The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers three graduate degree programs: the Master of Engineering (MEng), 5th Year Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (BS/MS), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Master of Engineering (MEng)
In collaboration with other departments in the College of Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering is offering a professional master’s degree. The accelerated program is designed to develop professional engineering leaders in materials science and engineering who are seeking knowledge and leadership experience in MSE.
Prospective students will be engineers, typically with industrial experience, who aspire to substantially advance in their careers and ultimately to lead large, complex organizations, both in the public and private sectors.
You may choose to apply to either the full-time one-year program or part-time program for working professionals. You will be asked to choose which option you will be considered for during the application process. Both options employ the same standards and criteria for admissions.
5th Year Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (BS/MS)
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers a five-year combined BS/MS program to our undergraduate student cohort. In this program, the existing four-year undergraduate program (BS) will be augmented with a fifth year of graduate study that provides a professionally-oriented component, preparing students for careers in engineering or engineering management within the business, government, and industrial sectors. This five-year program emphasizes interdisciplinary study through an independent project coupled to coursework.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Students pursuing the PhD may also declare a designated emphasis (DE) in one of the following programs: Communication, Computation, and Statistics; Computational and Genomic Biology; Computational Science and Engineering; Energy Science and Technology; or Nanoscale Science and Engineering.
Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! UC Berkeley offers more than 120 graduate programs representing the breadth and depth of interdisciplinary scholarship. The Graduate Division hosts a complete list of graduate academic programs, departments, degrees offered, and application deadlines can be found on the Graduate Division website.
Prospective students must submit an online application to be considered for admission, in addition to any supplemental materials specific to the program for which they are applying. The online application and steps to take to apply can be found on the Graduate Division website.
Admission Requirements
The minimum graduate admission requirements are:
A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and
Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.
For a list of requirements to complete your graduate application, please see the Graduate Division’s Admissions Requirements page. It is also important to check with the program or department of interest, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree. Department contact information can be found here.
Admission decisions are based on a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, and relevant work experience. The MSE department also considers the appropriateness of your goals to the degree program in which you are interested and to the research interests of the program’s faculty.
To be considered for graduate admissions in MSE you need:
A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent (must be conferred prior to enrollment into our program) from an accredited institution in engineering, physics or chemistry is required. We do not accept students without these types of degrees.
Sufficient undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.
A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B). International students should be in the top 5% of their class.
We require three letters of recommendation submitted online.
A general Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test score (85th percentile or higher is desirable) in the Verbal/Analytical/Quantitative sections.
Doctoral Degree Requirements
Normative Time Requirements
Normative Time to Advancement
Step I: Pass the preliminary exam—scheduled prior to the start of the second semester. In this oral exam, students must demonstrate (i) mastery of the essential components of a Materials Science and Engineering education at a level commensurate with the completion of an undergraduate MSE degree at Berkeley, and (ii) their ability to use this knowledge in ongoing research.
Step II: Complete the minimum number of semester units of formal course work (major and minors) is 28, of which 16 must be in graduate units in the major field.
Step III: Pass the qualifying exam.
Normative Time in Candidacy
Step IV: Submission of the doctoral dissertation.
Total Normative Time
Total normative time is five years.
Time to Advancement
Curriculum
Course List
Code
Title
Units
Courses Required
Approved study list per student’s research interest but must include course requirements below:
Supervised Teaching of Materials Science and Engineering
Preliminary Exams
In this oral exam students must demonstrate:
Mastery of the essential components of a Materials Science and Engineering education at a level commensurate with the completion of an undergraduate MSE degree at Berkeley, and
Their ability to use this knowledge in ongoing research.
The examination is divided into six topics germane to ceramic, metallic, semiconducting, and soft materials, including their appropriate composites. Six faculty examiners are appointed each semester by the department chair, one examiner per topic, who conduct the exam in individual oral interviews lasting approximately 20 minutes. The examination topics are:
Thermodynamics;
Phase Transformations;
Bonding, Crystallography, and Crystal Defects;
Materials Characterization;
Mechanical Properties; and
Electronic Properties.
