• MSE 3060

    Structures and Defects of Materials
     Rating

    2.67

     Difficulty

    4.75

     GPA

    3.11

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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

  • MSE 3050

    Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria of Materials
     Rating

    2.91

     Difficulty

    3.82

     GPA

    3.30

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.

  • MSE 3080

    Corrosion, Batteries and Fuel Cells
     Rating

    3.40

     Difficulty

    2.40

     GPA

    3.13

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.

  • MSE 3610

    Aerospace Materials
     Rating

    3.50

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    2.79

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.

  • MSE 2090

    Introduction to Materials Science
     Rating

    3.85

     Difficulty

    3.42

     GPA

    3.28

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.

  • MSE 2101

    Materials Science Investigations: Properties
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.77

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.

  • MSE 2300

    Science of Cooking: From Modern Cuisine to Soft Matter Science
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.

  • MSE 4960

    Special Project in Materials Science and Engineering
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.

  • MSE 6010

    Electronic and Crystal Structure of Materials
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.65

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.

  • MSE 6120

    Characterization of Materials
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.82

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    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.