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Subject Course Title Description
MSE 101 Materials in Today's World
Introduction to the field of materials science. Examination and demonstration of materials and their properties in the context of their use in everyday objects. Survey of the role materials have played and will continue to play in shaping society. Intended for non-engineering majors. Technical elective credit is not given to College of Engineering majors.
MSE 182 Introduction to MatSE
Overview of MatSE as a basis for understanding how structure, property, and processing relationships are developed and used for different types of materials. Case studies of advances in new materials and processes illustrating the role of materials in modern society. Laboratory-discussion demonstrations and experiments. Design-team analysis or synthesis of objects that use materials creatively.
MSE 199 Undergraduate Open Seminar
May be repeated to a maximum of 5 hours. May be repeated in the same term.
MSE 201 Phases and Phase Relations
Understanding microstructure. Quantitative examination of phases (crystalline and non-crystalline structures) and the relationships between phases (phase diagrams). Commercial practices for producing desired microscopic phase configurations and macroscopic shapes (processing). Credit is not given for both MSE 201 and MSE 280. Prerequisite: MSE 182; credit or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 104, MATH 231 and PHYS 211.
MSE 280 Engineering Materials
Materials science and engineering of ceramics, electronic materials, metals and polymers. Bonding; crystallography; imperfections; processing and properties of semiconductors, polymers, metals, ceramics and composites; phase diagrams. Case studies. Credit is not given for both MSE 280 and any of CEE 300, ME 330, MSE 201. Prerequisite: CHEM 102 and PHYS 211.
MSE 307 Materials Laboratory I
Experiments using optical microscopy and various thermal and thermodynamic measuring techniques including differential scanning calorimetry. Experience with laboratory test instruments and technical communication, including reports and oral presentations. MSE 307 and MSE 308 are approved for General Education credit only as a sequence. Both courses must be completed to receive Advanced Composition credit. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in MSE 201 and MSE 401.
MSE 396 Introduction to Research
Fundamental tenets of research including an introduction to laboratory safety, constructing a hypothesis, and the design of experiments to test the hypothesis. Basics of mathematical modeling and statistical analysis of data, including the analysis of research data. Emphasis on exposure to the basic procedures comprising engineering communication and the importance of verbal and written communication. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. May be repeated in separate terms.
MSE 397 Independent Study
Individual study of any topic in materials science and engineering selected by the student and conducted under the supervision of a member of the faculty. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
MSE 401 Thermodynamics of Materials
Basic thermodynamic principles including energy, entropy, and free energy; macroscopic properties of hard and soft materials systems, such as equilibrium states, phases, and phase transitions. Application of phase diagrams. Statistical interpretation of thermodynamics on the atomistic level. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Credit is not given for both MSE 401 and CHEM 444 or PHYS 427. Prerequisite: MSE 201 or MSE 280; credit or concurrent registration in MATH 285.
MSE 403 Synthesis of Materials
Fundamentals of the synthesis of materials. Principles of synthesis; processes, approaches, synthetic methodology and probes; methodologies in materials synthesis; polymerization, sol-gel processes, liquid and vapor phase synthesis, materials coupling reactions, and precursor-derived, radiation-induced and asymmetric synthesis. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MSE 201; credit or concurrent registration in MSE 401.
MSE 404 Laboratory Studies in Materials Science and Engineering
Experiments include direct hands-on investigations or are performed through computational approaches. Laboratory experiences include both fundamental studies as well as investigations on more applied topics. 1.5 undergraduate hours. 1.5 graduate hours. May be repeated if topics vary. Prerequisite: MSE 307 and MSE 308 or permission of instructor. Senior standing.
MSE 406 Thermal-Mech Behavior of Matls
Fundamentals of elastic, viscoelastic and plastic deformation of materials, elementary theory of statics and dynamics of dislocations; strengthening mechanisms; behavior of composites; fracture and fatigue behavior; fundamentals of thermal behavior: heat capacity, thermal expansion and conductivity; effects of thermal stress. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Credit is not given toward graduation for: Credit is not given for both MSE 406 and either ME 430 or TAM 424. Prerequisite: MSE 206; credit or concurrent registration in MSE 201 and MSE 401.
MSE 440 Mechanical Behavior of Metals
Mechanical behavior of solids: crystal plasticity, dislocations, point defects and grain boundaries, creep and fatigue behavior, and fracture. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MSE 406.
MSE 443 Design of Engineering Alloys
Application of science and engineering principles to the design, selection, and performance of engineering alloys. Alloy classes, design, effect of alloying elements, relation to processing variables, and structure-property relationships; design project. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MSE 401 and MSE 402.
MSE 456 Mechanics of Composites
Behavior of composite materials and their use in engineering structures: behavior and properties of the constituent fibers and matrices, micromechanical predictions of composite properties, anisotropic elasticity, behavior of composite laminae, and classical lamination theory; fracture mechanisms, failure theories; behavior of composite plates and beams. Same as AE 428 and TAM 428. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: AE 321, CEE 300, ME 330, or MSE 206.
MSE 457 Polymer Chemistry
Methods used to make polymers including reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and analytical techniques. Emphasis on understanding how macromolecule structure, composition, and properties are controlled through a variety of synthetic approaches. Same as CHEM 480. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 or 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: CHEM 232.
MSE 458 Polymer Physics
Physics of polymer systems. Equilibrium conformation, structure, properties and phase transitions of polymer solutions, dense melts, liquid crystals, mixtures, block copolymers, surfaces and interfaces, gels and rubbers, biopolymers, and electronic polymers. Same as CHEM 482. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 or 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MSE 401.