Qualifying Examination
The PhD qualifying exam tests the student's ability to identify a significant problem, to assemble the background information needed to grasp it in the context of the field, and to construct a technical approach that provides a plausible path to its solution. At the same time, the qualifying exam will test the student's knowledge of the subject matter within the broad research field and his or her major field.
The examination consists of two parts, namely, a written proposal, and the oral examination:
Written Proposal. The proposal describes the intended PhD research. At least two weeks before the examination date the student must submit a written research proposal to his/her committee. The proposal must include a one-page abstract and be roughly five to ten pages long. It must contain a concise statement of the research problem and its significance, a discussion of the technical background, the technical approach (experimental and/or theoretical), the anticipated results, and a bibliography. This written proposal is to be prepared by the student without direct collaboration or assistance from the faculty.
The Examination. The student should prepare a 30-minute oral presentation of the research proposal(s). The committee will question the student on the material presented orally, the material contained in the written proposal, and the general technical background to the research area. The student should be familiar with the relevant literature. The student must also defend the significance of the research problem and the viability of the technical approach. The second part of the examination consists of questions in the major and minor fields.
Time in Candidacy
Dissertation
Required Professional Development
Teaching
The faculty of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering considers teaching experience to be an important part of a doctoral student’s program of study and requires that all graduate students pursuing a PhD serve at least one semester as a graduate student instructor (GSI) in an MSE course (usually after the first year).
Seminar
All graduate students are required to enroll (MAT SCI 298-Sect 1) and attend the weekly department colloquium series.
Master's Degree Requirements (MS)
Unit Requirements
There are two plans for the master of science degree.
Plan I requires a minimum of 20 semester units are required, of which at least 8 must be strictly graduate units in the major subject (University requirement), and of these 8, there shall be no more than 2 units of credit for MAT SCI 299 while the remaining units must be graded course units. The remaining 12 units may be upper division or graduate courses proposed by the student and research supervisor and approved by the major field adviser.
Plan II requires a minimum 24 semester units is required, of which at least 12 must be strictly graduate units in the major subject, and of these 12 units, there shall be no more than a total of 2 units of credit MAT SCI 299. The remaining 12 units may be graded upper division or graduate courses approved by the major field adviser.
Electives - for remaining units required (20, Plan I; 24, Plan II)
5-9
Capstone/Thesis (Plan I)
A thesis is required. The research topic and research supervisor must be specified in the program of study form.
The thesis committee is formally appointed by the dean of the Graduate Division upon recommendation of the student's major field adviser and the AAC. It consists of three members: the research supervisor plus one other member from the department, and one member either be from outside the College of Engineering or from a field of engineering not closely related to that of the candidate. The student is encouraged to consult all committee members while the research is in progress.
Capstone Report (Plan II)
At least a month before the student intends to graduate, a project report based on MAT SCI 299 work or on a phase of his/her work as a research assistant and approved by the project supervisor, must be submitted to the committee. It is the student's responsibility to see that the final corrected report is submitted and the examination taken by the last day of the semester.
Master's Degree Requirements (MEng)
Unit Requirements
Minimum units to complete the degree is 25 semester units (must be in 200 series).
12 units must be materials science and engineering units; 8 semester units must be in core leadership curriculum units (must be in 200 series)
2 Semester units - Capstone Integration (taken S/U)
3 Semester units - Engineering Leadership I (taken for a letter grade)
3 Semester units - Engineering Leadership II (taken for a letter grade)
Maximum number of Capstone Project Units (297M A-B): 5(2 Fall, 3 Spring)
Minimum GPA: All students required to have a minimum of 3.0
Minimum units required: 12 units (Full Time)
Comprehensive Exam
Curriculum
These concentrations are suggestions only. Students are encouraged to select electives that best satisfy their specific educational objectives.
