Materials Science and Engineering/Nuclear Engineering Joint Major
About the Program
Bachelor of Science (BS)
The joint major programs are designed for students who wish to undertake study in two areas of engineering in order to qualify for employment in either field or for positions in which competence in two fields is required. These curricula include the core courses in each of the major fields. While they require slightly increased course loads, they can be completed in four years. Both majors are shown on the student's transcript of record.
The interface between materials science and engineering and nuclear engineering is an especially challenging and rewarding one giving students in this joint major an exciting range of career options. With a sound curriculum steeped in the fundamentals, the joint major program prepares students to fully understand the behavior of materials in a reactor or related extreme environments, including their design and optimization. Students completing this joint major will successfully compete for positions in the energy sector and top graduate programs.
Admission to the Joint Major
Admission directly to a joint major is closed to freshmen and junior transfer applicants. Students interested in a joint program may apply to change majors during specific times in their academic progress. Please see the College of Engineering joint majors website for complete details.
Students may receive up to three units of technical elective credit for graded research in MAT SCI H194 or NUC ENG H194.
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Technical Electives cannot include:
Any course taken on a Pass/No Pass basis
Any course that counts as H/SS
Any of the following courses: BIO ENG 100, BIO ENG 153, DES INV courses (except DES INV 190E), ENGIN 125, ENGIN 157AC, ENGIN 180, ENGIN 185, ENGIN 183 series, ENGIN 187, ENGIN 195 series, IND ENG 172, IND ENG 185, IND ENG 186, IND ENG 190 series, IND ENG 191, IND ENG 192, IND ENG 195, MEC ENG 191AC, MEC ENG 190K, and MEC ENG 191K.
College Requirements
Students in the College of Engineering must complete no fewer than 120 semester units with the following provisions:
A minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 (C average) and a minimum 2.00 grade point average in upper division technical coursework required of the major.
The final 30 units and two semesters must be completed in residence in the College of Engineering on the Berkeley campus.
All technical courses (math, science, and engineering) that can fulfill requirements for the student's major must be taken on a letter graded basis (unless they are only offered P/NP).
Entering freshmen are allowed a maximum of eight semesters to complete their degree requirements. Entering junior transfers are allowed five semesters to complete their degree requirements. Summer terms are optional and do not count toward the maximum. Students are responsible for planning and satisfactorily completing all graduation requirements within the maximum allowable semesters.
Complete lower division technical courses before enrolling in upper division technical courses.
Humanities and Social Sciences (H/SS) Requirement
To promote a rich and varied educational experience outside of the technical requirements for each major, the College of Engineering has a six-course Humanities and Social Sciences breadth requirement, which must be completed to graduate. This requirement, built into all the engineering programs of study, includes two Reading and Composition courses (R&C), and four additional courses within which a number of specific conditions must be satisfied. See the humanities and social sciences section of our website for details.
Class Schedule Requirements
Minimum units per semester: 12.0
Maximum units per semester: 20.5
Minimum technical courses: College of Engineering undergraduates must include at least two letter graded technical courses (of at least 3 units each) in their semester program. Every semester students are expected to make normal progress in their declared major. Normal progress is determined by the student's Engineering Student Services Advisor. (Note: For most majors, normal progress will require enrolling in 3-4 technical courses required of your current major each semester.) Students who are not in compliance with this policy by the end of the fifth week of the semester are subject to a registration block that will delay enrollment for the following semester.
All technical courses (math, science, engineering) that satisfy requirements for the major must be taken on a letter-graded basis (unless only offered as P/NP).
Minimum Academic Requirements
Students must have a minimum overall and semester grade point average of 2.00 (C average). Students will be subject to suspension or dismissal from the University if during any fall or spring semester their overall UC GPA falls below a 2.00, or their semester GPA is less than 2.00.
Students must achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.00 (C average) in upper division technical courses required for the major curriculum each semester.
A minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 and a minimum 2.00 grade point average in upper division technical course work required for the major are required to earn a Bachelor of Science in the College of Engineering.
Students must make normal degree progress toward the Bachelor of Science degree and their officially declared major.
Unit Requirements
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, students must complete at least 120 semester units of courses subject to certain guidelines:
Completion of the requirements of one engineering major program of study.
A maximum of 16 units of special studies coursework (courses numbered 97, 98, 99, 197, 198, or 199) is allowed to count towards the B.S. degree, and no more than 4 units in any single term can be counted.
A maximum of 4 units of physical education from any school attended will count towards the 120 units.
Passed (P) grades may account for no more than one third of the total units completed at UC Berkeley, Fall Program for First Semester (FPF), UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), or UC Berkeley Washington Program (UCDC) toward the 120 overall minimum unit requirement. Transfer credit is not factored into the limit. This includes transfer units from outside of the UC system, other UC campuses, credit-bearing exams, as well as UC Berkeley Extension XB units.