MSE 460 Electronic Materials I
Materials science, engineering, and processing of semiconductors. Semiconductor structure and chemistry relationships to electronic and optical properties. Control of processing to achieve desired properties; design and production of novel materials. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MSE 304, ECE 340 or PHYS 460.
MSE 470 Design and Use of Biomaterials
Characterization and use of biomaterials in medical applications. Concepts of biocompatibility in terms of structure and properties of materials and interactions between materials and proteins, cells, and tissue. Issues related to the design of biomaterials. Design of biomaterials to meet specific medical needs. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate hours. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in both MCB 252 and either CHEM 232 or MSE 403.
MSE 480 Surfaces and Colloids
Chemistry and physics of surfaces and interfaces, with emphasis on behavior in liquid media. Surface composition; surface and interfacial forces; colloidal stability and flocculation; amphiphilic molecules. Same as CHEM 488. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 or 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MSE 401.
MSE 485 Atomic Scale Simulations
Application of Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics techniques in primarily classical simulations to understand and predict properties of microscopic systems in materials science, physics, biology, and chemistry. Numerical algorithms, connections between simulation results and real properties of materials (structural or thermodynamic), and statistical and systematic error estimation using real simulation programs. Simulation project comprised of scientific research, algorithm development, and presentation. Same as CSE 485 and PHYS 466. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MSE 401; one of C, C++, or Fortran programming experience.
MSE 488 Optical Materials
Optical properties of materials of current and potential technological importance and application to devices. Applicable optics fundamentals based on Maxwell's equations. Liquid crystals for displays; photopolymers for holographic data storage; electro-optic materials for high speed light modulators; electroluminescent materials for light emitting diodes. Application of optics, materials and chemistry in design of practical devices. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 or 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MATH 285 and PHYS 214.
MSE 489 Matl Select for Sustainability
Quantitative methods to optimize the selection of materials including traditional (minimize mass or volume, maximize performance) and sustainability (minimize energy consumption and CO2 emission during synthesis, maximize recyclability) goals. Tradeoff methods to optimize both via engineering design and materials selection for product lifetime, economic outlay and return, time dynamics and materials consumption, recycling, and disposal. Application of commercial software to optimize selections. For engineering and science majors only. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: MSE 201.
MSE 492 Lab Safety Fundamentals
Key aspects of laboratory setups, operating procedures, and emergency preparedness measures necessary for the experimentalist. Same as CHEM 494. 1 undergraduate hour. 1 graduate hour. Approved for S/U grading only.
MSE 494 Materials Design Thinking
Introduction to design methodologies in the context of Materials Science and Engineering. Topics include Human Centered Design (HCD), Statistical Modeling, Design Tradeoffs, Material Selection, Materials Design, and Team Management. Development of design projects for implementation in a subsequent course (MSE 495). Understanding of objectives and constraints such as economic, manufacturability, environmental, ethical, health and safety, sustainability, social, and political concerns as they relate to project design. 1 undergraduate hour. No graduate credit. Prerequisite: MSE 308.
MSE 497 Independent Study
Individual study of any topic in materials science and engineering under the supervision of a member of the faculty. 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. 1 to 4 graduate hours. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
MSE 498 Special Topics
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. 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. 1 to 4 graduate hours. May be repeated in the same or separate terms if topics vary.
MSE 499 Senior Thesis
Individual research in an area of materials science and engineering under the supervision of members of the staff. 1 to 5 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Grade point average of 3.0 and consent of instructor.
MSE 500 Statistical Thermodyn of Matls
Atomistic concepts of statistical thermodynamics and their relationship to classical phenomenological thermodynamics. Application of the methods of statistical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics to describe the structure, phase behavior, and properties of both hard and soft materials. Prerequisite: MSE 401.
MSE 529 Hard Materials Seminar
Seminar on current research in science and engineering of hard materials; presentations by visiting lecturers, staff, and students. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated.
MSE 559 Soft Materials Seminar
Seminar on current research in the science and engineering of soft materials; presentations by visiting lecturers, staff, and students. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated.
MSE 585 Materials Engrg Practicum
Internships or co-ops in industrial or governmental settings pre-approved by the department to foster engineering educational aspects and utilized prior MatSE course work. A paper describing the general area of the practicum, with appropriate references and, to the extent permitted by employer confidentiality, the student's contribution required. In addition to the paper, a report documenting work completed, verified by the work supervisor, to the extent permitted by confidentiality, and a questionnaire answered by the work supervisor form the basis for the grade. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated in separate terms to a maximum of 4 hours.
MSE 590 Research Seminars
Discussions and lectures on current research under the direction of individual staff members. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
MSE 595 Materials Colloquium
Presentation of (i) cutting-edge materials research by visiting lectures from academia as well as national and industrial research laboratories and (ii) some of the current research conducted in the Department. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated.
MSE 596 Graduate Introduction to Research
Key research principles, including lab safety, research ethics, hypothesis development, and experimental design. Students explore topic selection, the purpose of research, and engineering communication essentials. Emphasis is on clear, concise verbal and written skills. By semester’s end, students present an elevator pitch and a detailed research talk, supported by several preparatory written assignments for a final research report. Approved for S/U grading only. Prerequisite: Restricted to MS or PHD: Materials Sci & Engr. Special enrollment may be permitted by the Associate Head for Graduate Program in MatSE Department, with instructor approval.
MSE 597 Independent Study
Individual study of any topic in materials science and engineering under the supervision of a member of the faculty. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
MSE 598 Special Topics
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.
MSE 599 Thesis Research
Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated in the same term or in separate terms.
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Year 2026
Term fall
Subject MSE
On Campus Yes
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