Course Catalog - 2010-2011

     

MSCI 301 - MATERIALS SCIENCE

Long Title: MATERIALS SCIENCE
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 303 - MATERIALS SCIENCE JUNIOR LAB

Long Title: MATERIALS SCIENCE JUNIOR LAB
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 1
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 304 - APPLIED MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Long Title: APPLIED MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 1
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 311 - INTRO TO DESIGN

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 4
Description: Introduction of fundamental aspects of design through semester-long group projects. Open to non-majors only with permission of instructor. Required for materials science and engineering majors.
 

MSCI 401 - TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN MAT SCI

Long Title: THERMODYNAMICS AND TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 4
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 402 - MECH PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS

Long Title: MECH PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MATH 211
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 404 - MATERIALS ENGINEERING & DESIGN

Long Title: MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 4
Description: Exploration of technological aspects of materials selection, design, failure, and analysis. Lab time spent in an industrial setting. Open to non-majors only with permission of instructor. Required for materials science and engineering majors. Materials Science capstone design course that addresses design related to accreditation criteria.
 

MSCI 406 - PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS

Long Title: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MATH 211
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 411 - METALLOGRAPHY & PHASE RELATION

Long Title: METALLOGRAPHY AND PHASE RELATIONS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MSCI 301
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 415 - CERAMICS AND GLASSES

Long Title: CERAMICS AND GLASSES
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Fundamentals of ceramic and glassy materials, including phase relations, theoretical properties, structure, bonding, and design.
 

MSCI 433 - COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS MODEL

Long Title: COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS MODELING
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Physico-chemical principles augmented by ever-advancing computation technology have become a tool for explaining rich materials properties, designeing nano-structures and their possible functionality. This course overviews basic quantum principles of materials sturcture, and a hierarchy of approximations broadly used in computational models. This includes classical mutli-body potentials, tight-binding approximations, electronic density functional theory methods, etc. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: MSCI 533.
 

MSCI 435 - CRYSTALLOGRAPHY & DIFFRACTION

Long Title: CRYSTALLOGRAPHY AND DIFFRACTION
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Study of crystals by x-ray, electron and neutron diffraction. Includes basic diffraction theory as well as methods for characterizing the structure, composition and stresses in crystalline materials. Required for undergraduate MSCI majors. Meets with MSCI 535, but no paper is required of undergraduates. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: MSCI 535.
 

MSCI 490 - MATERIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH PROJ

Long Title: MATERIALS SCIENCE RESEARCH PROJECTS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Research
Credit Hours: 1 TO 3
Description: Independent investigation of a specific topic or problem in materials science. Research under the direction of a selected faculty member. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
 

MSCI 499 - CURRENT TOPICS

Long Title: CURRENT TOPICS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1 TO 9
Description: Designed for undergraduate materials science students. Topics vary from term to term. Please consult with the department for additional information.
 

MSCI 500 - MATERIALS SCIENCE SEMINAR

Long Title: MATERIALS SCIENCE SEMINAR
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 0
Description: A series of seminars on selected topics in Materials Science. Required for materials science and engineering majors. Repeatable for Credit.
 

MSCI 501 - MATERIALS SCIENCE SEMINAR

Long Title: MATERIALS SCIENCE SEMINAR
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Description: See MSCI 500. Required for materials science and engineering majors. Repeatable for Credit.
 

MSCI 506 - PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS

Long Title: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 510 - COMPUTATIONAL NANOMECHANICS

Long Title: COMPUTATIONAL NANOMECHANICS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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. Instructor Permission Required.
 

MSCI 523 - DESIGN OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Long Title: PROPERTIES, SYNTHESIS AND DESIGN OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Study of the science of interfaces and the properties that govern their use in composite materials. Not offered every year. The study of composite processing and methods for synthesis polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composition.
 