Normal Progress
Students in the College of Engineering must enroll in a full-time program and make normal progress each semester toward their declared major. Students who fail to achieve normal academic progress shall be subject to suspension or dismissal. (Note: Students with official accommodations established by the Disabled Students' Program, with health or family issues, or with other reasons deemed appropriate by the dean may petition for an exception to normal progress rules.)
All students who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by satisfying the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR). The UC Entry Level Writing Requirement website provides information on how to satisfy the requirement.
The American History and Institutions (AH&I) requirements are based on the principle that a US resident graduated from an American university should have an understanding of the history and governmental institutions of the United States.
The American Cultures requirement is a Berkeley campus requirement, one that all undergraduate students at Berkeley need to pass in order to graduate. You satisfy the requirement by passing, with a grade not lower than C- or P, an American Cultures course. You may take an American Cultures course any time during your undergraduate career at Berkeley. The requirement was instituted in 1991 to introduce students to the diverse cultures of the United States through a comparative framework. Courses are offered in more than fifty departments in many different disciplines at both the lower and upper division level.
Plan of Study
For more detailed information regarding the courses listed below (e.g., elective information, GPA requirements, etc.), please see the College Requirements and Major Requirements tab.
CHEM 4A is intended for students majoring in chemistry or a closely-related field.
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Technical electives must include at least 9 units of upper-division NUC ENG courses and at least 3 units from the MAT SCI 120 series courses. The additional 4 units of upper-division technical electives must be chosen in consultation with the faculty adviser. Students may receive up to 3 units of technical elective credit for graded research in MAT SCI H194 Honors Undergraduate Research or NUC ENG H194 Honors Undergraduate Research.
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Technical Electives cannot include:
Any course taken on a Pass/No Pass basis
Any of the following courses: BIO ENG 100, BIO ENG 153, CHMENG 185, COMPSCI 195, COMPSCI H195, DES INV courses (except DES INV 190E), ENGIN 125, ENGIN 157AC, ENGIN 180, ENGIN 183 series, ENGIN 185, ENGIN 187, ENGIN 195 series, IND ENG 172, IND ENG 185, IND ENG 186, IND ENG 190 series, IND ENG 191, IND ENG 192, IND ENG 195, MEC ENG 191AC, MEC ENG 190K, and MEC ENG 191K.
The Humanities/Social Sciences (H/SS) requirement includes two approved Reading & Composition (R&C) courses and four additional approved courses, with which a number of specific conditions must be satisfied. R&C courses must be taken for a letter grade (C- or better required). The first half (R&C Part A) must be completed by the end of the freshman year; the second half (R&C Part B) must be completed by no later than the end of the sophomore year. The remaining courses may be taken at any time during the program. See engineering.berkeley.edu/hss for complete details and a list of approved courses.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
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: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
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.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
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.
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 [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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 [+]
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 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.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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 [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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 [+]
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 [+]
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.
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 [+]
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.
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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.
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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.
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 [+]
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 [+]
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 [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
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.
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.
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 [+]
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.
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 2024
In this course, students will learn the engineering principles, system designs, process dynamics and construction of advanced additive fabrication systems. Students will explore the process-structure-property relationships for various commercial and custom additive manufacturing processes for polymer, metal, ceramic, composites and beyond. Additionally, students will explore the digital design and manufacturing of 3D topologies, cellular materials and metamaterials enabled by additive processes. In addition to gaining theoretical and hands-on access to AM technologies, students will apply their learning through design projects wherein they will create novel materials or engineering products via additive manufacturing processes. Additive Manufacturing Processes and Systems for Advanced Materials: Read More [+]
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 [+]
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 [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
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 [+]
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.
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 [+]
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.).
