]

I'm also interested in this, I'd like to get in a field between them. Would a physics major be enough for getting into nanotechnology/material science?

 

[cytochrome]

I think majoring in physics would be better for nanoscience, which is basically condensed matter physics and/or molecular and atomic physics. Physics, therefore, would be better for the theoretical side of things.

A materials scientist would perform experiments and apply the fundamental findings of the physicists. I think a physics degree with some materials classes would be enough