Materials Science and Engineering

MSE 201 - (3) (S)
Materials That Shape Our Civilization
A general review of structure, properties, methods of production, uses and world supply of the materials on which present and past civilizations have been based, including materials used in heavy industry, construction, communications, energy production, medicine, as well as textiles and naturally occurring organic materials. Cross-listed as EVSC 201.

MSE 301 - (3) (Y)
Corrosion and its Prevention
Prerequisite: ENGR 209 or permission of instructor
Includes basic electrochemical principles and terminology, definitions and magnitude of corrosion, thermodynamics and kinetics of corrosion, examples of corrosion, experimental techniques to measure and evaluate corrosion, corrosion prevention, passivation, stress corrosion cracking, and hydrogen embrittlement.

MSE 301L - (1) (Y)
Corrosion Engineering Laboratory
Provides instruction in standard corrosion experiments which demonstrate the use of the instrumentation of corrosion testing and some of the accelerated forms of evaluation of metals’ susceptibility to various forms of corrosion attack. Standard experiments involving cathodic protection, anodic protection, and inhibitors. MSE 301 may be taken without the lab, but MSE 301L may not be taken without the lecture.

MSE 304 - (3) (Y)
Structure and Properties of Polymeric Materials
Prerequisite: ENGR 209 or equivalent
Examines polymeric materials from their molecular structure and morphological organization to their macroscopic properties. Topics include polymerization reactions; molecular weight determination; solution behavior; organization of crystalline and amorphous polymers; rubber elasticity; crystallization kinetics; and morphology; mechanical, optical and electrical properties; applications and materials selection; and degradation and recycling.

MSE 305 - (3) (Y)
Phase Diagrams and Kinetics of Materials
Prerequisites: ENGR 202, APMA 206
Applies the thermodynamic principles developed in ENGR 202 to material systems. Topics: phase equilibria; phase diagrams and free energy curves; solution thermodynamics and; the kinetics of thermal and mass diffusion in binary, single- and two-phase solids.

MSE 310 - (3) (Y)
Materials Science Laboratory
Prerequisite: ENGR 209 or permission of instructor
Experimental study of the structure and properties of materials. Course amplifies topics covered in ENGR 209, through experimentation and analysis. Experiment topics include atomic and microscopic structure, mechanical properties of metals, polymers and composites, electrical properties and corrosion characteristics. Introduction to modern experimental methods and instruments used for materials characterization. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours.

MSE 451, 452 - (5) (Y)
Special Project in Materials Science and Engineering
Prerequisite: Professional standing and prior approval by a faculty member who is project supervisor
A project in the materials science field which requires individual laboratory investigation by the student. Each student works on an individual project in the research area of his supervisor. The student is required to conduct a literature search, and to become familiar with the necessary experimental techniques such as electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and ultra-high vacuum techniques. A comprehensive report on the results of the experimental investigation as well as a final examination is required at the end of the course. One hour of conference, eight hours of laboratory per week.

MSE 500 - (1-3) (SI)
Special Topics in Materials Science and Engineering
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A first-level graduate/advanced undergraduate course covering a topic not normally covered in the course offerings. The topic usually reflects new developments in the materials science and engineering field. Offering is based on student and faculty interests.

MSE 512 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Biomaterials
Provides a multi-disciplinary perspective on the phenomenon and processes which govern material-tissue interactions with the soft tissue, hard tissue, and cardiovascular environments. Attention is given to both sides of the biomaterials interface, so that in addition to examining the events at the interface, topics on material durability and tissue compatibility are discussed.

MSE 524 - (3) (Y)
Modeling in Materials Science
Prerequisite: At least two 300-400 level MSE courses or consent of instructor
Introduces computer modeling in several primary areas of materials science and engineering: atomistics, kinetics and diffusion, elasticity, and processing. Applications are made to the energy and configuration of defects in materials, such as solute segregation, phase transformations, stresses in multicomponent systems, and microstructural development during processing.

MSE 532 (3) (Y)
Deformation and Fracture of Structural Materials
Prerequisites: MSE 304 or ME 339, or permission of instructor
Deformation and fracture are considered through integration of materials science microstructure and solid mechanics principles, emphasizing the mechanical behavior of metallic alloys and engineering polymers. Metal deformation is understood based on elasticity theory and dislocation concepts. Fracture is understood based on continuum fracture mechanics and microstructural damage mechanisms. Additional topics include fatigue loading, elevated temperature behavior, material embrittlement, time-dependency, experimental design, and damage-tolerant life prediction. Cross-listed as AM 532.

Note   Courses at the 600 level and above are listed in the Graduate Record.

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