Materials Science Engineering Undergraduate Courses

Pre‐ or Co‐requisite 01:160:160 or 01:160:162

The general field of materials, including its development and present scope, the classification of the industry by major divisions, and discussion of the technology of these industries. The broad principles of materials based on an approach from crystal physics and unit processes. 

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: 14:635:203

The methods and techniques of producing ceramic raw materials from mined ores are investigated with an emphasis on the fundamental processes of liberation and separation, and the engineering of these materials to suit specific material processes and applications. Types of raw materials and their application, mining methods, and control parameters are considered broadly. Emphasis is placed on modern beneficiation technology. Ceramic raw materials for advanced materials are studied and discussed in the context of their predominantly chemical origin. Important properties of both chemical and mineral raw materials are examined with respect to processing and property requirements. Recovery and utilization of wastes, raw material blending, and the use of previously unusable materials are discussed in the context of the characterization and reformulation concept. 

Credits: 3

Pre‐ or Co‐requisite: 01:160:160 or 01:160:162

This course introduces concepts of crystal chemistry applied to ceramics, oxides and non‐oxides. It develops from bonding, the unit cell, crystallography and symmetry in such a way that the ceramic engineering students have a basis for structure‐property relationships.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite 01:160:160 or 01:160:162, 01:640:244

The laws of thermodynamics, thermochemistry (isothermal and nonisothermal processes ‐adiabatic flame temperature), auxiliary functions (Pfaffians, Legrendre transform, Helmholtz and Gibbs Free Energies, Maxwell Relations), one component systems (Gibbs Phase Rule, Clausius‐Clapyeron Equations, Unary Phase Diagram and Equilibria), open systems (Chemical potential concept, Partial and Relative Partial Molar Properties and Integral Molar Properties, Gibbs‐Duhem relation), Activity concept and the Behavior of Solutions (Raoult's and Henry's laws, ideal behavior, regular solutions, quasi‐regular solutions), thermodynamics of binary phase diagrams (Gibbs free energy curves and construction of phase diagrams) and development of microstructure (eutectic, eutectoid, peritectic, peritectoid etc.), thermodynamics of chemical reactions (Activity quotient, equilibrium constant, gas phase equilbria, gas‐solid reactions, condensed phase equilibria, Ellingham Diagrams, Boudouard equilibrium etc.), elements of thermodynamics of surfaces (effect of surface curvature, effect of particle size, effect of particle size on solubility). 

Credits: 4

Prerequisites: 01:640:244, 635:203

This course extends the coverage of structure‐processing‐property relationships and emphasizes properties. It includes an introduction to thermal processes and thermal properties, as well as optical properties. 

Credits: 3

Lab. 3 hrs., Lec. 55 min. This laboratory course focuses on helping the student develop skills for the planning, execution and reporting of formal experimental results relating to the processing of ceramic materials. Various 27 topics expose students to ceramic fabrication methods used in industry such as powder processing, porcelain enameling and melt forming. 

Credits: 2

Lab. 3 hrs., Lec. 55 min.  This laboratory course focuses on helping the student develop skills for the planning, execution and reporting of formal experimental results relating to the characterization of slected materials. Various topics expose student to ceramic characterization procedures used in industry such as particle size measurement, phase identification and dilatometry. 

Credits: 2

Prerequisite: 14:635:204, 01:160:160 OR 01:160:162

This course will equip the student with a fundamental understanding of the processing steps, which precede forming. In order to accomplish this, both the processes and additional fundamental not covered in other courses must be discussed. Such fundamental topics include powder processing, rheology and organic and colloidal chemistry. The role of these fundamental processes in forming is stressed by a detailed discussion of casting methods. 

Credits: 3

Prerequisite: 14:635:205, 206, 01:640:244

This course takes a phenomenological approach to the solid‐state reactions involved in materials processing. It includes phase transformations and phase separation. It discusses mechanisms and transport phenomena. 

Credits: 3

Prerequisite 01:160:160 or 01:160:162, 14:635:205

Interactions of electromagnetic radiation, electrons, and ions with matter and their application in xray diffraction and x‐ray, IR, UV, electron and ion spectroscopies in the analysis of materials. Additional, non‐spectroscopic analytical techniques are also covered. 

