Course Schedule and Catalog

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: MATERIALS SCIENCE ***** Introduction to the science of solid materials. Includes metals, ceramics, plastics, and semiconductors, as well as the properties of solid materials from atomic and macroscopic points of view. Required for mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering majors. ***** Instructor(s): Staff.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: MATERIALS SCIENCE JUNIOR LAB ***** Selected lab experiments in materials science. Open only to junior materials science and engineering majors. Required for materials science and engineering majors. ***** At the start of the semester, please check with the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science for the time and location of the organizational meeting for the course. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: APPLIED MATERIALS ENGINEERING ***** Practical application of the basic principles of materials science. Includes case studies of failures under a variety of conditions, as well as topics in the fabrication and heat treatment of metallic materials. ***** Instructor(s): Cunningham

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 4

Description: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN ***** Introduction of fundamental aspects of design through semester-long group projects. Open to nonmajors only with permission of instructor. Required for materials science and engineering majors. ***** Instructor(s): Barrera

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 4

Description: THERMODYNAMICS AND TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN MATERIALS SCIENCE ***** Unified presentation of the kinetics and thermodynamics of mass and energy transport. Includes heterogeneous equilibrium, diffusion in solids, and heat transfer, as well as their application to engineering design. Required for materials science and engineering majors. ***** Instructor(s): McLellan

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): MATH 211

Description: MECH PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS ***** Survey of the mechanical properties of solid materials. Includes basic mechanics, elasticity, plasticity, fracture, fatigue, creep, hardening mechanisms, mechanical testing, and structure-property relationships. Required for materials science and engineering majors. ***** Prerequisite(s): MATH 211. ***** Instructor(s): Barrera

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 4

Description: MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND DESIGN ***** Exploration of technological aspects of materials selection, design, failure, and analysis. Lab time spent in an industrial setting. Open to nonmajors only with permission of instructor. Required for materials science and engineering majors. ***** Instructor(s): Cunningham

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): MATH 211

Description: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS ***** Survey of the electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of metals, semiconductors, and dielectrics based upon elementary band theory concepts. Required for materials science and engineering majors. Not offered every year. ***** Prerequisite(s): MATH 211. ***** Instructor(s): Yakobson

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): MSCI 301

Description: METALLOGRAPHY&PHASE RELATIONS ***** Study of microstructures that may be observed in metals and alloys, optical metallography (in addition to more sophisticated techniques), and the relationships between structural properties and failures. Required for materials science and engineering majors. ***** Prerequisite(s): MSCI 301. ***** Instructor(s): McLellan

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: CERAMICS AND GLASSES ***** Fundamentals of ceramic and glassy materials, including phase relations, theoretical properties, structure, bonding, and design. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 0

Description: MATERIALS SCIENCE SEMINAR ***** A series of seminars on selected topics in Materials Science. Required for materials science and engineering majors. Course may be repeated for credit. ***** Instructor(s): Staff Repeatable for Credit.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: MATERIALS SCIENCE SEMINAR ***** See MSCI 500. Required for materials science and engineering majors. ***** Instructor(s): Staff Repeatable for Credit.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: COMPUTATIONAL NANOMECHANICS ***** Fundamentals of mechanical properties in nanometer scale. Role of discrete structure, underlying atomic, molecular and interfacial forces is illustrated with modern examples. Includes overview of computational modeling methods with the emphasis on multi-scale physics. Accessible for senior undergraduates. ***** Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor. ***** Instructor(s): Yakobson

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: PROPERTIES, SYNTHESIS & DESIGN OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS ***** Study of the science of interfaces and the properties that govern their use in composite materials. Not offered every year. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: CRYSTALLOGRAPHY AND DIFFRACTION ***** Study of crystals by x-ray and electron diffraction and electron microscopy. Includes basic diffraction theory and methods for characterization of structure and the constitution of materials. Required for materials science and engineering majors. ***** Also offered as PHYS 535. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): MSCI 303

Description: MATERIALS SCIENCE SENIOR LAB ***** Selected lab experiments in materials science. Required for materials science and engineering majors. ***** Prerequisite(s): MSCI 303. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: THIN FILMS ***** Exploration of materials issues relevant to thin films. Include techniques for vapor phase deposition of thin films (e.g., evaporation, sputtering, and chemical vapor deposition), epitaxy, generation of thin film defects, strain, growth anistropy, and grain structure, as well as electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of thin film materials and structures. ***** Also offerd as ELEC 545.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: ADVANCED METALLURGICAL LAB I ***** Students whose interest lies primarily in the field of materials and metallurgy are given the opportunity for research in these fields. ***** Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): MSCI 301

Description: CORROSION SCIENCE & ENGINEERING ***** Survey of surface activity and corrosion processes on metals, semiconductors, and insulating materials. Survey of the principles and theories of corrosion, corrosion testing, and the selection of materials for corrosion prevention. Not offered every year. ***** Prerequisite(s): MSCI 301. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 2

Description: SENIOR DESIGN THESIS PROJECT ***** A design project in the materials science field will be undertaken by the student in close collaboration with at least one materials science faculty member. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Description: SENIOR DESIGN THESIS PROJECT ***** A design project in the materials science field will be undertaken by the student in close collaboration with at least one materials science faculty member. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 211 AND CHEM 212

