University Catalog

MSE 3300. MATERIALS SCIENCE. 3 Hours.

Physical, mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, thermal and chemical properties of metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, composites, and aggregates and the relationships between these properties and the electronic, crystal, micro and macro-structures of the materials. Prerequisites: CHEM 1442 or CHEM 1465; PHYS 1444.

MSE 3324. STRUCTURE & MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Crystal structure and defects in materials. Diffusion, phase diagrams and phase transformations in metalic systems. The inter relationships between processing, structure, and properties of engineering materials with emphasis on the mechanical behavior of metals, polymers, and composite materials. Prerequisites: C or better in each of the following, CHEM 1465 (or CHEM 1441 and CHEM 1442), MAE 2312 (or concurrent enrollment), and PHYS 1444.

MSE 4191. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. 1 Hour.

The investigation of special individual problems in materials science and engineering under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: consent of the head of the department.

MSE 4291. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. 2 Hours.

The investigation of special individual problems in materials science and engineering under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: consent of the head of the department.

MSE 4310. POLYMER MATERIALS SCIENCE. 3 Hours.

Intermolecular forces of attraction in high polymers, polymer synthesis, morphology and order in crystalline polymers, mechanics of amorphous polymers, time-dependent mechanical behavior, transitional phenomena, mechanical behavior of semicrystalline polymers. Prerequisite: MSE 3300 or MAE 2321.

MSE 4315. INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITES. 3 Hours.

Composite classification, laminate coding, fabrication, processing and properties of composite laminates, point stress analysis and failure prediction of composite laminates, material allowable, issues in composite structural design. Also offered as MAE 4315. Prerequisite: MAE 1312 and MAE 2312; plus one of MSE 3300 or MSE 3324 or MAE 3324; and one of MAE 2322 or CE 2311.

MSE 4320. NANOSCALE MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the synthesis and characterization of nano-materials. Fundamental concepts of surface physics and chemistry. Survey of electronic, biological and biomedical applications. The materials presented include semiconductor and metal thin films, nanoparticles and nanowires, carbon fullerenes and nanotubes, and organic nanoparticles. Prerequisite: MSE 3300 or MSE 2321.

MSE 4336. ADVANCED MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Concept of stress and strain, theory of plasticity; elementary dislocation theory. Deformation of single crystals; strengthening mechanisms like solid solution strengthening, and precipitation hardening. Fracture mechanics; microscopic aspects of fracture, fatigue, and creep of materials; design and processing of materials for improved mechanical properties. Also offered as MAE 4336. Prerequisite: MSE 3324 or MAE 3324; MAE 2312.

MSE 4337. FATIGUE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Cyclic deformation, fatigue crack initiation and growth in ductile solids. Application of fracture mechanics to fatigue. Mechanisms of crack closure. Variable and multiaxial fatigue and corrosion fatigue. Fatigue of brittle solids. Prerequisite: MSE 3324 or MAE 3324.

MSE 4338. FAILURE ANALYSIS. 3 Hours.

Theory and practice of techniques for determining modes of failure and fracture of engineering materials. Also offered as MAE 4338. Prerequisite: MSE 3324 or MAE 3324.

MSE 4339. FRACTURE MECHANICS. 3 Hours.

Theory and applications of fracture mechanics. Stress analysis of cracks, crack-tip plasticity, fatigue crack growth, and stress corrosion cracking. Applicability to materials selection, structural design, failure analysis, and structural reliability. Also offered as MAE 4339. Prerequisite: MSE 3324 or MAE 3324; MAE 2312.

MSE 4343. NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

The objective of this course is to provide students with the fundamental principles of physical and biological sciences at the nanoscale and the basic concepts of applying such interdisciplinary principles to develop new technologies for improving human life and health. The first part of this course introduces the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology at the nanoscale and the basic techniques to generate, manipulate, and characterize man-made and nature¿s nanomaterials and systems. The second part of this course covers the state-of-the-art applications of nanobiotechnology, with emphasis on biomedical applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 1444 and (CHEM 1441 or CHEM 1465).

