Overview
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) administers undergraduate and graduate programs in materials science and engineering. In addition, undergraduate students may elect to apply for one of five joint major programs.
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) encompasses all natural and synthetic materials – their extraction, synthesis, processing, properties, characterization, and development for technological applications. Materials Engineers are involved in every aspect of technology, ranging from the design of materials for use in consumer electronics, medical and healthcare applications, energy generation and storage, transportation (from vehicles to bridges), and beyond. MSE teaches core fundamentals while preparing students to solve modern-day materials challenges. Students can also become involved in cutting-edge research in one of the many faculty-led research groups. The MSE program is ABET accredited.
Students in materials science and engineering apply a basic foundation of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering to fields of specialization that include biomaterials; electronic, magnetic, and optical materials; materials for energy technologies; structural materials; chemical and electrochemical materials science and engineering; and computational materials science and engineering. Nanoscale science and engineering play an important role in all of these specializations.
Research Facilities
There are many cutting-edge research facilities on campus that are available for Materials Science and Engineering, such as the Marvell Nanofabrication Lab, the Biomolecular Nanotechnology Center (BNC), and the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (qb3). Students in our program commonly pursue research projects that make use of these facilities, as well as those available through the national user facilities at the nearby Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Undergraduate Programs
Materials Science and Engineering: BS
Bioengineering/Materials Science and Engineering: BS (Joint Major)
Chemical Engineering/Materials Science and Engineering: BS (Joint Major offered in cooperation with the College of Chemistry)
Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences/Materials Science and Engineering: BS (Joint Major)
Materials Science and Engineering/Mechanical Engineering: BS (Joint Major)
Materials Science and Engineering/Nuclear Engineering: BS (Joint Major)
Graduate Programs
Materials Science and Engineering: MEng, 5th Year BS/MS, MS/PhD, PhD
Courses
Materials Science and Engineering
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
The Freshman Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 20 freshmen.
Freshman Seminar: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final Exam To be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Application of basic principles of physics and chemistry to the engineering properties of materials. Emphasis on establishing structure, property, processing, and performance interrelationships in metals, ceramics, and polymers. While core concepts are fully covered each semester, examples and contextualization in Fall editions focuses on metals, ceramics, and functional/electronic properties and in Spring editions on polymers and soft-materials.
Properties of Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Students should have completed high school AP or honors chemistry and physics
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Martin, Messersmith
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
This course presents laboratory applications of the basic principles introduced in the lecture-based course MSE45 – Properties of Materials.
Properties of Materials Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for MSE 45L after taking E45L
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Instructors: Martin, Messersmith
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Bonding in solids; classification of metals, semiconductors, and insulators; crystal systems; point, line, and planar defects in crystals; examples of crystallographic and defect analysis in engineering materials; relationship to physical and mechanical properties.
Bonding, Crystallography, and Crystal Defects: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Sherburne
Bonding, Crystallography, and Crystal Defects: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
The nature, mechanisms, and kinetics of phase transformations and microstructural changes in the solid state. Atom diffusion in solids. Phase transformations through the nucleation and growth of new matrix or precipitate phases. Martensitic transformations, spinodal decomposition. The use of phase transformations to control microstructure.
Phase Transformations and Kinetics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 102 and ENGIN 40
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This 3-unit course will cover basic principles and techniques used for the characterization of engineering materials. The course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the basic principles of structural, chemical and property characterization techniques. The course is grounded in modern x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques for characterization of the chemical and structural properties of a material. The course introduces the fundamental theoretical framework for diffraction, spectrometry and imaging methods.
Materials Characterization: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Materials characterization lies at the heart of understanding the property-structure-processing relationships of materials. The goal of the course is to prepare undergraduate students from materials science to understand the basic principles behind material characterization tools and techniques. More specifically, this class will provide students (1) a thorough introduction to the principles and practice of diffraction, (2) introductory exposure to a range of common characterization methods for the determination of structure and composition of solids. A successful student will learn (1) the theory of x-ray and electron diffraction, (2) basic elements of electron microscopy, (3) basic aspects of optical and scanning probe techniques.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 102. A basic knowledge of structure, bonding and crystallography will be assumed
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Scott, Minor
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This 1-unit laboratory course covers X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as lab writeup protocols and academic integrity. Students will get hands-on experience using the XRD, SEM and TEM equipment to perform microstructural characterization of materials. Students will also design and run their own project on a topic of their choosing.
Materials Characterization Laboratory: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Practical experience on the most common materials characterization equipment for structural and chemical analysis of materials. Introduction to laboratory procedures and independent projects.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 102; and MAT SCI 104 must be taken concurrently. A basic knowledge of structure, bonding and crystallography will be assumed. Undergraduate student in engineering, physics or chemistry
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of laboratory and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Instructors: Scott, Minor
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Introduction to the physical principles underlying the electric properties of modern solids with emphasis on semiconductors; control of defects and impurities through physical purification, bulk and thin film crystal growth and doping processes, materials basis of electronic and optoelectronic devices (diodes, transistors, semiconductor lasers) and optical fibers; properties of metal and oxide superconductors and their applications.
