MSE 598

Fall 2026 Part of Term 1

Part of Term 1
Aug 24-Dec 9

Special Topics

Credit: 1 TO 4 hours.

Subject offerings of new and developing areas of knowledge in materials science and engineering intended to augment the existing curriculum. See Class Schedule or departmental course information for topics and prerequisites.

Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in the same or separate terms if topics vary.

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MSE 598 class schedule data for fall 2026
CRN	Type	Section	Time	Day	Location	Instructor	Section Details
81427	Lecture-Discussion	HW	2:00PM -3:20PM	TR	119 Materials Science & Eng Bld	Wang, H	Availability: Open (Restricted) Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/24/26-12/09/26 Credit: 4 hours Section Title: Frontier of Biomatl's Research Section Info: Biomaterials is such a broad definition now that it has caused confusion on where biomaterials research is heading to. The canonical impression of a biomaterials course has been an overview of different types of biomaterials, synthesis and characterization of biomaterials, and different medical applications of biomaterials. These are essential to lay the foundation, but are indeed quite far away from actual biomaterials research. This 'Frontier of Biomaterials Research' course, which is focused on 'Research', is my attempt to hold a semester-long discussion with interested graduate students on where biomaterials research is heading to and how to keep up with and innovate ongoing biomaterials research (e.g., immunomaterials, bioelectronics, AI-guided biomaterials design, genome-editing materials, among others). We will also touch base on grant writing and review on biomaterials and biomedical topics. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
79377	Lecture-Discussion	QC	11:00AM -12:20PM	TR	203 Transportation Building	Chen, Q	Availability: Open (Restricted) Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/24/26-12/09/26 Credit: 4 hours Section Title: NanoEng in Complex Soft Matls Section Info: In this course, the goal is to discuss new insights and design principles of complex soft materials provided by cutting-edge characterization, data science-aided computation and analysis, and their ever-diversifying applications in catalysis, biomedicine, optics, electronics, and quantum technology. The course content will be designed pertinent to the current research frontiers of complex systems. The class will be a combination with lectures and in-class activities, including student presentations, demos, and a virtual reality (VR) lab. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.
81403	Lecture-Discussion	TK	11:00AM -11:50AM	MWF	122 Ceramics Kiln House	Kriven, W	Availability: Open (Restricted) Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/24/26-12/09/26 Credit: 4 hours Section Title: Geopolymers as Sust. Matls. Section Info: The emerging area of inorganic polymers made under ambient conditions leading to ceramic-like, solid materials describes materials which are scalable. They are rich in potential applications such as water purification, CO2 sequestration, mine tailing valorization as replacements for cements in the construction industry, refractory adhesives, acid or wear resistant coatings, and others. Alkali activated aluminosilicates can be made by inorganic polymerization at ambient temperatures, but when set, they behave like a ceramic. Acid-activated aluminosilicates are made with phosphoric acid. Other chemical compositions such as magnesium potassium phosphates and yttrium or zinc silicates appear to undergo similar inorganic polymerization reactions. Restriction(s): Restricted to Graduate - Urbana-Champaign.