Description: POLYMER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING ***** Basic concepts in macromolecular chemistry and their application in the synthesis and chemical modification of polymers. ***** Also offered as CENG 593. ***** Prerequisite(s): CHEM 211, 212. ***** Instructor(s): See CENG 593.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS ***** Study of the molecular organization and physical properties of polymeric materials. Includes elastomeric, semicrystalline, and glassy polymers, as well as the processing and technology of polymeric systems. ***** Also listed as CENG 594.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: CHEMISTRY OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS ***** A review of the chemical processes involved in the manufacture of microelectronic chips, including: crystallization, purification, oxidation, thin film methods, lithography and ceramic processing. Usually alternates with CHEM 595. Open to undergraduates by special permission only. ***** Also offered as CHEM 596. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: POLYMER SYNTHESIS, SOFT MATERIALS AND NANOCOMPOSITES ***** The course will cover methods of characterization and some basic synthetic polymer methods (step growth and chain growth approaches). New synthetic polymer methods will be presented including ATRP, ADMET, ROMP, metallocene catalysts and the development of flame retardant polymer blends. Carbon-carbon composites will be discussed, along with the functionalization of carbon nanotubes and their use in nanocomposites. ***** Also offered as CHEM 597 and CENG 597. ***** Prerequisite(s): CHEM 211, 212. ***** Course offered Spring. ***** Instructor(s): Tour, Barrera. Repeatable for Credit.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT FOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS ***** This course is intended for graduate students in science and engineering who are interested in gaining an understanding of the business of technology. Particular emphasis is placed on the financial and human resources management, business strategy, patents, trademarks, and licenses, as well as new business start-up and development. ***** Also offered as CHEM 603. ***** Instructor(s): See CHEM 603.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: FRACTURE MECHANICS ***** Topics on the theory of linear and nonlinear fracture mechanics. Energetics of fracture, the J-integral, stress and strain fields near crack tips, R-curve behavior. ***** Also listed as MECH 518. ***** Instructor(s): Landis

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: CRYSTAL THERMODYNAMICS ***** Discussion of potentials and third-order elastic constants. Includes the lattice dynamics of harmonic phonons and antiharmonic perturbation expansion, as well as the contribution of electrons to the thermodynamics quantities. Not offered every year. ***** Instructor(s): Yakobson

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 1 TO 15

Description: INDEPENDENT STUDY ***** No description. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 1 TO 9

Description: INDEPENDENT STUDY ***** No Description. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 2

Description: SPECIAL TOPICS ***** Topics may vary. Please consult with the department for additional information. ***** Instructor(s): Yacobson

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1 TO 9

Description: SPECIAL TOPICS ***** Topics may vary. Please consult with the department for additional information. ***** Instructor(s): Staff Repeatable for Credit.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 3

Description: M.M.S. RESEARCH PROJECT 1 ***** This is the first part of the M.M.E. research project course. The faculty advisor, taking into account the background and research interests of the student as well as the research interests of the faculty advisor, will determine the contents. ***** Course requirements will include a final report. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 3

Description: M.M.S. RESEARCH PROJECT II ***** This is the second part of the M.M.E. research project and continuation of MECH 621. ***** Course requirements will include a final report. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): MSCI 402 AND MSCI 535

Description: ANALYTICAL SPECTROSCOPIES: TOOLS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE ***** Exploration of concepts in vacuum technology, thin film metallization, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Augen electron spectroscopy, and x-ray absorption fine structure. Includes lab sessions on XPS and EXAFS analysis. Not offered every year. ***** Prerequisite(s): MSCI 402, 535, or equivalent. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: THERMODYNAMICS OF ALLOYS ***** Examinations of relations between classical thermodynamics and statistical mechanics as applied to an understanding of solid and liquid alloys. Includes solid-solid, liquid-solid, and gas-solid equilibriums in metallurgy. Not offered every year. ***** Instructor(s): McLellan

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: TRANSFORMATION IN ALLOYS ***** Study of diffusion in metals and alloys. Includes the mechanism and phenomenology of diffusion- controlled transformations, precipitation from saturated alloys and liquid solutions, and transformations in heat-treated alloys. Not offered every year. ***** Instructor(s): McLellan

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: THIN FILMS ***** Exploration of materials issues relevant to thin films. Includes techniques for vapor phase deposition of thin films (e.g., evaporation, sputtering, and chemical vapor deposition), epitaxy, generation of thin film defects, strain, growth anistropy, and grain structure, as well as electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of thin film materials and structures. ***** Also offered as ELEC 645. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: CONDUCTION PHENOMENA IN SOLIDS ***** Survey of fundamental aspects of electron and energy transport in conductors, semiconductors, and insulators. Not offered every year. ***** Prerequisite(s): MSCI 406 or equivalent. ***** Instructor(s): Brotzen

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: MANAGEMENT FOR SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS ***** This course is designed for science and engineering students who want to understand the management of new and/or small technology based businesses. The course is taught in modular format to give students insights into how technology oriented films manage intellectual property, marketing, organization behavior, strategy, accounting and finance. Concepts covered will be particularly relevant to students interested in careers in technology or entrepreneurial ventures. This course is part of a two- class sequence and provides the foundation for students taking "NEW VENTURE CREATION for SCIENCE and ENGINEERING" which is offered in the spring. ***** Also offered as CHEM 750 and MGMT 750. ***** Instructor(s): See CHEM 750.

Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: NEW VENTURE CREATION FOR SCIENCE & ENGINEERING ***** This course deals with the concepts and theories relevant to new venture creation. Our primary focus is the start-up process with particular emphasis being placed on market issues, intellectual property and entrepreneurial finance. As part of the course we will evaluate the commercial potential of a live technology drawn from the Rice engineering/science community. The concepts covered will be particularly relevant to students who are interested in careers in technology or entrepreneurial ventures. Course is offered to senior and graduate students. ***** Also offered as CHEM 751 and MGMT 751. ***** Instructor(s): Barron, Papadoupolos.