Credits: 3

Prerequisite: 14:635:204, 303

Discussion of basic physical and chemical properties, chemical durability, stress release, annealing and tempering, mechanical strength, raw materials and melting, and methods of manufacture. Design of composition for desired engineered properties. 

Credits: 3

Prerequisite: 01:640:244, 144, 01:750: 124

The mechanical behavior of materials is discussed with emphasis on brittle behavior at room temperature and the transition to a limited plasticity regime at high temperatures. The interplay of basic deformation mechanisms with microstructural features and the implication for design and processing of materials are considered. 

Credits: 3

Open to all science and engineering students who have completed 60 credit hours.

Nanotechnology involves behavior and control of materials and processes at the atomic and molecular levels. This interdisciplinary course introduces the student to the theoretical basis, synthetic processes and experimental techniques for nanomaterials. This course is the introduction to 3 advanced courses in (1) Photonic, Electronic and Magnetic Applications of Nanomaterials and Nanostructures, (2) Structural, Mechanical and Chemical Applications, and (3) Biological Applications.

Credits: 3

This course covers electronic applications of nanomaterials such as quantum dots, nanowires, field effect transistors, and nanoelectromechanical systems. Magnetic applications include information storage, giant and colossal magnetoresistance, and superparamagnetism. Photonic applications include nanolasers, photonic band gap devices and dense wavelength multiplexers.

Credits: 3

This course will give an introduction to basic electrochemistry, principles of electrochemical devices, electroactive materials used in such devices, and case studies of batteries, fuel cells, and sensors. An emphasis is placed on the integration of electrochemical principles and materials science for application in modern electrochemical devices. 

Credits: 3

Lab. 3 hrs., Lec. 55 min. This laboratory course focuses on helping the student develop skills for the planning, execution and reporting of formal experimental results relating to the measurement of ceramic materials properties. Properties investigated are optical, electrical and mechanical in nature. The measurement method as well as the structure‐property relationship found in ceramic materials will be stressed. In addition, principles of electrical engineering relevant to the property measurements will also be emphasized. 

Credits: 2

The course focuses on the principal materials fields that are satisfied by ceramic materials. The topics covered by this course go well beyond those covered in Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering 14‐150:150:203. These topics include traditional areas such as whitewares, enamels, glazes, glass and refractories. In addition a wide range of advanced materials topics include electronic, magnetic, optic, biomedical, catalyst and structural materials. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the interrelationship between chemistry, structure, properties and performance. 

Credits: 3

This course focuses on the principal materials fields that are satisfied by organic polymers. The topics covered by this course go well beyond those covered in Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering 14‐150:203. Topics covered in this course include, polymerization, structure, characterization methods, stress/strain behavior, processing methods, and structure‐property relationships with an emphasis on mechanical, optical, and transport properties. 

Credits: 3

Prerequisite: 14:635:206

This course introduces MSE students to the fundamentals relating composition, structure and processing of metals and alloys and their properties. Throughout the course, examples will be given of conventional and specialty alloys usage in today’s construction, transportation, energy, and consumer products industries. Materials problems will be discussed to underline the importance of the cross‐disciplinary effort needed to integrate materials and component design in today’s advanced engineered systems, such as gas‐turbine engines, nuclear reactors, space vehicles, and communications systems. The topics of discussion include: Elements of Elasticity and Plasticity Theory, Elements of Dislocation Theory, Strengthening Mechanisms, Recovery and Recrystallization, Solidification in Metals and Alloys, Conventional casting, directional solidification, and rapid solidification processing, Production of metal powders by inert‐gas atomization, Diffusional Phase Transformations and Microstructural Development (Eutectic, Eutectoid, Bainitic, Order‐disorder transitions and Precipitation Reactions), Displacive Phase Transitions (Martensite), Heat Treatment of Steel and Nonferrous metals. Metallurgy of Brittle and Ductile Fracture (Crack tip plasticity), 29 Elements of Creep in Metals and Alloys; Elements of Fatigue in Metals and Alloys. Survey on the classification of metals, abundance, and prices. Materials usage in today’s advanced engineering systems. Elements of Chemical Metallurgy and Review of Extraction Processes for Ferrous: and Nonferrous Metals: Processing and properties of steels, titanium alloys, and nickel‐base alloys, and their applications. 