MSE 4353. FUNDAMENTALS OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY. 3 Hours.

Basic concepts and applications of energy generation and storage. Topics cover a broad spectrum of sustainable energy technologies, including thermal, tide, solar, biomass, wind and electrochemical devices, with emphasis on fundamentals in materials and engineering. Prerequisite: PHYS 1444 and (CHEM 1441 or CHEM 1465).

MSE 4354. SOLID STATE ELECTRONIC DEVICES. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals and applications of modern electronic devices. Topics include electrical properties of semiconductors, p-n junctions, field-effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors, and integrated circuits. Prerequisites: PHYS 1444 and (CHEM 1441 or CHEM 1465).

MSE 4355. MATERIALS FOR ENERGY. 3 Hours.

The course aims to introduce concepts and design of advanced materials for sustainable energy generation and storage systems. It will cover polymer electrolyte materials, metallic nanoparticles, semiconductors, and nano-fabrication in clean energy conversion, energy storage, fuel cells, photovoltaic cells, and other emerging energy harvesting and storage. Prerequisite: PHYS 1444 and (CHEM 1441 or CHEM 1465).

MSE 4359. FAILURE ANALYSIS AND RELIABILITY ENGINEERING. 3 Hours.

The basic scope of this course is to understand 1) various types of failure modes in engineering materials, 2) contributing factors to those failures and 3) analysis and detection methods employed in the relevant industries. The failure of engineering materials under discussion includes those by mechanical, electrical and chemical load. Specific cases of discussion include materials for structural as well as microelectronics applications. Also discussed will be the method of statistical analysis and its modeling. Prerequisite: PHYS 1444 and (CHEM 1441 or CHEM 1465).

MSE 4390. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. 3 Hours.

Special topics pertinent to the field of materials science and engineering, such as electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of materials, will vary from semester to semester depending on the availability of faculty. May be repeated, provided that topics are different. Prerequisite: prior approval by the MSE undergraduate advisor.

MSE 4391. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. 3 Hours.

The investigation of special individual problems in materials science and engineering under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: consent of the head of the department.

MSE 5141. TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY LAB. 1 Hour.

Specimen preparation. Operation of the transmission electron microscope. Beam alignment and rotation calibration. Bright field and dark field imaging. Weak beam imaging. Examination of defects.

MSE 5190. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 1 Hour.

May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

MSE 5191. ADVANCED STUDIES IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 1 Hour.

Topics selected from various areas of materials science and engineering. Work performed as a thesis substitute normally will be accomplished under the course number MSE 5391, with prior approval of the Committee on Graduate Studies.

MSE 5192. MASTER'S COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION. 1 Hour.

Directed study, consultation, and comprehensive examination over coursework leading to the Master of Engineering degree in Materials Science and Engineering. Required of all Master of Engineering students in the semester they plan to graduate.

MSE 5193. SEMINAR IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 1 Hour.

Selected topics in materials science and engineering presented by faculty, students, and invited lecturers.

MSE 5290. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 2 Hours.

May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

MSE 5291. ADVANCED STUDIES IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 2 Hours.

Topics selected from various areas of materials science and engineering. Work performed as a thesis substitute normally will be accomplished under MSE 5391, with prior approval of the Committee on Graduate Studies.

MSE 5292. MASTER'S COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION. 2 Hours.

Comprehensive examination over coursework and research project leading to the Master of Science degree with thesis substitute option. Required for such students in the semester they plan to graduate.

MSE 5300. INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 3 Hours.

Physical, mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, thermal, and chemical properties of metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, composites, and aggregates and the relationships between these properties and the electronic, crystal, micro- and macro-structures of the materials.

MSE 5304. ANALYSIS OF MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Theoretical understandings and practical applications of various characterization techniques to materials analysis, ranging from x-rays and electron diffraction, x-ray spectroscopy, and surface topography, are discussed. Practice of these techniques in lab class typically includes SEM spectroscopy, powder diffraction, Laue diffraction, and the double crystal x-ray diffraction.