Properties of Electronic Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B, and PHYSICS 7C; or PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B and consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Dubon, Wu, Yao
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Electrochemical theory of corrosion. Mechanisms and rates in relation to physiochemical and metallurgical factors. Stress corrosion and mechanical influences on corrosion. Corrosion protection by design, inhibition, cathodic protection, and coatings.
Corrosion (Chemical Properties): Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45 and ENGIN 40
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Devine
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course covers elastic and plastic deformation under static/dynamic loads. Prediction/prevention of failure by yielding, fracture, fatigue, wear and environmental effects are addressed. Design issues of materials selection for load-bearing applications are discussed. Case studies of engineering failures are presented. Topics include engineering materials, structure-property relationships, mechanical behavior of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, complex stress/strain states, stress concentrations, multiaxial loading, plasticity, yield criteria, dislocations, strengthening mechanisms, creep, fracture mechanics and fatigue.
Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: CIV ENG C30/MEC ENG C85 and MAT SCI 45
Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 113 after taking C113 or Mechanical Engineering C124. Deficiency in C113 or Mechanical Engineering C124 maybe removed by taking 113.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Ritchie
Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2017, Spring 2011
Introduction to the physical principles underlying the dielectric and magnetic properties of solids. Processing-microstructure-property relationships of dielectric materials, including piezoelectric, pryoelectric, and ferroelectric oxides, and of magnetic materials, including hard- and soft ferromagnets, ferrites and magneto-optic and -resistive materials. The course also covers the properties of grain boundary devices (including varistors) as well as ion-conducting and mixed conducting materials for applications in various devices such as sensors, fuel cells, and electric batteries.
Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B, and PHYSICS 7C; or PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B, and consent of instructor. MAT SCI 111 is recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course is intended to give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of topics related to biomedical materials selection and design. Structure-property relationships of biomedical materials and their interaction with biological systems will be addressed. Applications of the concepts developed include blood-materials compatibility, biomimetic materials, hard and soft tissue-materials interactions, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biotechnology.
Biological Performance of Materials: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course is separated into four parts spanning the principles of synthetic materials and surfaces, principles of biological materials, biological performance of materials and devices, and state-of-the-art materials design. Students are required to attend class and master the material therein. In addition, readings from the clinical, life and materials science literature are assigned. Students are encouraged to seek out additional reference material to complement the readings assigned. A mid-term examination is given on basic principles (parts 1 and 2 of the outline). A comprehensive final examination is given as well.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to problems associated with the selection and function of biomaterials. Through class lectures and readings in both the physical and life science literature, students will gain broad knowledge of the criteria used to select biomaterials, especially in devices where the material-tissue or material-solution interface dominates performance. Materials used in devices for medicine, dentistry, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and the biotechnology industry will be addressed.
This course also has a significant design component (~35%). Students will form small teams (five or less) and undertake a semester-long design project related to the subject matter of the course. The project includes the preparation of a paper and a 20 minute oral presentation critically analyzing a current material-tissue or material-solution problem. Students will be expected to design improvements to materials and devices to overcome the problems identified in class with existing materials.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Apply math, science & engineering principles to the understanding of soft materials, surface chemistry, DLVO theory, protein adsorption kinetics, viscoelasticity, mass diffusion, and molecular (i.e., drug) delivery kinetics.
•
Design experiments and analyze data from the literature in the context of the class design project.
Apply core concepts in materials science to solve engineering problems related to the selection biomaterials, especially in devices where the material-tissue or material-solution interface dominates performance.
Develop an understanding of the social, safety and medical consequences of biomaterial use and regulatory issues associated with the selection of biomaterials in the context of the silicone breast implant controversy and subsequent biomaterials crisis.
Work independently and function on a team, and develop solid communication skills (oral, graphic & written) through the class design project.
•
Understanding of the origin of surface forces and interfacial free energy, and how they contribute to the development of the biomaterial interface and ultimately biomaterial performance.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45 and BIO ENG 103 are required. BIO ENG 102 and BIO ENG 104 are strongly recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Healy
Also listed as: BIO ENG C118
Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
Economic and technological significance of metals and other materials. Elementary geology (composition of lithosphere, mineralization). Short survey of mining and mineral processing techniques. Review of chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Principles of process engineering including material, heat, and mechanical energy balances. Elementary heat transfer, fluid flow, and mass transfer. Electrolytic production and refining of metals. Vapor techniques for production of metals and coatings.
Materials Production: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ENGIN 40, MEC ENG 40, CHM ENG 141, CHEM 120B, or equivalent thermodynamics course
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
The principles of metals processing with emphasis on the use of processing to establish microstructures which impart desirable engineering properties. The techniques discussed include solidification, thermal and mechanical processing, powder processing, welding and joining, and surface treatments.
Metals Processing: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Gronsky
Terms offered: Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2010
Powder fabrication by grinding and chemical methods, rheological behavior of powder-fluid suspensions, forming methods, drying, sintering, and grain growth. Relation of processing steps to microstructure development.
Ceramic Processing: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45 and ENGIN 40
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
This 4-unit course starts with a brief review of the fundamentals of solid-state physics including bands and defects in semiconductors and oxides, and then moves to bulk semiconductor crystals growth and processing including doping, diffusion and implantation, and then to thin film deposition and processing methods, and finishes with a discussion of materials analysis and characterization. Recent advances in nanomaterials research will also be introduced.
