College of Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering

Overview

• Materials engineers and scientists study the structure and composition of engineering materials on scales ranging from the atomic through the microscopic to the macroscopic. These materials include ceramics, metals, polymers, biomaterials, semiconductors, electronic and optical materials, and composites. Materials engineers develop new materials, improve traditional materials, and manufacture materials economically through synthesis, processing, and fabrication. They seek to understand physical and chemical phenomena in material structures and to measure and characterize materials properties of all kinds including mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, thermal and chemical. They predict and evaluate the performance of materials as structural or functional elements in engineering systems and structures. Engineers in this field are concerned with the protection of the environment in materials manufacturing and the responsible utilization of natural resources in the utilization of raw materials and recycling of manufactured materials. The performance of virtually all engineered products depends upon the properties of the various materials which make up the components of the system. Engineering and technological advances are commonly limited by the properties and cost of the manufactured materials which are currently available.
• Significant opportunities exist for graduates in the aerospace, automobile, transportation, medical, microelectronics, telecommunications, chemical, petroleum, energy storage, power generation, and energy conservation industries, as well as the basic industries producing materials--for example, the copper, aluminum, steel, ceramics, glass and polymer industries. Many of these industries have multibillion dollar businesses in the world economy. Opportunities exist both in industrial companies and government agencies and laboratories. Graduates work in entry level management, sales and marketing, manufacturing, materials selection and design, quality assurance and control, and research and development. Graduates have excellent backgrounds for future graduate or professional studies in science, engineering, medicine, law, and business. Opportunities also exist for students to participate in the Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP) in which qualified students may alternate semesters of study with semesters of professional employment.
• The educational objectives of the B.S. degree program meet the requirements for materials programs which are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The MSE undergraduate program will graduate professional, competent materials scientists and engineers who can:
  • demonstrate basic proficiency in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering science.
  • demonstrate basic proficiency in generic materials science and engineering concepts covering all classes of materials including ceramics, electronic/optic/photonic materials, metals, and polymers.
  • study the structure and composition of materials on scales ranging from the electronic and atomic through the microscopic to the macroscopic.
  • develop new materials, improve traditional materials, and produce materials reliably and economically through a variety of synthesis and processing techniques.
  • characterize material properties of all kinds using modern measurement techniques.
  • predict and evaluate the performance of real materials as functional elements of engineering systems.
  • select, specify, and design materials that are appropriate for applications in various use environments.
  • express their thoughts and ideas through oral, written, and computer communications.
  • demonstrate an appreciation for the humanities and the responsible role of technology in society including the environment and the utilization of natural resources.
  • demonstrate an appreciation for other cultures and for international events.
  • work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and demonstrate problem solving, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Engineering design is integrated throughout the curriculum beginning with instruction on materials applications in the introductory course and culminating in a year-long senior course on materials selection and design and a year-long capstone process and materials design course. Design-related problems are incorporated into the course materials throughout the curriculum in the sophomore, junior, and senior years. Engineering design in the materials curriculum includes open-ended problems with uncertain outcomes in materials and process design, interrelationships between the processing and the resulting microstructures and properties of materials, as well as materials selection, specification, and applications in engineering systems.
• Four options of study are available in the EAC/ABET accredited B.S. program including ceramics, metals, polymers, and electronic and semiconducting materials. Students can also tailor a special program of elective study. The undergraduate curriculum contains an integrated program of instruction in engineering communication and computer skills including writing, public speaking, and graphical presentation.
• The Commonwealth of Virginia participates in the Academic Common Market, a coalition of seven southern states. Students majoring in materials science and engineering who are residents of the state of West Virginia may be eligible for Virginia in-state tuition. Contact the Division of Enrollment Services for further information.
• The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers scholarships to students with high academic achievements. A number of undergraduate scholarships are awarded each year.
• Programs are available for graduate work leading to the M.S., M.E., and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering. Please see the Graduate Catalog for more information on any of these advanced degree programs.
• Further information about the department, its degree programs, students, and faculty may be found at http://www.mse.vt.edu.

Materials Science and Engineering Program

(This program applies to students graduating in 2006.)

