Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Schedule - Spring Semester 2027
Meeting location information can now be found on student schedules in ESTHER (for students) or on the Course Roster in ESTHER (for faculty and instructors).Additional information available here.
Meeting location information can now be found on student schedules in ESTHER (for students) or on the Course Roster in ESTHER (for faculty and instructors).Additional information available here.
MSNE 411 002 (CRN: 25988)
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
Long Title: MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION FROM NANO TO MACRO
Department: Materials Science & NanoEng
Instructor: Ma, Xuedan
Meeting: 10:50AM - 12:05PM TR (11-JAN-2027 - 23-APR-2027)
Part of Term: Full Term
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Method of Instruction: Face to Face
Credit Hours: 3
Course Syllabus:
Course Materials: Rice Campus Store
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Undergraduate Professional
Visiting Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Prerequisites: (MSNE 211 OR MSNE 301) AND MSNE 304
Section Max Enrollment: 20
Section Enrolled: 0
Total Cross-list Max Enrollment: 20
Total Cross-list Enrolled: 0
Enrollment data as of: 2-NOV-2026 9:14AM
Final Exam: Scheduled Final Exam-OTR Room
Description: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental operating principles and physical mechanisms underlying a variety of characterization techniques widely used in materials science. Students will explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of methods such as electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, optical and infrared spectroscopy, and scanning probe microscopy. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how each technique probes different aspects of material properties—such as structure, composition, and surface characteristics—and how to interpret the resulting data. Real-world case studies will be examined to illustrate the application of these techniques in research and industry, providing students with a deeper appreciation of their relevance and utility in solving materials-related challenges. Cross-list: MSNE 511.