ELECTRONIC MATERIALS PROCESSING: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To prepare students a) for work in semiconductor processing facilities and b) for graduate studies related to thin film processing and relevant materials science topics.
To present the relevant materials science issues in semiconductor and oxide processing.
To provide an introduction into the principles of thin film processing and related technologies.
Student Learning Outcomes: Basic knowledge of gas kinetics and vacuum technology, including ideal gas, gas transport theory, definition, creation and measurement of vacuum.
Knowledge of electrical and optical properties of thin films.
Knowledge of the formation of p-n junction to explain the diode operation and its I-V characteristics. Understanding of the mechanisms of Hall Effect, transport, and C-V measurements, so that can calculate carrier concentration, mobility and conductivity given raw experimental data.
The ability to describe major growth techniques of bulk, thin film, and nanostructured semiconductors, with particular emphasis on thin film deposition technologies, including evaporation, sputtering, chemical vapor deposition and epitaxial growths.
To have basic knowledge of doping, purification, oxidation, gettering, diffusion, implantation, metallization, lithography and etching in semiconductor processing.
To have basic knowledge of electronic material characterization methods: x-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM, EDX, Auger, STM and AFM, Rutherford Back Scattering and SIMS, as well as optical methods including photoluminescence, absorption and Raman scattering.
To understand the concepts of bands, bandgap, to distinguish direct and indirect bandgap semiconductors. Understanding of free electron and hole doping of semiconductors to determine Fermi level position.
To understand the effect of defects in semiconductors, so that can describe their electronic and optical behaviors, and the methods to eliminate and control them in semiconductors.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 111, PHYSICS 7C, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructors: Wu, Yao
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Deposition, processing, and characterization of thin films and their technological applications. Physical and chemical vapor deposition methods. Thin-film nucleation and growth. Thermal and ion processing. Microstructural development in epitaxial, polycrystalline, and amorphous films. Thin-film characterization techniques. Applications in information storage, integrated circuits, and optoelectronic devices. Laboratory demonstrations.
Thin-Film Materials Science: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Upper division or graduate standing in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering; and MAT SCI 45. PHYSICS 111A or PHYSICS 141A recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Dubon
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Additive manufacturing, the industrial name of 3D printing, pertains to the general class of technologies that, using computer-created (CAD) solid models as input, creates three-dimensional (3D) artifacts through the successive formation of materials. Students will learn the engineering principles and frontiers of additive manufacturing systems and their applications to transforming the rapid prototyping to the paradigm of Additive Manufacturing (AM) for creating functional parts, materials and assembly. Students will apply their learning through class projects wherein they will design novel products via AM, design new AM systems and manufacturing strategies for novel materials. Class will also explore advanced design topics enabled by AM
Introduction to Additive Manufacturing: Process, Materials and Designs: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A (recommended), MAT SCI 45, MEC ENG C85/CIV ENG C30, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Zheng
Introduction to Additive Manufacturing: Process, Materials and Designs: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2022
This course covers the fundamental experimental materials science and processing
of thin film and coatings that incorporates fundamental knowledge of materials transport,
accumulation, defects and epitaxy. Through this course, an understanding of the fundamental
physical and chemical processes which are involved in crystal growth and thin film fabrication
will be gained. Important synthesis and processing techniques used for the fabrication of
electronic and photonic devices will be discussed. Finally, it will provide an
understanding of how material characteristics are influenced by processing and deposition
conditions. This course addresses current challenges and future needs of
the semiconductor and coating industries.
Experimental Materials Science of Thin Films and Coatings: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes: The development of proper protocols for data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
To apply this knowledge to scholarly report writing and the hypothesis driven insights and conclusions.
To familiarize students with some of the important experimental methods growth of materials.
To gain an understanding of how material characteristics are influenced by processing and deposition
conditions of thin films and coatings.
To gain an understanding of the fundamental physical and chemical processes which are involved in
crystal growth and thin film fabrication.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45, MAT SCI 104, and MAT SCI 125; or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
Instructor: Al Balushi
Experimental Materials Science of Thin Films and Coatings: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
This course provides a culminating experience for students approaching completion of the materials science and engineering curriculum. Laboratory experiments are undertaken in a variety of areas from the investigations on semiconductor materials to corrosion science and elucidate the relationships among structure, processing, properties, and performance. The principles of materials selection in engineering design are reviewed.
Experimental Materials Science and Design: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Senior standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2019, Fall 2017
In many, if not all, technologies, it is materials that play a crucial, enabling role. This course examines potentially sustainable technologies, and the materials properties that enable them. The science at the basis of selected energy technologies are examined and considered in case studies.
Materials in Energy Technologies: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Junior or above standing in Materials Science and Engineering or related field
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Formerly known as: Materials Science and Engineering 126
Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2015
This course introduces the fundamental principles needed to understand the behavior of materials at the nanometer length scale and the different classes of nanomaterials with applications ranging from information technology to biotechnology. Topics include introduction to different classes of nanomaterials, synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, and the electronic, magnetic, optical, and mechanical properties of nanomaterials.
