• MSE 3610

    Aerospace Materials
     Rating

    3.50

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    2.79

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    Introduces physical-chemical-microstructural-mechanical property relations for aerospace materials. Metal, polymer, ceramic, and composite material systems are covered. Topics include strength, fracture, corrosion, oxidation/corrosion, materials selection, phase diagrams, kinetics of phase change, and materials processing. Case studies include materials for aero turbine engines and ultralight structures. Prerequisite CHEM 1410 or 1610 or CHEM 1810. Corequisite MAE 2310 or CE 2310.

  • MSE 4210

    Materials Processing
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.48

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    This course examines the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, materials science, and manufacturing which underlie the making, shaping, and fabrication of engineering components from casting and deformation processing (e.g. rolling, extrusion, forging) of metals, to powder processing of metals and ceramics, to polymer injection molding, to thin-film processing and lithography relevant to microelectronic circuit fabrication. Prerequisite: MSE 3070 or Instructor Permission

  • MSE 4270

    Introduction to Atomistic Simulations
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2025

    Introduction to classical atomic-level simulation techniques (molecular dynamics, Metropolis and kinetic Monte Carlo). The basic concepts, capabilities and limitations of the methods are discussed, an overview of the state-of-the-art is provided, and examples of recent success stories are considered. The emphasis is on getting practical experience in designing and performing simulations. Prerequisite: 3rd year standing or instructor permission. Prerequisite: 3rd year standing or instructor permission.

  • MSE 4320

    Origins of Mechanical Behavior
     Rating

    4.33

     Difficulty

    3.50

     GPA

    3.06

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Explores the microstructural origins of material deformation and fracture in response to mechanical loading. Deformation and creep are understood based on elasticity theory and dislocation concepts. Fatigue and fracture are understood based on continuum fracture mechanics and microstructural damage mechanisms. Prerequisite: MSE 3060

  • MSE 4592

    Special Topics in Materials Science
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.15

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Advanced undergraduate course on topics not normally covered in other course offerings. The topic usually reflects new developments in the materials science and engineering field. Offerings are based on student and faculty interests.

  • MSE 4960

    Special Project in Materials Science and Engineering
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    A fourth-year project in MSE, under the supervision of a faculty member, is designed to give undergraduate students an application of principles learned in the classroom. The work may be experimental or computational, and the student is expected to become proficient in techniques used to process, characterize, or model materials. The project should make use of design principles in the solution of a problem. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

  • MSE 6010

    Electronic and Crystal Structure of Materials
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.65

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    Provides a fundamental understanding of the structure of crystalline and non-crystalline engineering materials from electronic to macroscopic properties. Topics include symmetry and crystallography, the reciprocal lattice and diffraction, quantum physics, bonding and band theory. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

  • MSE 6020

    Defects and Microstructure in Materials
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.41

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Basic course designed to provide a foundation for correlating defect structure and microstructure with physical, mechanical and chemical properties of engineering materials. The fundamental properties of point, line and surface defects in ordered media will be formulated. The thermodynamics of point defects in various types of solids will be discussed as well as the geometry and mechanics of crystal dislocations and their role in crystal plasticity elucidated. The essential elements of microstructure will be characterized emphasizing the concepts of phase constitution, microconstituent, polycrystalline aggregate and multiphase materials. The concept of real materials embodying a hierarchy of structures is emphasized. The principles governing the genesis and stability of material structure at various levels will be discussed. Prerequisite: MSE 6010.

  • MSE 6080

    Chemical and Electrochemical Properties
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.61

    Last Taught

    Spring 2026

    Introduces the concepts of electrode potential, double layer theory, surface charge, and electrode kinetics. These concepts are applied to subjects that include corrosion and embrittlement, energy conversion, batteries and fuel cells, electro-catalysis, electroanalysis, electrochemical industrial processes, bioelectrochemistry, and water treatment. Prerequisite: Physical chemistry course or instructor permission.

  • MSE 6120

    Characterization of Materials
     Rating

     Difficulty

     GPA

    3.82

    Last Taught

    Fall 2025

    Provides a fundamental understanding of a broad spectrum of techniques utilized to characterize properties of solids. The methods used to assess properties are described through integration of the basic principles and application. Methods more amenable to analysis of bulk properties are differentiated from those aimed at measurements of local/surface properties. MSE 3670 or equivalent, or a solid state materials/physics course.