Second Year
First Semester
MSE 2044: Fund of Materials Engr.1	3	(3)
MSE 2884: MATE Prof. Dev. I	1	(1)
ESM 2104: Statics	3	(3)
PHYS 2306: Foundations of Physics I	4	(4)
MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus	3	(3)
Elective - (Area 2/3)	3	(3)
Total Credits		(17)
Second Semester
MSE 2054: Fund of Materials Science	3	(3)
MSE 3304: Physical Metallurgy	3	(3)
MSE 3314: Physical Metallurgy Lab	1	(1)
ISE 2214: Manufacturing Processing Lab	1	(1)
ESM 2204: Deformable Bodies	3	(3)
MATH 2214: Intro Differential Equations	5	(5)
Program Elective I 2	2	(2)
Total Credits		(16)
Third Year
First Semester
MSE 3034: Transport Processes	2	(2)
MSE 4034: Thermo of Materials	3	(3)
MSE 4414: Physical Ceramics	3	(3)
MSE 4424: Physical Ceramics Lab	1	(1)
Program Elective II3	4	(4)
Elective (Area 2/3)	3	(3)
Total Credits		(16)
Second Semester
MSE 3024: Kinetic Processes	2	(2)
MSE 3134: X-Ray Diffraction	4	(4)
MSE 3884: MATE Prof. Dev. II	1	(1)
MSE 4554: Polymer Engineering	3	(3)
MSE 4564: Polymer Engineering Lab	1	(1)
ECE 3054: Electrical Theory	3	(3)
Technical Elective4	3	(3)
Total Credits		(17)
Fourth Year
First Semester
MSE 4055: Mat Select. & Design I	3	(3)
MSE 4085: Senior Design Project I	2	(2)
ISE 2014: Engineering Economy 5	2	(2)
Elective (Area 2/3)	3	(3)
Technical Electives4	6	(6)
Total Credits		(16)
Second Semester
MSE 4056: Mat. Select. & Design II	3	(3)
MSE 4086: Senior Design Project II	2	(2)
MSE 4894: Writing in Materials Engr.6	0	(0)
Technical Electives 4	6	(6)
Elective - (Area 7)	3	(3)
Free Elective	3	(3)
Total Credits		(17)

A total of 131 credit hours are required for graduation.

There are no hidden prerequisites in this.

Notes:
¹Transfer students from another department or university may substitute MSE 2034 for MSE 2044.
²Program Elective I - Choose EF 2314 C++ (2); STAT 3704 Statistics for Eng (2); ME/MATH 2004 Eng Analysis Using Numerical Methods (2); or ESM 2074 Computational Methods (3).
³ Students are required to take either (a) or (b) below. Choice (a) is for students with a general interest and for those wishing to emphasize ceramics, metals, or polymers. Choice (b) is for those wishing to emphasize electronic, magnetic, and photonic materials.

(a) MSE 3054 Mechanical Behavior (2 credits), and MSE 3064 Mechanical Behavior Lab (1 credit), and MSE 4354 Strength and Fracture (1 credit).
(b) MSE 3255 Quantum and Solid State Physics (4 credits).

⁴Technical electives chosen from a list of over 40 Materials-related courses, including courses in Composites, Biomaterials, Electronics and Electronic Packaging, Advanced Mathematics, Chemistry, Material Corrosion, Non-destructive evaluation, Manufacturing methods, and Glass and Refractories.
⁵ Students may substitute ECON 2005 Microeconomics (3) for ISE 2014.
⁶ MSE 4894 fully satisfies the Writing Intensive requirement as being equivalent to 6 credit hours of WI instruction.

Progress towards the Degree

• In addition to University policy, a student must pass MSE 2044, 2884, 3304, and 3314 with a collective GPA of at least 2.0 in order to demonstrate satisfactory progress toward a degree. Students failing to meet this requirement must repeat a sufficient number of the courses with grades below C before they will be permitted to take any other courses in the major. For graduation, a student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 and a GPA of 2.0 in all MSE courses.

Undergraduate Courses (MSE)

2034: ELEMENTS OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING
This course is designed to introduce the non-MSE student to the structures and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the processing and design limitations of these materials, as well as being introduced to new classes of materials being developed to meet the ever expanding range of material requirements. Non-MSE majors only. Pre: CHEM 1036 or 1074. Co: PHYS 2305. (3H,3C)

2044: FUNDAMENTALS OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING
This course is designed to introduce the MSE major to the structures and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and electronic materials. Students will also gain an understanding of the processing and design limitations of materials. Topics fundamental to the further study of materials, such as crystal structures, phase diagrams, and materials design and processing will be emphasized as foundations for future MSE courses. Pre: CHEM 1074. Co: PHYS 2305. (3H,3C)

2054: FUNDAMENTALS OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
Introduces MSE majors to fundamental underlying concepts governing phase equilibrium, microstructure, electronic properties of materials, and transport phenomena as a foundation to understanding materials behavior and processing. Pre: 2044, CHEM 1074, PHYS 2305. (3H,3C)

2884: MATERIALS ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I
Library engineering research skills, technical computer graphics, basic engineering workplace communication skills, basic engineering teamwork skills, introduction to engineering ethics, resumes and letters of introduction, gender issues in the workplace, professional poster presentations, and engineering public speaking. Pre: MSE major, sophomore status. (3L,1C)

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

3024: KINETIC PROCESSES
Introduces thermally activated processes. A foundation in kinetic processes for further study in materials related classes. Topics include continuum and atomistic diffusion, crystal growth, solidification, nucleation, growth, and overall transformation kinetics. Pre: 2034 or 2044. (2H,2C) I.