Nanomaterials for Scientists and Engineers: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7C and MAT SCI 45. MAT SCI 102 recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Zheng
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
The application of basic chemical principles to problems in materials discovery, design, and characterization will be discussed. Topics covered will include inorganic solids, nanoscale materials, polymers, and biological materials, with specific focus on the ways in which atomic-level interactions dictate the bulk properties of matter.
Introduction to Materials Chemistry: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Also listed as: CHEM C150
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This course is designed for upper division undergraduate and graduate students to gain a fundamental understanding of the science of polymeric materials. Beginning with a treatment of ideal polymeric chain conformations, it develops the thermodynamics of polmyer blends and solutions, the modeling of polymer networks and gelations, the dynamics of polymer chains, and the morphologies of thin films and other dimensionally-restricted structures relevant to nanotechnology.
Polymeric Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: CHEM 1A or MAT SCI 45. MAT SCI 103 is recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Xu
Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
Nanomedicine is an emerging field involving the use of nanoscale materials for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Nanomedicine is a highly interdisciplinary field involving chemistry, materials science, biology and medicine, and has the potential to make major impacts on healthcare in the future. This upper division course is designed for students interested in learning about current developments and future trends in nanomedicine. The overall objective of the course is to introduce major aspects of nanomedicine including the selection, design and testing of suitable nanomaterials, and key determinants of therapeutic and diagnostic efficacy. Organic, inorganic and hybrid nanomaterials will be discussed in this course.
Nanomaterials in Medicine: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To identify an existing or unmet clinical need and identify a nanomedicine that can provide a solution
To learn about chemical approaches used in nanomaterial synthesis and surface modification.
To learn how to read and critique the academic literature.
To understand the interaction of nanomaterials with proteins, cells, and biological systems.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45 or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Instructor: Messersmith
Also listed as: BIO ENG C157
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Soft matter is ubiquitous in synthetic materials and plays a central role in living systems. This
course aims to provide students with an introduction to the physics that govern the structure and
dynamics of soft mater systems, including polymers, colloids, surfactants, membranes, and active
matter. A particular emphasis will be placed on connecting a microscopic physical picture to the
emergent phenomena and properties of interest using scaling theory and statistical mechanics.
Specific topics will include Brownian motion and colloidal dynamics, the depletion force, polymer
chain conformation, rubber elasticity; and surfactant and liquid crystal thermodynamics.
Introduction to Soft Matter: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: ENGIN 40, PHYSICS 5C, CHEM 120B, CHEM ENG 141, or MECH ENG 40
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternate method of final assessment during regularly scheduled final exam group (e.g., presentation, final project, etc.).
Instructor: Omar
Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015
Students who have completed a satisfactory number of advanced courses with a grade-point average of 3.3 or higher may pursue original research under the direction of one of the members of the staff. A maximum of 3 units of H194 may be used to fulfill technical elective requirements in the Materials Science and Engineering program or double majors (unlike 198 or 199, which do not satisfy technical elective requirements). Final report required.
Honors Undergraduate Research: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Upper division technical GPA of 3.3 or higher and consent of instructor and adviser
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Summer: 8 weeks - 1.5-7.5 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Spring 2012, Spring 2011, Spring 2010
Group study of special topics in materials science and engineering. Selection of topics for further study of underlying concepts and relevent literature, in consultion with appropriate faculty members.
Special Topics for Advanced Undergraduates: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Upper division standing and good academic standing. (2.0 gpa and above)
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of directed group study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Terms offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2016
Group studies of selected topics.
Directed Group Studies for Advanced Undergraduates: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Upper division standing in Engineering
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of directed group study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.
Directed Group Studies for Advanced Undergraduates: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022
Supervised independent study. Enrollment restrictions apply; see the Introduction to Courses and Curricula section of this catalog.
Supervised Independent Study: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and major adviser
Credit Restrictions: Course may be repeated for a maximum of four units per semester.
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Undergraduate
Grading/Final exam status: Offered for pass/not pass grade only. Final exam not required.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
A survey of Materials Science at the beginning graduate level, intended for those who did not major in the field as undergraduates. Focus on the nature of microstructure and its manipulation and control to determine engineering properties. Reviews bonding, structure and microstructure, the chemical, electromagnetic and mechanical properties of materials, and introduces the student to microstructural engineering.
Survey of Materials Science: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
The laws of thermodynamics, fundamental equations for multicomponent elastic solids and electromagnetic media, equilibrium criteria. Application to solution thermodynamics, point defects in solids, phase diagrams. Phase transitions, Landau rule, symmetry rules. Interfaces, nucleation theory, elastic effects. Kinetics: diffusion of heat, mass and charge; coupled flows.
Thermodynamics and Phase Transformations in Solids: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 102, MAT SCI 103, ENGIN 40, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Ceder
Thermodynamics and Phase Transformations in Solids: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2021
This course will cover the laws of classical thermodynamics, principles of statistical mechanics, and laws governing the transport of mass and momentum in materials. Applications will include the construction of equilibrium and nonequilibrium phase diagrams and the kinetics of phase transformations in both soft and hard materials.