MSE 5305. SOLID STATE PHYSICS AND THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals of Solid State Physics and principles of classical thermodynamics and statistical thermodynamics.

MSE 5310. DISLOCATION THEORY. 3 Hours.

Theory of dislocations and their reactions and interactions in crystalline materials developed and extended into a basic understanding of mechanical properties of crystalline materials.

MSE 5312. MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Concepts of stress and strain, theory of plasticity. Elementary dislocation theory. Deformation of single crystals. Strengthening mechanisms like solid solution strengthening, precipitation hardening, etc. Elementary concepts in fracture mechanics. Microscopic aspects of fracture, fatigue, and creep of materials.

MSE 5314. FRACTURE MECHANICS. 3 Hours.

Theory and applications of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Topics include stress analysis of cracks, crack-tip plasticity, fatigue and stress corrosion. Applicability to materials selection, failure analysis and structural reliability reviewed.

MSE 5315. FATIGUE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Cyclic deformation, fatigue crack initiation and growth in ductile solids. Application of fracture mechanics to fatigue. Mechanisms of crack closure. Variable and multiaxial fatigue and corrosion fatigue. Fatigue of brittle solids.

MSE 5316. TRIBOLOGY AND LUBRICATION. 3 Hours.

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Tribology and Lubrication process in materials. This course will employ theoretical and practical examples. Mechanism of coating deposition for tribological, oxidation and corrosion protection are also examined.

MSE 5320. NANOSCALE MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the synthesis, properties and applications of inorganic thin films and nanoparticles.

MSE 5321. PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS OF MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

The theory of homogeneous and heterogeneous transformations, nucleation and growth, martensitic transformations, heat treatment and control of microstructure.

MSE 5330. CORROSION. 3 Hours.

Quantitative application of electrochemical principles to corrosion reactions. Effects of metallurgical factors and environmental conditions on oxidation, erosion, and cracking discussed along with materials selection.

MSE 5331. FERROELECTRIC DEVICES. 3 Hours.

Crystallography and its relation to ferroelectrics, effects of crystal symmetry on crystal properties, isotropic and anisotropic properties, matrix and tensor representation of physical properties, transformation of axes, principal axes of tensor, crystal properties in matrix notation, matrix method, electrostatics, thermodynamics of electrification, origin of spontaneous polarization, ferroelectric materials, fabrication of ceramics and in depth discussion of representative ferroelectric, electrostrictive, dielectric and piezoelectric devices. Fabrication and characterization of piezoelectric actuator. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

MSE 5333. MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Classical and quantum mechanical understandings of magnetic properties of materials. Specific applications of these properties to various devices are discussed.

MSE 5334. OPTICAL PROCESSES IN SOLID MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Basic understanding of optical response of materials based on classical and quantum models. Particular focus on all phenomena involving light in semiconductors and their optoelectronic applications. Optical properties of solid materials with reduced dimensionality such as thin films and quantum wells and dots. Prerequisite: MSE 5405 or permission of instructor.

MSE 5336. ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Advanced discussion of electronic structure, transport mechanisms in metals, semiconductors and superconductors, with applications to materials used in various electronic devices.

MSE 5339. Failure Analysis and Reliability Engineering. 3 Hours.

The basic scope of this course is to understand 1) various types of failure modes in engineering materials, 2) contributing factors to those failures and 3) analysis and detection methods employed in the relevant industries. The failure of engineering materials under discussion includes those by mechanical, electrical and chemical load. Specific cases of discussion include materials for structural as well as microelectronics applications. Also discussed will be the method of statistical analysis and its modeling.

MSE 5341. TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY IN MATERIALS SCIENCE. 3 Hours.

Crystallography, stereographic projections, and reciprocal lattice. Specimen preparation in transmission electron microscopy. Dynamical and kinematical theories of electron diffraction. Interpretation of diffraction patterns and transmission electron micrographs. Use of the transmission electron microscope.

