Materials Sciences and Engineering
MSEN 1100 Materials in the Modern World (1 semester credit hour) Introduction to materials science. Concepts in materials science developed by case studies of materials as used in various areas: microelectronics, aviation, construction and civil infrastructure, sports, energy, and medicine. (1-0) F
MSEN 1300 Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (3 semester credit hours) Overview of materials science and engineering, focusing on structure/property/processing relationships in different types of materials. Topics include atomic structure, crystalline solids, defects, phase diagrams and transformations, metal alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, and other materials. (3-0) S
MSEN 2111 Mechanical Properties of Materials Lab (1 semester credit hour) Laboratory course to accompany MSEN 2310. Basic concepts for mechanical properties of materials, elasticity, plasticity, viscoelasticity, rubber elasticity, strengthening mechanisms, creep, fracture, and fatigue. Includes metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MSEN 2310. (0-3) F
MSEN 2310 Mechanical Properties of Materials (3 semester credit hours) Basic concepts for mechanical properties of materials, elasticity, plasticity, viscoelasticity, rubber elasticity, strengthening mechanisms, creep, fracture, and fatigue. Includes metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Prerequisite: MSEN 1300 or equivalent. (3-0) F
MSEN 3251 Materials Characterization and Thermodynamics Lab (2 semester credit hours) Laboratory studies in Materials Science and Engineering, with a focus on characterization methods and thermodynamic properties. Also covers materials synthesis, sample preparation, structure/processing/property relationships, basic laboratory skills and technical report writing. Prerequisites: MSEN 2310 and CHEM 1312 and (PHYS 2326 or PHYS 2422). (0-3) P
MSEN 3252 Metals and Ceramics Lab (2 semester credit hours) Laboratory studies in Materials Science and Engineering, with a focus on metallic and ceramic materials. Also covers materials synthesis, characterization, property evaluation, structure/processing/property relationships, experimental design, and technical report writing. Prerequisites: MSEN 3251 and MSEN 3312. (0-3) F
MSEN 3253 Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Properties of Materials Lab (2 semester credit hours) Laboratory studies in Materials Science and Engineering, with a focus on electronic, optical, magnetic and related properties of materials. Advanced experimentation in materials synthesis, characterization, property evaluation, and structure/processing/property relationships. Prerequisite: MSEN 3251 and MSEN 3312. (0-3) P
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 3311 Thermodynamics of Materials (3 semester credit hours) Classical thermodynamics and thermodynamic relationships. Use of statistical methods to describe entropy and other thermodynamic properties. Description of vapor-, liquid-, and solid-phase equilibria in unary and multicomponent material systems. Treatment of ideal and nonideal solution behavior in inorganic alloys and organic polymers. Thermodynamic description of reaction kinetics and reaction equilibria. Prerequisites: MSEN 1300 or equivalent and CHEM 1312 and (PHYS 2325 or PHYS 2421), (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419). (3-0) P
MSEN 3312 Materials Characterization (3 semester credit hours) Survey of structural and compositional analysis techniques as applied in materials science and engineering. Atomic-scale characterization by diffraction and scattering; methods for surface analysis; microstructural characterization and microscopy; methods for bulk property determination. Prerequisites: CHEM 1312 and (PHYS 2325 or PHYS 2421) and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419 ) and MSEN 1300. (3-0) P
MSEN 3313 Physical Metallurgy (3 semester credit hours) Application and design of selected metals and alloys in a theoretical and practical context. Relationships between mechanical behavior and alloy chemistry, microstructure, and processing. Corrosion resistance; fatigue failure; creep; brittle fracture. Prerequisites: MSEN 3311 and MSEN 2310. (3-0) F
MSEN 3314 Ceramics and Glasses (3 semester credit hours) Material properties and modern applications of ceramic materials. Mechanical, optical, electronic and chemical properties of advanced ceramic materials are related to atomic structures and defects. Crystal structures of important metallic and ceramic elements, alloys, and compounds. Binary and ternary phase diagrams for notable systems. Ceramic processing and forming methods. Structure, properties and processing of glasses and glass-ceramics. Prerequisite: MSEN 3311. (3-0) F
MSEN 3316 Polymer Science and Engineering (3 semester credit hours) Polymers and polymeric materials from molecule to macroscopic properties. Single polymers, solutions, melts, gels, and networks. Commercial polymers, polymer blends and miscibility, dynamic mechanical behavior, time-temperature superposition, polymer rheology and processing, recycling and design, and selection of polymeric materials. Prerequisite: MSEN 3311. (3-0) P
MSEN 3317 Kinetics and Phase Transformations (3 semester credit hours) Key kinetic processes, nucleation and growth, phase transformations, and the development of microstructure in real materials. Atomic mechanisms of diffusion, analytical and numerical methods to describe diffusion, kinetics of phase transformations, and formation of complex microstructure. Prerequisite: MSEN 3311. (3-0) F
MSEN 3320 Electronic, 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) P
MSEN 3324 Data Analysis and Statistics in Materials Science and Engineering (3 semester credit hours) Plotting and data visualization. Statistical methods, including uncertainty analysis and hypothesis testing. Curve fitting and data modeling. Image analysis. Case studies in materials science and engineering. Makes use of Matlab, Python, Excel, and other software. Prerequisites: (ECS 1210 and ECS 1220) or equivalent and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419) and (MSEN 1300 or equivalent). (3-0) F
MSEN 3325 Mathematical Methods in Materials Science and Engineering (3 semester credit hours) Analytical and numerical mathematical methods with application to materials science and engineering. Differential equations, Fourier series and transforms, complex numbers and functions, symmetry and group theory. Makes use of Matlab and Python. Prerequisites: (ECS 1210 and ECS 1220) or equivalent and (MATH 2415 or MATH 2419) and (MSEN 1300 or equivalent). (3-0) P
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 4301 Materials Selection and Design (3 semester credit hours) Selection methodologies for materials and processes for the satisfaction of a design goal. Creative thinking, problem-solving methodology, interdependence of design with analysis and evaluation, teamwork, and sharpening of communication skills. Team-based analyses of real industrial problems. Prerequisites: (Any two from: MSEN 3313 or MSEN 3314 or MSEN 3316) and ECS 2390 and MSEN 3252 and MSEN 3320. (3-0) F
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 4402 Senior Design in Materials Science and Engineering (4 semester credit hours) Project-based capstone course. Student groups design and test a solution that solves an open-ended problem in materials science and engineering. Teams carry the project to completion, examining real world and multiple design constraints, following applicable industrial and business standards. Cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged. Background research, design, analysis, engineering writing, and communication. Prerequisites: MSEN 4301 and ECS 2390. (3-0) P
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). Instructor consent required. ([1-9]-0) S