Thermodynamics, Phase Behavior and Transport Phenomena in Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 102, 103, Engineering 115 or consent of instructor. 201A is a prerequisite to 201B
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Omar
Thermodynamics, Phase Behavior and Transport Phenomena in Materials: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
Regular, irregular arrays of points, spheres; lattices, direct, reciprocal; crystallographic point and space groups; atomic structure; bonding in molecules; bonding in solids; ionic (Pauling rules), covalent, metallic bonding; structure of elements, compounds, minerals, polymers.
Crystal Structure and Bonding: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Chrzan
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This 3-unit course will cover basic principles and techniques used for the characterization of engineering materials. The course is designed to introduce graduate students to the basic principles of structural, chemical and property characterization techniques. The course is grounded in modern x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques for characterization of the chemical and structural properties of a material. The course introduces the fundamental theoretical framework for diffraction, spectrometry and imaging methods.
Materials Characterization: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Materials characterization lies at the heart of understanding the property-structure-processing relationships of materials. The goal of the course is to prepare graduate students from materials science to understand the basic principles behind material characterization tools and techniques. More specifically, this class will provide students (1) a thorough introduction to the principles and practice of diffraction, (2) introductory exposure to a range of common characterization methods for the determination of structure and composition of solids.
Student Learning Outcomes: A successful student will learn (1) the theory of x-ray and electron diffraction, (2) basic elements of electron microscopy, (3) basic aspects of spectroscopy.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 102- a basic knowledge of structure, bonding and crystallography will be assumed
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Scott, Minor
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This 1-unit course will introduce specialized techniques used for the characterization of engineering materials beyond routine x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The course is designed to complement a basic course in x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy by introducing graduate students to characterization methods such as ion beam analysis, magnetic measurements, synchrotron techniques, scanning probe techniques, neutron scattering, optical spectroscopy and dynamic characterization.
Materials Characterization: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Materials characterization lies at the heart of understanding the property-structure-processing relationships of materials. The goal of the course is to prepare graduate students from materials science and related disciplines to understand the basic principles behind ion beam analysis, magnetic measurements, synchrotron techniques, scanning probe techniques, neutron scattering, optical spectroscopy and dynamic characterization.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering, physics or chemistry; MAT SCI 102; and concurrent enrollment in MAT SCI 204
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Scott, Minor
Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2014
Many properties of solid state materials are determined by lattice defects. This course treats in detail the structure of crystal defects, defect formation and annihilation processes, and the influence of lattice defects on the physical and optical properties of crystalline materials.
Defects in Solids: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7C or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Ramesh
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course is intended to give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of topics related to biomedical materials selection and design. Structure-property relationships of biomedical materials and their interaction with biological systems will be addressed. Applications of the concepts developed include blood-materials compatibility, biomimetic materials, hard and soft tissue-materials interactions, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biotechnology.
Biological Performance of Materials: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The course is separated into four parts spanning the principles of synthetic materials and surfaces, principles of biological materials, biological performance of materials and devices, and state-of-the-art materials design. Students are required to attend class and master the material therein. In addition, readings from the clinical, life and materials science literature are assigned. Students are encouraged to seek out additional reference material to complement the readings assigned. A mid-term examination is given on basic principles (parts 1 and 2 of the outline). A comprehensive final examination is given as well.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to problems associated with the selection and function of biomaterials. Through class lectures and readings in both the physical and life science literature, students will gain broad knowledge of the criteria used to select biomaterials, especially in devices where the material-tissue or material-solution interface dominates performance. Materials used in devices for medicine, dentistry, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and the biotechnology industry will be addressed.
This course also has a significant design component (~35%). Students will form small teams (five or less) and undertake a semester-long design project related to the subject matter of the course. The project includes the preparation of a paper and a 20 minute oral presentation critically analyzing a current material-tissue or material-solution problem. Students will be expected to design improvements to materials and devices to overcome the problems identified in class with existing materials.
Student Learning Outcomes: Work independently and function on a team, and develop solid communication skills (oral, graphic & written) through the class design project.
•
Develop an understanding of the social, safety and medical consequences of biomaterial use and regulatory issues associated with the selection of biomaterials in the context of the silicone breast implant controversy and subsequent biomaterials crisis.
•
Design experiments and analyze data from the literature in the context of the class design project.
•
Understanding of the origin of surface forces and interfacial free energy, and how they contribute to the development of the biomaterial interface and ultimately biomaterial performance.
•
Apply math, science & engineering principles to the understanding of soft materials, surface chemistry, DLVO theory, protein adsorption kinetics, viscoelasticity, mass diffusion, and molecular (i.e., drug) delivery kinetics.
•
Apply core concepts in materials science to solve engineering problems related to the selection biomaterials, especially in devices where the material-tissue or material-solution interface dominates performance.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45; and CHEM C130 / MCELLBI C100A or ENGIN 40; and BIO ENG 102 and 104 recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Healy
Also listed as: BIO ENG C208
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Mechanical response of materials: Simple tension in elastic, plastic and viscoelastic members. Continuum mechanics: The stress and strain tensors, equilibrium, compatibility. Three-dimensional elastic, plastic and viscoelastic problems. Thermal, transformation, and dealloying stresses. Applications: Plane problems, stress concentrations at defects, metal forming problems.
