Materials Sciences and Engineering
MSEN 3301 Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (3 semester credit hours) Introduction to the underlying principles and applications of the emerging field of nanotechnology and nanoscience. Intended for a multidisciplinary audience with a variety of backgrounds. Introduces tools and principles relevant at the nanoscale dimension. Discusses current and future nanotechnology applications in engineering, materials, physics, chemistry, biology, electronics, and energy. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419 or equivalent) and (PHYS 2326 or PHYS 2422) or instructor consent required. (Same as ECS 3301) (3-0) Y
MSEN 3302 Microscopy, Spectroscopy, and Nanotech Instrumentation (3 semester credit hours) The instructor will guide students in learning and practicing the techniques for using laboratory instruments common to the field of nanotechnology. Techniques include ion scattering, electron spectroscopy, diffraction, Raman and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, SEM, SFM, and thin film growth/deposition and processing. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419 or equivalent) and (PHYS 2326 or PHYS 2422). (3-0) Y
MSEN 3303 Introduction to Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing (3 semester credit hours) Exposure to current trends in semiconductor manufacturing and associated materials under investigation. Provide an overview of the manufacturing of a complete system (i.e., a smartphone) and the associated materials and system integration required (e.g., display technology, battery, power, N/MEMS). Prerequisites: (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419 or equivalent) and (PHYS 2326 or PHYS 2422) and CHEM 1311. (3-0) S
MSEN 3304 Introduction to Sustainable Energy Engineering (3 semester credit hours) The global community is actively developing renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels and to minimize their negative impact on climate change. This course examines energy and climate issues, including the science of climate change, and describes the role of materials science in the implementation of sustainable energy solutions. Materials science is providing key enabling technologies for the development of diverse renewable energy sources (solar cells, biofuels, wind, geothermal, etc.) and their practical utilization (energy storage, fuel cells, electrical vehicles, etc.). The science underlying these technologies and the role of materials science in their continued advancement will be discussed. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419 or equivalent) and (PHYS 2326 or PHYS 2422). (3-0) R
MSEN 3310 Introduction to Materials Science (3 semester credit hours) This course provides an intensive overview of materials science and engineering focusing on how structure/property/processing relationships are developed and used for different types of materials. The course illustrates roles of materials in modern technology by case studies of advances in new materials and process. Topics include atomic structure, crystalline solids, defects, failure mechanisms, phase diagrams and transformations, metal alloys, ceramics, polymers as well as their mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic and optical properties. Credit cannot be received for both MECH 3360 and (ECS 3310 or MSEN 3310). Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419 or equivalent) and (PHYS 2326 or PHYS 2422) or instructor consent required. (Same as ECS 3310) (3-0) Y
MSEN 3320 Electrical, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Materials (3 semester credit hours) Foundations of materials properties for electronic, optical, and magnetic applications. Electrical and thermal conduction, elementary quantum physics, modern theory of solids, semiconductors and devices, dielectrics, magnetic and optical materials properties. Prerequisites: (MSEN 3310 or MECH 3360 or EE 3310) and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419 or equivalent) and (PHYS 2326 or PHYS 2422) and CHEM 1311. (3-0) S
MSEN 3339 Materials Characterization (3 semester credit hours) Introduction to materials characterization methods that are frequently used in materials science, chemistry, physics, and various engineering fields. This course focuses on techniques for bulk materials and emphasizes the practical applications of characterization to address questions in areas ranging from art history to medicine to semiconductors. Topics covered include spectroscopic, microscopic, diffraction, and thermal characterization methods as well as associated error analyses. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419 or equivalent) and (PHYS 2326 or PHYS 2422). (2-[2-3]) Y
MSEN 3340 Materials Processing (3 semester credit hours) Materials processing describes the way in which we fabricate finished goods from raw materials. This course will explore the fundamental properties and strategies of materials processing, beginning with an overview of thermodynamic and kinetic principles that underpin this process. The methods of processing metallic, ceramic, electronic, and polymer materials will be discussed, with an eye on how a material's processing relates to its structure and performance. Laboratory work will provide hands-on experience on the preparation and processing techniques discussed in lecture. This course will cover a variety of materials that are frequently used in materials science, chemistry, physics, and various engineering fields. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419 or equivalent) and (PHYS 2326 or PHYS 2422). (2-[2-3]) Y
MSEN 3V11 Topics in Materials Science and Engineering (1-3 semester credit hours) Subject matter will vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. (9 semester credit hours maximum). Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. ([1-3]-0) R
MSEN 4305 Sustainable Electricity Generation (3 semester credit hours) Electricity accounts for 20 percent of the world's total final consumption of energy. Its global demand is projected to double the 2020 level by 2050. This increase in consumption will decimate the climate unless we find sustainable ways to generate electricity. This course will cover the science and technology of sustainable methods for the generation of electricity. Examples include solar cells, wind energy, nuclear reactions, thermoelectric, and geothermal sources. Prerequisite: MSEN 3304. (3-0) R
MSEN 4306 Batteries and Energy Storage Devices (3 semester credit hours) As a type of energy storage device, batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, have electrified our society through their applications in portable electronics (cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.), electric vehicles, medical devices, and grid energy storage. The global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to increase from about 700 GWh in 2022 to around 4.7 TWh by 2030. This course will introduce energy storage devices with a focus on battery technology. Various battery systems will be covered including alkaline batteries, lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, zinc-ion batteries, and flow batteries. The importance of battery design to its performance and safety will be discussed for various applications. We will also cover other energy storage technologies for applications like grid-level energy storage. Prerequisite: MSEN 3304. (3-0) R
MSEN 4391 Technology of Plasma (3 semester credit hours) Plasmas are critical to making the best electronic devices. This class will be an introduction to the technology required to make and use these plasmas. Topics include: high-vacuum technology (gas properties, pumps, pressure gauges, flow-meters, gas composition analysis) and plasma technology (etch, deposition, and lamps). Recommended: ENGR 3341. Prerequisites: ENGR 3300 and (CE 3310 or EE 3310). (Same as EE 4391) (3-0) T
MSEN 4V95 Undergraduate Research (1-9 semester credit hours) Provides students with experience in a laboratory setting. Hands-on opportunity to interact with professors and companies in the field. May be repeated for credit (9 semester credit hours maximum). Prerequisites or Corequisites: MSEN 3301 and MSEN 3302 and instructor consent required. ([1-9]-0) S