General Program Concentration
Materials Science and Engineering is a diverse field of study drawing from all areas of physical science such as chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. In addition to drawing from the physical sciences, materials science and engineering often crosses these disciplinary boundaries. The general program recognizes the inherent interdisciplinary nature of materials science and engineering and allows students to tailor their program of study to address their personal interests
Traditionally, biomaterials encompass synthetic alternatives to the native materials found in our body. A central limitation in the performance of traditional materials used in medical device, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical industries is that they lack the ability to integrate with biological systems through either a molecular or cellular pathway, which has relegated biomaterials to a passive role dictated by the constituents of a particular environment, leading to unfavorable outcomes and device failure. The design and synthesis of materials that circumvent their passive behavior in complex mammalian cells is the focus of the work conducted within the MSE Department at Berkeley.
Biomimetic Surface Engineering:
Surface modification of medical implants to control wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Biologically-defined Microdevices:
Design and fabrication of surfaces, using advanced pattern techniques, to facilitate cell and molecular-based microarrays.
This area focuses on the relationships between the chemical and physical structure of materials and their properties and performance. Regardless of the material class metallic, ceramic, polymeric or composite, an understanding of the structure-property relationships provides a scientific basis for developing engineering materials for advanced applications. Fundamental and applied research in this field responds to an ever-increasing demand for improved or better-characterized materials.
This group of materials is defined by its functionality. Semiconductors, metals, and ceramics are used today to form highly complex systems, such as integrated electronic circuits, optoelectronic devices, and magnetic and optical mass storage media. In intimate contact, the various materials, with precisely controlled properties, perform numerous functions, including the acquisition, processing, transmission, storage, and display of information. Electronic, Magnetic and Optical materials research combines the fundamental principles of solid-state physics and chemistry, of electronic and chemical engineering, and of materials science. Nanoscale science and engineering is of increasing importance in this field.
Photovoltaic Materials; Modern Technologies in the Context of a Growing Renewable Energy Market
3
Computational Materials
Computational methods are increasingly important in all areas of science and engineering, Computational Materials Science capitalizes on advancements in these fields, which include high throughput approaches and machine learning. Materials Science and Engineering applications range from the theoretical prediction of the electronic and structural properties of materials to chemical kinetics and equilibria or modeling the chemical kinetics and equilibria in a materials processing operation, to now predicting the existence of new materials and their properties. These advances in computational techniques have yielded remarkable insight into materials behaviors, particularly at the nanoscale. Under favorable circumstances, it is now possible to predict in exquisite detail many properties of materials at the nanoscale (one nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter) by merely solving Schrodinger’s famous equation. These advancements have positioned researchers within the department to be very active in developing data for the Materials Project https://materialsproject.org, an effort to construct a database of all computable properties for all known materials.
Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes
3
Chemical and Electrochemical
Chemical and Electrochemical materials include both the chemical and electrochemical processing of materials, and the chemical and electrochemical behavior of materials. The former includes the scientific and engineering principles utilized in mineral processing, smelting, leaching, and refining materials, and many of the advanced techniques of processing microelectronic devices such as etching and deposition techniques. The latter includes the chemical synthesis of novel materials, environmental degradation of materials, the compatibility of materials with specific environments, along with materials used in advanced energy storage devices, and catalytic materials for energy and the environment.
Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
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
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 [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2022
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 - 4 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Materials Science and Engineering/Graduate
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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
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
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 [+]
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.
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
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
Terms offered: Fall 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2018
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
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
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
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 [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2021
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
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 [+]
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
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
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
Terms offered: Spring 2025, 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
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 [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2021
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 [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, 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
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
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2022
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
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
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: Spring 2025, 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
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
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
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 [+]
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.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
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 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: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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.
When you print this page, you are actually printing everything within the tabs on the page you are on: this may include all the Related Courses and Faculty, in addition to the Requirements or Overview. If you just want to print information on specific tabs, you're better off downloading a PDF of the page, opening it, and then selecting the pages you really want to print.