Mechanics of Solids: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Govindjee
Also listed as: CIV ENG C231
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
This course covers deformation and fracture behavior of engineering materials for both monotonic and cyclic loading conditions.
Deformation and Fracture of Engineering Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Civil Engineering 130, Engineering 45
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Ritchie, Pruitt, Komvopoulos
Formerly known as: Materials Science and Engineering C212, Mechanical Engineering C225
Also listed as: MEC ENG C225
Deformation and Fracture of Engineering Materials: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2014, Fall 2013, Fall 2012
Review of electrochemical aspects of corrosion; pitting and crevice corrosion; active/passive transition; fracture mechanics approach to corrosion; stress corrosion cracking; hydrogen embrittlement; liquid metal embrittlement; corrosion fatigue; testing methods.
Environmental Effects on Materials Properties and Behavior: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MSE 112 or equivalent
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Devine
Environmental Effects on Materials Properties and Behavior: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2022
Basic theories, analytical techniques, and mathematical foundations of micromechanics. It includes 1. physical micromechanics, such as mathematical theory of dislocation, and cohesive fracture models; 2. micro-elasticity that includes Eshelby's eigenstrain theory, comparison variational principles, and micro-crack/micro-cavity based damage theory; 3. theoretical composite material that includes the main methodologies in evaluating overall material properties; 4. meso-plasticity that includes meso-damage theory, and the crystal plasticity; 5. homogenization theory for materials with periodic structures.
Micromechanics: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Govindjee, Li
Also listed as: CIV ENG C236
Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2019, Spring 2019
Introduction to computational materials science. Development of atomic scale simulations for materials science applications. Application of kinetic Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics, and total energy techniques to the modeling of surface diffusion processes, elastic constants, ideal shear strengths, and defect properties. Introduction to simple numerical methods for solving coupled differential equations and for studying correlations.
Computational Materials Science: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering or sciences, or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Chrzan, Asta, Ceder, Sherburne
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Overview of the problems associated with the selection and function of polymers used in biotechnology and medicine. Principles of polymer science, polymer synthesis, and structure-property-performance relationships of polymers. Particular emphasis is placed on the performance of polymers in biological environments. Interactions between macromolecular and biological systems for therapy and diagnosis. Specific applications will include drug delivery, gene therapy, tissue engineering, and surface engineering.
Macromolecular Science in Biotechnology and Medicine: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: BIO ENG 115. Open to seniors with consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Healy
Also listed as: BIO ENG C216
Macromolecular Science in Biotechnology and Medicine: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2021, Fall 2020, Spring 2017
Introduction to the physical principles underlying the dielectric and magnetic properties of solids. Processing-microstructure-property relationships of dielectric materials, including piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric oxides, and of magnetic materials, including hard- and soft ferromagnets, ferrites and magneto-optic and -resistive materials. The course also covers the properties of grain boundary devices (including varistors) as well as ion-conducting and mixed conducting materials for applications in various devices such as sensors, fuel cells, and electric batteries.
Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B, and PHYSICS 7C; or PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B, and consent of instructor; MAT SCI 111 is recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Martin
Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
This course provides an overview of the fundamental physics, processing and device applications of optical materials, including conventional and van der Waals semiconductors, plasmonic materials,
metamaterials, etc. This course gives graduate students an introduction of the recent developments in the research fields of optical materials and nanophotonics. Topics covered include:
Basic concepts on light-matter interactions. Excitons, biexcitons and trions. Polaritons: plasmons, phonons and magnons. Plasmonic materials and their applications. Near field optics and its application in plasmonics. Raman spectroscopy and surface/tip enhanced Raman (SERS/TERS). Metamaterials: negative refraction, super-resolution imaging and optical invisibility.
Optical Materials and Devices: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: This course is designed to give graduate students an introduction of the recent developments in the research fields of optical materials and nanophotonics.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering, physics or chemistry
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Yao
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Semiconductor purification and crystal growth techniques. Doping, radiation damage, and annealing. Metal-semiconductor interfaces and reactions. Interaction between defects and impurities during processing of devices. Major electronic and optical methods for the analysis of semiconductors.
Semiconductor Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7C or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Dubon, Wu
Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2014
This course covers the fundamentals of magnetism and magnetic materials in the first two-thirds of the class. Topics include magnetic moments in classical versus quantum mechanical pictures, diamagnetism, paramagnetism, crystal field environments, dipolar and exchange interactions, ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, magnetic domains, magnetic anisotropy, and magnetostriction. Magnetic materials covered include transition metals, their alloys and oxides, rare earths and their oxides, organic and molecular magnets. Throughout the course, experimental techniques in magnetic characterization will be discussed. The second part of the course will focus on particular magnetic materials and devices that are of technological interest (e.g., magnetoresistive and magneto-optical materials and devices). Additional topics include biomagnetism and spin glasses.