MSE 5343. NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

The objective of this course is to provide students with the fundamental principles of physical and biological sciences at the nanoscale and the basic concepts of applying such interdisciplinary principles to develop new technologies for improving human life and health. The first part of this course introduces the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology at the nanoscale and the basic techniques to generate, manipulate, and characterize man-made and nature¿s nanomaterials and systems. The second part of this course covers the state-of-the-art applications of nanobiotechnology, with emphasis on biomedical applications.

MSE 5345. CERAMIC MATERIALS. 3 Hours.

Crystal structure of ceramic materials. Phase equilibria in ceramic materials. The processing of ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. Strengthening mechanisms and mechanical properties of ceramics and ceramic matrix composites including flexure, tensile, fracture toughness, fatigue, and creep.

MSE 5346. ADVANCED POLYMER CHEMISTRY. 3 Hours.

Polymer synthesis and reactions including condensation, free-radical, ionic, and coordination polymerizations; principles of polymerization including thermodynamics and kinetic considerations; physical characterizations including determinations of absolute molecular weights, relative molecular weights, morphology, glass transitions, and polymer crystallinity; relationships between macromolecular structure, properties, and uses of polymeric materials. Also offered as MSE 5346. Prerequisite: CHEM 2321 and CHEM 2322 or permission of instructor.

MSE 5347. POLYMER MATERIALS SCIENCE. 3 Hours.

Intermolecular forces of attraction in high polymers, polymer synthesis, morphology and order in crystalline polymers, mechanics of amorphous polymers, time-dependent mechanical behavior, transitional phenomena, mechanical behavior of semicrystalline polymers.

MSE 5348. FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPOSITES. 3 Hours.

Fundamental relationships between the mechanical and hygrothermal behavior and the composition of multiphase media; failure criteria. Also offered as ME 5315.

MSE 5349. ADVANCED COMPOSITES. 3 Hours.

Review of current state-of-the-art applications of composites: composite structural analysis; structural properties, damage characterization and failure mechanisms; stiffness loss due to damage, notched sensitivity; delamination; impact; fatigue characteristics; composite material testing; material allowables; characteristics of composite joints. Also offered as ME 5349 and MSE 5349. Credit will be granted only once. Prerequisite: ME 5348 or MSE 5348 or AE 5315 or consent of the instructor.

MSE 5351. CURRENT TOPICS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY. 3 Hours.

Review and discussion of the latest advances in the field of nanoscale science and technology. Topics include molecular electronics, chemical and biological sensors, synthesis of nanoscale materials, carbon nanotubes, nanowires, nanoparticles, atom-wires, self-assembled monolayers, nanoscale composite materials and techniques for observing and manipulating atoms and molecules.

MSE 5352. SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND DEVICES. 3 Hours.

Fundamental principles of photovoltaic devices and solar energy materials used for the devices. Topics include thermodynamics of solar energy conversion, carrier generation and recombination, the solid-state device physics of p-n junction under illumination, various state-of-the-art photovoltaic materials, simulation of photovoltaic devices, and solar module technologies.

MSE 5353. FUNDAMENTALS OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY. 3 Hours.

Basic concepts and applications of energy generation and storage. Topics cover a broad spectrum of sustainable energy technologies, including thermal, tide, solar, biomass, wind and electrochemical devices, with emphasis on fundamentals in materials & engineering.

MSE 5354. SOLID STATE ELECTRONIC DEVICES. 3 Hours.

Fundamentals and applications of modern electronic devices. Topics include electrical properties of semiconductors, p-n junctions, field-effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors, and integrated circuits.

MSE 5355. Materials for Energy. 3 Hours.

The course aims to introduce concepts and design of advanced materials for sustainable energy generation and storage systems. It will cover polymer electrolyte materials, metallic nanoparticles, semiconductors, and nano-fabrication in clean energy conversion, energy storage, fuel cells, photovoltaic cells, and other emerging energy harvesting and storage.

