The field of Materials Science drives technological innovations underlying all engineering fields. This course provides a scientific foundation to promote a rigorous understanding of materials from an atomistic to macroscopic viewpoint. Material systems (polymers, metals, ceramics, and electronic) are developed sequentially to provide a framework to explain the fundamental, physical origins of observable and important macro scale properties.

The properties of any material help determine its ultimate usefulness to society. We can modify and manipulate properties by processing materials in different ways to control their structure. This class will examine mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of materials-what they mean, how they depend on structure, how to measure them, how to change them, and how to analyze the measurements. The course includes both a lecture and a lab. MSE 2090 required as a pre- or co-requisite.

We discuss how soft matter science, a new and growing area of materials science and engineering, underpins everyday cooking and haute cuisine. The goal is to use cooking to educate students about the fundamental concepts and behavior of soft materials. The benefit is that students will be able to interrelate cooking techniques and recipes to physical, chemical, and biological transformations in food.

The course includes (1) an overview of classical thermodynamics necessary for understanding the conditions for phase equilibria, phase stability and phase transformations in one-component and multi-component systems, (2) application of thermodynamic concepts to phase diagrams and construction of phase diagrams from thermodynamic data, (3) discussion of the thermodynamics of interfaces and the role the interfaces play in phase transformations. Prerequisite: APMA 2120 or MATH 2310.

Crystal structures of solids and their possible defects are examined. The structure-property paradigm is illustrated through discussion of the anisotropic properties of crystals, such as elasticity, thermal expansion, piezoelectricity, and magnetism. Point defects, dislocations, and interfaces are introduced along with the thermodynamic and kinetic principles that govern their interactions and roles during materials processing and application. Prerequisite: APMA 2120 or MATH 2310

Covers the principles of electrochemistry governing corrosion, batteries and fuel cells at the materials science and engineering level. Describes the basic electrochemistry, terminology, and performance of specific corrosion, battery and fuel cell systems using various energy materials including ion and solid-state lithium. Explains corrosion in recycling/sustainability as well as degradation and failure of functional and structural materials. Pre-requisite: CHEM 1410 or equivalent.

Introduces physical-chemical-microstructural-mechanical property relations for aerospace materials. Metal, polymer, ceramic, and composite material systems are covered. Topics include strength, fracture, corrosion, oxidation/corrosion, materials selection, phase diagrams, kinetics of phase change, and materials processing. Case studies include materials for aero turbine engines and ultralight structures. Prerequisite CHEM 1410 or 1610 or CHEM 1810. Corequisite MAE 2310 or CE 2310.

The course introduces the basics of materials interactions with electric and magnetic fields, including electromagnetic radiation. It describes the classes of materials that exhibit useful electronic, optical, and magnetic properties. Particular attention will be devoted to the intrinsic (structure, chemistry) and extrinsic (processing, microstructure) material features that determine these properties. Prerequisite: PHYS 2415 or equivalent.

This course introduces state-of-the-art additive manufacturing techniques for metallic materials, processing considerations, unresolved challenges and future opportunities. The course focuses on the underlying mechanisms such as energy-matter interaction, solidification, melt pool characteristics, defects, as well as the impact on resulting materials properties based on the processing-structure-property relationships. Prerequisite: MSE 3070

This course provides a rigorous understanding of polymers and polymeric materials from molecule to macroscopic viewpoint. Topics covered include single polymers, solutions, melts, gels, and networks. The knowledge obtained is universal to all polymeric systems across various length scales and can be applied to both synthetic and biopolymers. Thus, this course can serve as general guidance for the design and development of soft (bio) materials. Pre-requisite: MSE 3050 or CHE 3316 or MAE 2100 or instructor permission

Advanced undergraduate course on topics not normally covered in other course offerings. The topic usually reflects new developments in the materials science and engineering field. Offerings are based on student and faculty interests.

A fourth-year project in MSE, under the supervision of a faculty member, is designed to give undergraduate students an application of principles learned in the classroom. The work may be experimental or computational, and the student is expected to become proficient in techniques used to process, characterize, or model materials. The project should make use of design principles in the solution of a problem. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Provides a fundamental understanding of the structure of crystalline and non-crystalline engineering materials from electronic to macroscopic properties. Topics include symmetry and crystallography, the reciprocal lattice and diffraction, quantum physics, bonding and band theory. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Provides a fundamental understanding of a broad spectrum of techniques utilized to characterize properties of solids. The methods used to assess properties are described through integration of the basic principles and application. Methods more amenable to analysis of bulk properties are differentiated from those aimed at measurements of local/surface properties. MSE 3670 or equivalent, or a solid state materials/physics course.

Emphasizes the understanding of thermal properties such as heat capacity, thermal expansion, and transitions in terms of the entropy and the other thermodynamic functions. Develops the relationships of the Gibbs and Helmholtz functions to equilibrium systems, reactions, and phase diagrams. Atomistic and statistical mechanical interpretations of crystalline and non-crystalline solids are linked to the general thermodynamical laws by the partition function. Nonequilibrium and irreversible processes in solids are discussed. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

A study of special subjects related to developments in materials science under the direction of members of the staff. Offered as required under the guidance of a faculty member.

Broad topics and in-depth subject treatments are presented. The course is related to research areas in materials science and involves active student participation.

Detailed study of graduate course material on an independent basis under the guidance of a faculty member.

For master's students.

Formal record of student commitment to master's thesis research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. May be repeated as necessary.

For doctoral students.

Formal record of student commitment to doctoral research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. May be repeated as necessary.