Credits: 3

Conf. 1 hr., lab 6 hrs.  Training in methods of independent research. Students, after consultation, are assigned a problem connected with some phase of materails or materials engineering in their elected field of specialization. 

Credits: 3

Current trends and topics of special interest in materials discussed by faculty, students, and representatives from the materials industry. 

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: 14:750:227, 229

The course will cover principles of photovoltaic solar cells and build from that foundation to discuss how these principles guide solar cell design. Significant time will be devoted to the wide variety of processing methods that are utilized for making different kinds of solar cells. This class is intentionally hands‐on oriented with an emphasis on design. In addition to the lecture foundation that stresses the principles, there will be major student design project that will help emphasize the basic currentvoltage output responses of solar cells.

Credits: 3

This course provides an in‐depth discussion on the factors governing the macroscopic mechanical response of engineering materials. It does so by establishing relationships between an applied load and the response developed by the materials' microstructure. To understand such mechanical response, it is imperative to develop a thorough understanding of the constitution of solids, and their microstructures that control their mechanical properties. As such, the discussion in this course is based on structure‐property relations, and covers multiple length scales spanning seven orders of magnitude, i.e. from nanometers to centimeters. The mechanical properties of materials is one of the core engineering subjects that is of utmost importance in the design and analysis of engineering systems originating from any of the engineering disciplines (electrical, electronics, mechanical, chemical, civil, biomedical etc.). That is so because mechanical failure is the common denominator of all engineering disciplines (in one way or another), which we try to prevent in a give system. In this course, the students will learn the fundamentals of materials science and engineering appertaining to the mechanical properties of engineering materials such as elasticity, plasticity, strength, hardness, ductility, fracture, time dependent deformation and the impact of environmental effects on such properties ‐concepts that need to be mastered by a competitive professional engineer whose mission is to advance modern society by innovating new engineering technologies. 

Credits: 3

Co‐listed with 125:582

This course is interdisciplinary in nature and seeks to involve engineers and scientists in exploring how the multi‐scale nature of materials can be tailored to invoke biological response for a wide rang of biomedical materials ranging from metal alloys, ceramics and polymers. A focus on the nanoscale is made to emphasize how this length scale can engage the sciences/technology acumen of both the life science, hard science and engineering disciplines. Topics of interest include materials processing, 30 interfacial engineering, nano‐bio, micro ‐ and nano‐machines, and the relationship of this technology to biomedical materials and devices.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: 14:635:204‐305‐306. Co‐requisite: 14:635:411

Fundamentals of equipment and plant design, construction, installation, maintenance, and cost for manufacture of ceramic products. Assignment of a problem in elected field of specialization.

Credits: 3

Prerequisite: 01:220:200

Product innovation and development techniques for ceramic materials based on traditional venture—analysis techniques. Aspects of marketing, engineering design, framework structuring, and decision and risk analysis. 

Credits: 3

Prerequisite: 14:635:205, 355

This course will introduce the concept of electrons in solids. Specifically, it will describe how electrons interact with each other, electromagnetic radiation and the crystal lattice to give the material its inherent electrical, optical and magnetic properties. Semiconductors, metals, insulators, polymers and superconductors will be discussed. 

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: 01:160:160 or 01:160:162, 01:750:228

Provide an atomistic understanding of the role of composition on the structure and properties of glasses. 

Credits: 3

Fundamentals of optical materials (crystal, glasses, polymers). Relation of structure with optical properties and applications. Spectral characteristics of thin material. 

Credits: 3

Individual or group study or study projects, under the guidance of a faculty member on special areas of interest in ceramic engineering. 

Credits: BA

Prerequisites: Open to MSE students who have completed their junior year & maintain a GPA of 2.5.

Open to MSE students who have completed their junior year & maintain a GPA of 2.5. The internship provides the student with the opportunity to practice and/or apply knowledge and skills in various ceramic or materials engineering professional environments. This internship is intended to provide a capstone experience to the student’s undergraduate studies by integrating prior course work into a working engineering environment. The credits earned are for the educational benefits of the experience. The student will be provided with real world experience covering the fundamentals of materials, equipment, processing, plant design and product performance.

Credits: 3