MSCI 533 - COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS MODEL

Long Title: COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS MODELING
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Physico-chemical principles augmented by ever-advancing computation technology have become a tool for explaining rich materials properties, designing nano-structures and their possible functionality. This course overviews basic quantum principles of materials sturcture, and a hierarchy of approximations broadly used in computational models. This includes classical mutli-body potentials, tight-binding approximations, electronic density functional theory methods, etc. Graduate version of MSCI 433. Additional work required. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: MSCI 433.
 

MSCI 535 - CRYSTALLOGRAPHY & DIFFRACTION

Long Title: CRYSTALLOGRAPHY AND DIFFRACTION
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Study of crystals by x-ray, electron and neutron diffraction. Includes basic diffraction theory as well as methods for characterizing the structure, composition and stresses in crystalline materials. Required for undergraduate materials science and engineering majors. Additional work required for graduate version. Cross-list: PHYS 535, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: MSCI 435.
 

MSCI 537 - CRYSTALLOGRAPHY & DIFFRAC LAB

Long Title: CRYSTALLOGRAPHY AND DIFFRACTION LAB
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 1
Description: Selected lab experiments in materials science. Required for undergraduate materials science and engineering majors.
 

MSCI 545 - THIN FILMS

Long Title: THIN FILMS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Deposition methods, structure, properties, performance and failure mechanisms of thin solid films for various applications. Deposition methods include sputtering, plating, evaporation and chemical vapor deposition. Material types include crystalline and amorphous metals as well as semiconductors and insulators. Applications are primarily in microelectronics; data storage; micro-electro-mechanical systems, wear and corrosion prevention and thermal barriers. Cross-list: ELEC 545.
 

MSCI 555 - BIO-MIMETIC STRATEGIES

Long Title: MATERIALS IN NATURE AND BIO-MIMETIC STRATEGIES
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: This graduate level course will discuss the origin of several materials that exists in nature from a technology perspective and strategies to replicate them using synthetic materials processing protocols. Silicates, carbon based materials, abalone shell, bone etc. will be used to discuss the fascinating architecture developed by nature. Similarly several functional structures designed by nature such as Gecko tape and IR sensors will be discussed for designing bio-medic structure and devices.
 

MSCI 561 - ADV METALLURGICAL LAB I

Long Title: ADVANCED METALLURGICAL LAB I
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 1
Description: Students whose interest lies primarily in the field of materials and metallurgy are given the opportunity for research in these fields. Instructor Permission Required.
 

MSCI 569 - CORROSION SCI & ENGI

Long Title: CORROSION SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MSCI 301
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 570 - SENIOR DESIGN THESIS PROJECT

Long Title: SENIOR DESIGN THESIS PROJECT
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 2
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 571 - SENIOR DESIGN THESIS PROJECT

Long Title: SENIOR DESIGN THESIS PROJECT
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 2
Description: 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 Permission Required.
 

MSCI 580 - MICROSCOPY METHODS

Long Title: MICROSCOPY METHODS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MSCI 535
Description: This course focuses on theories, applications, and sample preparation for various microscopy methods including Atom Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Micrscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and related spectroscopy techniques. Hands on experience is emphasized. Students are expected to be able to independently operate related instruments after taking the course. Instructor Permission Required.
 

MSCI 593 - POLYMER PHYSICS

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO POLYMER PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 211 AND CHEM 212
Description: This course focuses on demonstrating how the physical properties of polymers can be understood from simple models. Students will be introduced to the terminology and mathematics involved in the physical understanding of polymer systems. The course is intended for students who would like to gain an understanding of modern approaches to polymer physics. Cross-list: CHBE 593.
 

MSCI 594 - PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS

Long Title: PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 211 OR CHEM 251) AND (MATH 211 OR MATH 221)
Description: The course will introduce basic concepts in polymer science including the synthesis and chemical modification of polymers as well as physical properties of polymers. Topics include approaches to polymer synthesis, processing and characterization of polymer materials, and an introduction to mathematical models applied to describe the structure and dynamics of polymeric materials. Cross-list: CHBE 594. Repeatable for Credit.
 

