MSE 3101

Professor Ihlefeld is a straightforward lecturer, and you'll find he does a fine job of conveying this course's fairly simple content. I'd say he isn't exceptional as a professor, he doesn't go out of his way to make the course particularly funny or thrilling, but that's not necessary for a course like this.

The primary appeal comes from the labs, which for many students will be a first hands-on experience with Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction and metallographic Optical Microscopy. These things are just as fun and interesting as they sound.

The lab reports take more time than you think. Start early. Homework is almost trivial. A lot of information taught in other MSE courses, particularly MSE3060, is reused here; if you've taken these courses previously, this class will be a cakewalk. Alternatively, once you've taken this class, the mosh pit that is MSE3060 will be a bit easier.

Oh my how I loved this class. I really (from the deepest part of my heart) believe that everyone should take this. And I mean anyone. Anyone who is interested in really cool stuff, take this class. You get to actually use the Xray diffractometer, electron microscope, and optical microscope. The lab reports were super chill, I still refer back to his lecture notes in my current research (they really are that thorough!!!), and the homework wasn't too bad. Dr. Ihlefeld is GOATed too. Talk to him at office hours, you won't regret it.