Magnetism and Magnetic Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 111 or equivalent or consent of instructor; 117 recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Thin-film nucleation and growth, microstructural evolution and reactions. Comparison of thin-film deposition techniques. Characterization techniques. Processing of thin films by ion implantation and rapid annealing. Processing-microstructure-property-performance relationships in the context of applications in information storage, ICs, micro-electromechanical systems and optoelectronics.
Thin-Film Science and Technology: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering, physics, chemistry, or chemical engineering
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Wu, Dubon
Also listed as: AST C225
Terms offered: Fall 2015, Spring 2013, Spring 2011
This technical course focuses on the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy conversion with respect to the physical principals of operation and design of efficient semiconductor solar cell devices. This course aims to equip students with the concepts and analytical skills necessary to assess the utility and viability of various modern photovoltaic technologies in the context of a growing global renewable energy market.
Photovoltaic Materials; Modern Technologies in the Context of a Growing Renewable Energy Market: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Material Science and Mineral Engineering 111 or 123 or equivalent. Should have a firm foundation in electronic and optical props of semiconductors and basic semiconductor device physics
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Also listed as: ENE,RES C226
Terms offered: Fall 2023
This course covers engineering principles, system designs, process dynamics and construction of advanced additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. Students will explore the process-structure-property relationships for 3D printing of polymer, metal, ceramic, composites and beyond. The course will introduce 3D topology, cellular and metamaterials enabled by AM. Through course projects, students will create new materials or engineering products using AM processes
Additive Fabrication Processes and Systems for Advanced Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Physics 7A, Engineering 27, Engineering 29, Materials Science and Engineering 45, Mechanical Engineering C85, or instructor's permission
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Zheng
Additive Fabrication Processes and Systems for Advanced Materials: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This course covers the basic principles of techniques used in the characterization of engineering
materials by electron microscopy, diffraction, and spectroscopy. In addition to lectures on the
theory of electron diffraction and microscopy, there is a hands-on laboratory that offers
detailed practical training in the operation of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) in all
of its major functional diffraction and imaging modes.
Electron Microscopy Laboratory: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 104
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of laboratory and 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Gronsky, Minor
Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
Advanced structural and functional characterization of materials using spectroscopic methods. Techniques to be discussed include state of the art optical, x-ray and ion-beam spectroscopies used for characterization of advanced materials and devices.
Advanced Spectroscopy: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 204 or MAT SCI 205; or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Terms offered: Spring 2024
This course provides a detailed overview of important characterization techniques used to
study the electrical, optical, magnetic, and piezoelectric properties of thin films, with an emphasis on
semiconductors, for device applications. Key properties that can be extracted from each technique will be
described and compared. Important models to extract key materials characteristics from raw data
collected through ex situ and in situ techniques will also be introduced. This course emphasizes
characterization techniques commonly available in modern laboratory settings and in industry.
Electronic Materials Characterization: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To bring students to an appreciation of the power of combining characterization techniques.
To familiarize students with some of the important methods of materials and device characterization
useful in electronic, magnetic, optical and piezoelectric materials research.
To help students acquire the knowledge and hone the thought processes necessary to choose and use
materials characterization techniques wisely.
To help students to become aware of the development of new characterization technologies, how to
find them, and how to judge them.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Al Balushi
Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
The course is designed for graduate students interested in the emerging field of nanomedicine. The course will involve lectures, literature reviews and proposal writing. Students will be required to formulate a nanomedicine research project and write an NIH-style proposal during the course. The culmination of this project will involve a mock review panel in which students will serve as peer reviewers to read and evaluate the proposals.
Nanomaterials in Medicine: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: To review the current literature regarding the use of nanomaterials in medical applications; (2) To describe approaches to nanomaterial synthesis and surface modification; (3) To understand the interaction of nanomaterials with proteins, cells and biological systems; (4) To familiarize students with proposal writing and scientific peer review.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students should be able to (1) identify the important properties of metal, polymer and ceramic nanomaterials used in healthcare; (2) understand the role of size, shape and surface chemistry of nanomaterials in influencing biological fate and performance; (3) understand common methods employed for surface modification of nanomaterials; (4) comprehend the range of cell-nanomaterial interactions and methods for assaying these interactions; (5) read and critically review the scientific literature relating to nanomedicine; (6) formulate and design an experimental nanomedicine research project; (7) understand the principles of the peer review system.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Messersmith
Also listed as: BIO ENG C250
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Fall 2020
The course is designed for graduate students to gain a fundamental understanding of the surface and interfacial science of polymeric materials. Beginning with a brief introduction of the principles governing polymer phase behavior in bulk, it develops the thermodynamics of polymers in thin films and at interfaces, the characterization techniques to assess polymer behavior in thin films and at interfaces, and the morphologies of polymer thin films and other dimensionally-restricted structures relevant to nanotechnology and biotechnology. Field trips to national user facilities, laboratory demonstrations and hands-on experiments, and guest lectures will augment the courses lectures.
Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A or Engineering 5; Material Science and Engineering 151 recommended
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Xu
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2020
Thermodynamics of surfaces and phase boundaries, surface tension of solids and liquids, surface activity, adsorption, phase equilibria, and contact angles, electrochemical double layers at interfaces, theory, and applications.