MSCI 596 - CHEM OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS

Long Title: CHEMISTRY OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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. Cross-list: CHEM 596.
 

MSCI 597 - POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES

Long Title: POLYMER SYNTHESIS, SOFT MATERIALS AND NANOCOMPOSITES
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 211 AND CHEM 212)
Description: 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. Cross-list: CHBE 597, CHEM 597. Repeatable for Credit.
 

MSCI 609 - THEORETICAL FRACTURE MECHANICS

Long Title: THEORETICAL FRACTURE MECHANICS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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. Cross-list: MECH 518.
 

MSCI 610 - CRYSTAL THERMODYNAMICS

Long Title: CRYSTAL THERMODYNAMICS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 611 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

Long Title: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Independent Study
Credit Hours: 1 TO 9
Description:
 

MSCI 612 - INDEPENDENT STUDY

Long Title: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Independent Study
Credit Hours: 1 TO 9
Description:
 

MSCI 614 - SPECIAL TOPICS

Long Title: SPECIAL TOPICS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Independent Study
Credit Hours: 1 TO 9
Description: Topics may vary. Please consult with the department for additional information.
 

MSCI 616 - AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING

Long Title: AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING: MATERIALS AND DYNAMICS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 1 TO 3
Description: Discussion of the engineering and materials technology that is involved in modern automotive design. Topics include: chassis design and construction; composite design and fabrication; aerodynamics and ground effects; suspension dynamics; performance technology. External expert speakers will provide a real-world perspective. Course will only be offered with sufficient demand. Check with the instructor. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.
 

MSCI 617 - AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING: LAB

Long Title: AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING: LAB
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 1 TO 3
Description: Laboratory application of engineering skills towards the materials technology and dynamics of chassis design, composite design, and fabrication, aerodynamics, and performance technology. Not offered every year. Instructor Permission Required. Recommended Pre-requisite: MSCI 616 Repeatable for Credit.
 

MSCI 621 - M.M.S. RESEARCH PROJECT I

Long Title: M.M.S. RESEARCH PROJECT I
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Research
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 622 - M.M.S. RESEARCH PROJECT II

Long Title: M.M.S. RESEARCH PROJECT II
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Research
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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 Permission Required.
 

MSCI 623 - SPECTROSCOPY: TOOLS IN MAT SCI

Long Title: ANALYTICAL SPECTROSCOPIES: TOOLS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MSCI 402 AND MSCI 535
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 634 - THERMODYNAMICS OF ALLOYS

Long Title: THERMODYNAMICS OF ALLOYS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 635 - TRANSFORMATION IN ALLOYS

Long Title: TRANSFORMATION IN ALLOYS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: 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.
 

MSCI 650 - NANOMATERIALS & NANMECHANICS

Long Title: NANOMATERIALS AND NANOMECHANICS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: The primary goal of this course is to introduce important current developments in the field of nanomaterials and nanomechanics. The course will discuss synthesis and characteration of nanomaterials, the behaviors especially mechanical behaviors in the broad sense of such materials, and their technological applications. The basic physics and fundamental mechanisms responsible for nanoscale induced changes in properties will be stressed.
 

MSCI 666 - CONDUCTION PHENOMENA IN SOLIDS

Long Title: CONDUCTION PHENOMENA IN SOLIDS
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MSCI 406
Description: Survey of fundamental aspects of electron and energy transport in conductors, semiconductors, and insulators. Not offered every year. Recommended prerequisite(s): MSCI 406 or equivalent.
 

MSCI 777 - VISITING RESEARCH TRAINEE

Long Title: VISITING RESEARCH TRAINEE
Department: *Mech Eng & Materials Science*
Grade Mode: Audit
Course Type: Research
Credit Hours: 0
Description: Visiting research trainee Instructor Permission Required.