MSE 5390. SPECIAL TOPICS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 3 Hours.

May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

MSE 5391. ADVANCED STUDIES IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 3 Hours.

Topics selected from various areas of materials science and engineering. Work performed as a thesis substitute normally will be accomplished under MSE 5391, with prior approval of the Committee on Graduate Studies.

MSE 5392. Research Project in Materials Science and Engineering I. 3 Hours.

Research course with credit granted according to work performed. The student will have to put together a research plan for the semester with approval of his/her dissertation advisor. End of semester requirement is a written report of research performed with results and discussion. A presentation at the end of the semester on research progress may be required.

MSE 5393. Research Project in Materials Science and Engineering II. 3 Hours.

Research course with credit granted according to work performed. The student will have to put together a research plan for the semester with approval of his/her dissertation advisor. End of semester requirement is a written report of research performed with results and discussion. A presentation at the end of the semester on research progress may be required. Prerequisite: MSE 5392.

MSE 5394. Master's Research Project in Materials Science and Engineering I. 3 Hours.

The student will carry out a hands-on project under a guidance of his/her supervising professor. The student will need to provide a written project report. At the end of semester, the student will present his/her project results to MSE faculty members and students. The MSE faculty members will decide the grade.

MSE 5395. Master's Research Project in Materials Science and Engineering II. 3 Hours.

The student will carry out a hands-on project under a guidance of his/her supervising professor. The student will need to provide a written project report. At the end of semester, the student will present his/her project results to MSE faculty members and students. The MSE faculty members will decide the grade. Prerequisite: MSE 5394.

MSE 5398. THESIS. 3 Hours.

MSE 5405. PHYS THERMO MAT. 4 Hours.

MSE 5698. THESIS. 6 Hours.

MSE 5998. THESIS. 9 Hours.

MSE 6196. MSE INTERNSHIP. 1 Hour.

For students participating in internship programs. May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6197. ADVANCED STUDIES IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 1 Hour.

May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6198. RESEARCH IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 1 Hour.

Individually approved research projects in materials science and engineering. May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6298. RESEARCH IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 2 Hours.

Individually approved research projects in materials science and engineering. May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6396. MSE INTERNSHIP. 3 Hours.

For students participating in internship programs. May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6397. ADVANCED STUDIES IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 3 Hours.

May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6398. RESEARCH IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 3 Hours.

Individually approved research projects in materials science and engineering. May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6399. DISSERTATION. 3 Hours.

MSE 6696. MSE INTERNSHIP. 6 Hours.

For students participating in internship programs. May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6698. RESEARCH IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 6 Hours.

Individually approved research projects in materials science and engineering. May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6699. DISSERTATION. 6 Hours.

MSE 6996. MSE INTERNSHIP. 9 Hours.

For students participating in internship programs. May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6998. RESEARCH IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. 9 Hours.

Individually approved research projects in materials science and engineering. May be repeated for credit.

MSE 6999. DISSERTATION. 9 Hours.

MSE 7399. DOCTORAL DEGREE COMPLETION. 3 Hours.

This course may be taken during the semester in which a student expects to complete all requirements for the doctoral degree and graduate. Enrolling in this course meets minimum enrollment requirements for graduation, for holding fellowships awarded by The Office of Graduate Studies and for full-time GTA or GRA positions. Students should verify that enrollment in this course meets other applicable enrollment requirements. To remain eligible in their final semester of study for grants, loans or other forms of financial aid administered by the Financial Aid Office must enroll in a minimum of 5 hours as required by the Office of Financial Aid. Other funding sources may also require more than 3-hours of enrollment. Additional hours may also be required to meet to requirements set by immigration law or by the policies of the student's degree program. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office, other sources of funding, Office of International Education and/or their graduate advisor to verify enrollment requirements before registering for this course. This course may only be taken once and may not be repeated. Students who do not complete all graduation requirements while enrolled in this course must enroll in a minimum of 6 dissertation hours (6699 or 6999) in their graduation term. Graded P/F/R.