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 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
This seminar provides freshman and first year transfer students with an overview of the field of nuclear engineering (NE) and the research activities in the NE department. Every week a faculty member will introduce a topic and describe the main research challenges in that area. What do nuclear engineers do?: Read More [+]
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
The Berkeley 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. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Freshman Seminars: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1 hour of seminar per week
Grading/Final exam status: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered. Final Exam To be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
The class provides students with an overview of the contemporary nuclear energy technology with emphasis on nuclear fission as an energy source. Starting with the basic physics of the nuclear fission process, the class includes discussions on reactor control, thermal hydraulics, fuel production, and spent fuel management for various types of reactors in use around the world as well as analysis of safety and other nuclear-related issues. This class is intended for sophomore NE students, but is also open to transfer students and students from other majors. Introduction to Nuclear Energy and Technology: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023
Energetics and kinetics of nuclear reactions and radioactive decay, fission, fusion, and reactions of low-energy neutrons; properties of the fission products and the actinides; nuclear models and transition probabilities; interaction of radiation with matter. Nuclear Reactions and Radiation: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2013
Laboratory course in nuclear physics. Experiments will allow students to directly observe phenomena discussed in Nuclear Engineering 101. These experiments will give students exposure to (1) electronics, (2) alpha, beta, gamma radiation detectors, (3) radioactive sources, and (4) experimental methods relevant for all aspects of nuclear science. Experiments include: Rutherford scattering, x-ray fluorescence, muon lifetime, gamma-gamma angular correlations, Mossbauer effect, and radon measurements. Nuclear Reactions and Radiation Laboratory: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2022
Basic science of radiation measurement, nuclear instrumentation, neutronics, radiation dosimetry. The lectures emphasize the principles of radiation detection. The weekly laboratory applies a variety of radiation detection systems to the practical measurements of interest for nuclear power, nuclear and non-nuclear science, and environmental applications. Students present goals and approaches of the experiements being performed. Radiation Detection and Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
Introduction to medical imaging physics and systems, including x-ray computed tomography (CT), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), positron emission tomography (PET), and SPECT; basic principles of tomography and an introduction to unfolding methods; resolution effects of counting statistics, inherent system resolution and human factors. Introduction to Imaging: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Effects of irradiation on the atomic and mechanical properties of materials in nuclear reactors. Fission product swelling and release; neutron damage to structural alloys; fabrication and properties of uranium dioxide fuel. Nuclear Materials: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Spring 2021
Components and material flowsheets for nuclear fuel cycle, waste characteristics, sources of radioactive wastes, compositions, radioactivity and heat generation; waste treatment technologies; waste disposal technologies; safety assessment of waste disposal. Radioactive Waste Management: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Use of nuclear measurement techniques to detect clandestine movement and/or possession of nuclear materials by third parties. Nuclear detection, forensics, signatures, and active and passive interrogation methodologies will be explored. Techniques currently deployed for arms control and treaty verification will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on common elements of detection technology from the viewpoint of resolution of threat signatures from false positives due to naturally occurring radioactive material. Topics include passive and active neutron signals, gamma ray detection, fission neutron multiplicity, and U and Pu isotopic identification and age determination. Analytical Methods for Non-proliferation: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:NUC ENG 101 (or similar background in nuclear physics), or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Experimental illustrations of the interrelation between chemical and nuclear science and technology and nuclear forensics; radioactive decay and counting techniques; nuclear spectroscopy; fundamental radiochemical techniques; radiochemical separations techniques; tracers; activation analysis; forensic applications of radiochemistry; fusion, fission and nuclear reactors. Radiochemical Methods in Nuclear Technology and Forensics: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: Familiarize students with principles of nuclear and radiochemistry and its many important applications in our daily lives; provide hands-on training.
Student Learning Outcomes: A solid understanding of nuclear and radiochemistry; proficiency in safe handling of radioactive materials in the laboratory, and appreciation for the wide application of radiochemical techniques in chemistry, nuclear technology, and nuclear forensics.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Neutron interactions, nuclear fission, and chain reacting systematics in thermal and fast nuclear reactors. Diffusion and slowing down of neutrons. Criticality calculations. Nuclear reactor dynamics and reactivity feedback. Production of radionuclides in nuclear reactors. Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Computational methods used to analyze radiation transport described by various differential, integral, and integro-differential equations. Numerical methods include finite difference, finite elements, discrete ordinates, and Monte Carlo. Examples from neutron and photon transport; numerical solutions of neutron/photon diffusion and transport equations. Monte Carlo simulations of photon and neutron transport. An overview of optimization techniques for solving the resulting discrete equations on vector and parallel computer systems. Introduction to Numerical Simulations in Radiation Transport: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course provides an introduction to the field of nuclear criticality safety. Topics include: a review of basic concepts related to criticality (fission, cross sections, multiplication factor, etc.); criticality safety accidents; standards applicable to criticality safety; hand calculations and Monte Carlo methods used in criticality safety analysis; criticality safety evaluation documents. Nuclear Criticality Safety: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: The objective of this course is to acquaint Nuclear Engineering students with the concepts and practice of nuclear criticality safety, and to help prepare them for a future career in this field.
Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course, students should be able to:
Explain and define criticality safety factors for operations.
Discuss previous criticality accidents and their causal factors, including parameters involved in solution and metal critical accidents.
Identify and discuss the application of several common hand calculation methods.
Describe the importance of validation of computer codes and how it is accomplished.
Discuss ANSI/ANS criticality safety regulations.