Surface Properties of Materials: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Salmeron
Formerly known as: Mineral Engineering 260
Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2013, Spring 2012
A three-module introduction to the fundamental topics of Nano-Science and Engineering (NSE) theory and research within chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. This course includes quantum and solid-state physics; chemical synthesis, growth fabrication, and characterization techniques; structures and properties of semiconductors, polymer, and biomedical materials on nanoscales; and devices based on nanostructures. Students must take this course to satisfy the NSE Designated Emphasis core requirement.
Introduction to Nano-Science and Engineering: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Major in physical science such as chemistry, physics, etc., or engineering; consent of advisor or instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructors: Gronsky, S.W. Lee, Wu
Also listed as: BIO ENG C280/NSE C201/PHYSICS C201
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This course provides the student with a modern introduction to the basic industrial practices, modeling techniques, theoretical background, and computational methods to treat classical and cutting edge manufacturing processes in a coherent and self-consistent manner.
Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: An introduction to modeling and simulation of modern manufacturing processes.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: An undergraduate course in strength of materials or 122
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Zohdi
Also listed as: MEC ENG C201/NUC ENG C226
Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2012
The course is self-contained and is designed in an interdisciplinary manner for graduate students in engineering, materials science, physics, and applied mathematics who are interested in methods to accelerate the laboratory analysis and design of new materials. Examples draw primarily from various mechanical, thermal, diffusive, and electromagnetic applications.
Computational Design of Multifunctional/Multiphysical Composite Materials: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: An undergraduate degree in the applied sciences or engineering
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3-3 hours of lecture and 0-1 hours of discussion per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Zohdi
Also listed as: MEC ENG C202
Computational Design of Multifunctional/Multiphysical Composite Materials: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
Lectures and appropriate assignments on fundatmental or applied topics of current interest in materials science and engineering.
Special Topics in Materials Science: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Formerly known as: 290M
Terms offered: Spring 2009, Spring 2008, Spring 2006
Selected topics in the thermodynamic, kinetic or phase transformation behavior of solid materials. Topics will generally be selected based on student interest in Mat Sci 201A-201B. The course provides an opportunity to explore subjects of particular interest in greater depth.
Special Problems in Materials Science: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 201A and MAT SCI 201B; or consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Letter grade.
Instructor: Morris
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This is the first semester of a two-course sequence for those majors in the five year BS/MS program. Students are expected to formulate, develop and initiate an independent research project under the supervision of a research advisor. This course will meet once at the beginning of the semester to outline the expectations of the course. Periodic meetings covering topics such as maintaining a lab notebook, effective oral communication, and writing a journal publication will be scheduled. Students will be expected to keep a laboratory notebook outlining their progress during the semester. A progress report will be due at the end of Materials Science and Engineering 296A. Students will also be expected to give an oral presentation, describing their research project and progress toward their goals in front of their peers at the end of the semester.
Independent Research for Five-Year BS/MS Program: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the five year BS/MS program
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-2 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Independent Research for Five-Year BS/MS Program: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This is the second semester of a two-course sequence for those majors in the five year BS/MS program. Students are expected to complete an independent research project under the supervision of a research advisor initiated in Materials Science and Engineering 296A. This course will meet once at the beginning of the semester to outline the expectations of the course. Periodic meetings covering topics such as data analysis and design of experiment will be scheduled. Students will be expected to keep a laboratory notebook outlining their progress during the semester. A final report in journal publication form will be due at the end of the semester. Each student will also give a final presentation on his/her research project at the end of the semester.
Independent Research for Five-Year BS/MS Program: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 296A
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-2 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Independent Research for Five-Year BS/MS Program: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Advanced study in various subjects through special seminars on topics to be selected each year, informal group studies of special problems, group participation in comprehensive design problems or group research on complete problems for analysis and experimentation.
Group Studies, Seminars, or Group Research: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-8 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Summer 2024 10 Week Session
Individual investigation of advanced materials science problems.
Individual Study or Research: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week
Summer:
6 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
Discussion and research of pedagogical issues. Supervised practice teaching in materials science and engineering.
Science and Engineering Pedagogy: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and appointment, or interest in appointment, as a graduate student instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Instructor: Gronsky
Formerly known as: Material Science and Engineering 300
Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Disucssion and research of pedagogical issues. Supervised practice teaching in Materials and Science and Engineering.
Supervised Teaching of Materials Science and Engineering: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and appointment, or interest in appointment, as a graduate student instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-2 hours of seminar per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Formerly known as: Material Science and Engineering 300
Supervised Teaching of Materials Science and Engineering: Read Less [-]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Individual study for the comprehensive or language requirements in consultation with the field adviser.
Individual Study for Master's Students: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering
Credit Restrictions: Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for master's degree.
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-8 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate examination preparation
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser, intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. (and other doctoral degrees).
Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in engineering
Credit Restrictions: Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for doctoral degree.
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate examination preparation
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Contact Information
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
210 Hearst Memorial Mining Building
Phone: 510-642-3801
Fax: 510-643-5792
Graduate Student Services Adviser
Ariana Castro
210 Hearst Memorial Mining Building
Phone: 510-642-0716
Undergraduate Student Services Advisor
Medina Kohzad
210 Hearst Memorial Mining Building