Describe DOE regulations and practices in the nuclear criticality safety field.
Complete a Criticality Safety Evaluation.
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites:NUC ENG 150 or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading/Final exam status: Letter grade. Alternate method of final assessment during regularly scheduled final exam group (e.g., presentation, final project, etc.).
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Energy conversion in nuclear power systems; design of fission reactors; thermal and structural analysis of reactor core and plant components; thermal-hydraulic analysis of accidents in nuclear power plants; safety evaluation and engineered safety systems. Nuclear Power Engineering: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Interaction of radiation with matter; physical, chemical, and biological effects of radiation on human tissues; dosimetry units and measurements; internal and external radiation fields and dosimetry; radiation exposure regulations; sources of radiation and radioactivity; basic shielding concepts; elements of radiation protection and control; theories and models for cell survival, radiation sensitivity, carcinogenesis, and dose calculation. Radiation Biophysics and Dosimetry: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2019
Project-based class for design and licensing of nuclear facilities, including advanced reactors. Elements of a project proposal. Regulatory framework and use of deterministic and probabilistic licensing criteria. Siting criteria. External and internal events. Identification and analysis of design basis and beyond design basis events. Communication with regulators and stakeholders. Ability to work in and contribute to a design team. Risk-Informed Design for Advanced Nuclear Systems: Read More [+]
Objectives & Outcomes
Course Objectives: * Introduce students to the methods and models for event identification, accident analysis, and risk assessment and management for internally and externally initiated events. * Introduce students to the regulatory requirements for design, construction and operation of nuclear facilities licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. * Introduce students to the safety principles and methods used to design, construct and operate a safe nuclear facility, for a specific site and application. * Provide a basic understanding of similarities and differences in regulation of nuclear facilities versus other technologies (biotech, commercial aviation, commercial space launch, civil infrastructure). * Provide a basic understanding the risk-informed design process and an opportunity to experience contributing in a focused area to a design project. * Provide students with experiential knowledge in developing schedules, allocating work responsibilities, and working in teams. * Provide students with experiential knowledge in the preparation and evaluation a Safety Analysis Report for meeting USNRC regulatory requirements, including response to Requests for Additional Information (RAIs).
Student Learning Outcomes: * Develop a broad understanding of safety principles and methods used in design, construction and licensing of nuclear facilities.
* Develop a broad understanding of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s regulatory requirements for nuclear facilities.
* Have awareness of key similarities and differences in regulation of nuclear facilities versus other technologies (biotech, commercial aviation, commercial space launch, civil infrastructure).
* Have awareness of the major topics covered in a Safety Analysis Report (SAR) and experience in developing and writing at least one element of a SAR.
* Have developed experience and skills in communication with the business community, the public, and regulators.
* Have developed experience and skills in establishing a project schedule, allocating work responsibilities, and working in teams.
* Have understanding of application of event identification, event frequency and consequence analysis, risk assessment and management for internally and externally initiated events in the design process.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Design of various fission and fusion power systems and other physically based applications. Each semester a topic will be chosen by the class as a whole. In addition to technology, the design should address issues relating to economics, the environment, and risk assessment. Nuclear Design: Design in Nuclear Power Technology and Instrumentation: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Senior standing or consent of instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Terms offered: Spring 2010, Spring 2009, Spring 2008
A systems approach to the development of procedures for nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. Each semester a specific procedure will be studied and will entail the development of the biological and physiological basis for a procedure, the chemical and biochemical characteristics of appropriate drugs, dosimetric requirements and limitations, the production and distribution of radionuclides and/or radiation fields to be applied, and the characteristics of the instrumentation to be used. Nuclear Design: Design in Bionuclear, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Therapy: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Senior standing
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
Methodological approaches for the quantification of technological risk and risk based decision making. Probabilistic safety assessment, human health risks, environmental and ecological risk analysis. Methods of Risk Analysis: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Upper division standing
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Introduction to energy production by controlled thermonuclear reactions. Nuclear fusion reactions, energy balances for fusion systems, survey of plasma physics; neutral beam injection; RF heating methods; vacuum systems; tritium handling. Introduction to Controlled Fusion: Read More [+]
Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023
Supervised research. Students who have completed three or more upper division courses may pursue original research under the direction of one of the members of the staff. A final report or presentation is required. A maximum of three units of H194 may be used to fulfill a technical elective requirement in the Nuclear Engineering general program or joint major programs. Honors Undergraduate Research: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Upper division technical GPA of 3.3, consent of instructor and faculty advisor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit up to a total of 8 units.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
Summer: 10 weeks - 1.5-6 hours of independent study per week
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
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 credit for a maximum of 4 units per semester.
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
Summer: 6 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week
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