3034: TRANSPORT PROCESSES
This course is designed to introduce engineering undergraduates to both analytical and computer based methods to analyze problems associated with fluid flow (momentum transport) and heat transfer (energy transport) applied with respect to materials conveyance. Pre: 2034 or 2044, MATH 2214. (2H,2C)

3054 (ESM 3054): MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS
Mechanical properties and behavior of engineering materials subjected to static, dynamic, creep, and fatigue loads under environments and stress states typical of service conditions; biaxial theories of failure; behavior of cracked bodies; microstructure-property relationships and design methodologies for homogeneous and composite materials. Pre: ESM 2204. (2H,2C)

3064: (ESM 3064) MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR MATLS LAB
Laboratory experiments on mechanical properties and behavior of homogeneous and composite engineering materials subjected to static, dynamic, creep, and fatigue loads; behavior of cracked bodies; microstructure-property relationships, and determination of materials properties for use in engineering design. (3L,1C)

3094: (AOE 3094) MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING FOR AERO & OCEAN ENGINEERS
This course introduces the student of Aerospace and/or Ocean Engineering to the fundamental properties of materials typically required for structural design. The performance characteristics of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites are presented and contrasted. Foundation principles underlying materials manufacturing are also presented with the goal of providing an understanding of how processing affects material properties and performance. Pre: CHEM 1074. Co: ESM 2204, PHYS 2305. (3H,3C)

3104 (GEOS 3504): MINERALOGY
Principles of modern mineralogy, crystal chemistry, and crystallography, with emphasis on mineral atomic structure and physical property relationships, mineralogy in the context of geology, geochemistry, environmental science and geophysics, phase equilibria, mineral associations, and mineral identification, and industrial applications of minerals. There are three required field trips during the semester. Pre: MATH 1016, CHEM 1036. (2H,3L,3C)

3124 (GEOS 3524): OPTICAL MINERALOGY
Principles of color and the behavior of light in crystalline materials; use of the petrographic microscope in the identification of minerals using optical techniques. Pre: GEOS 1004. Co: GEOS 3104. (3L,1C)

3134: INTRODUCTION TO SYMMETRY AND X-RAY POWDER DIFFRACTION
Introduction to point group and space group symmetry; analysis of X-ray spectra and powder diffraction patterns of materials; intensive application of computer software for generating diffraction patterns; laboratory experiments on collection and analysis of powder diffraction data. Partially duplicates 4134. Not available to students who have credit for 4134. Pre: 2034 or 2044. Co: MATH 2214. (3H,3L,4C)

3255-3256 (PHYS 3455-3456): FOUNDATIONS OF QUANTUM AND SOLID STATE PHYSICS
Topics in quantum and solid state physics with applications to engineering materials and devices.
3255: wave-particle duality; Schrodinger wave equation; atoms and molecules; crystal structures; x-ray and neutron diffraction; energy band theory, electrical and thermal transport properties of metals, insulators, and semiconductors.
3256: electrical properties of semiconductors and nanostructured materials; semiconductor-metal junctions; optical properties of semiconductors and semiconductor heterojunctions; semiconductor LEDs and LASERs; properties and applications of magnetic materials. Pre: CHEM 1035 or 1074, PHYS 2306. Co: MATH 2214. (3H,3L,4C)

3304: PHYSICAL METALLURGY
Deformation of crystalline solids and its relationship to crystal structure and crystal defects: crystal structures of metals, dislocations and plastic deformation, vacancies, recovery, recrystallization, grain growth, deformation twinning and martensite. Pre: 2034 or 2044. (3H,3C)

3314: PHYSICAL METALLURGY LABORATORY
Experiments in optical metallography, mechanical testing, solidification, and fracture of metals. Investigations of cold working and annealing processes. Co: 3304. (3L,1C)

3424: CRYSTAL CHEMISTRY AND PHASE EQUILIBRIA
Basic crystal chemical principles in multicomponent inorganic materials. Interpretation of one, two, and three component phase diagrams. Interrelationships between crystal chemistry, phase equilibria, microstructure, and properties of materials. Pre: 2034 or 2044. (3H,3C)

3884: MATERIALS ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT II
Public speaking and workplace communications for materials engineers, business writing for the engineering workplace, teamwork skills, engineering ethics, collaborative writing, engineering management skills, and gender issues in the workplace. Extends the basic treatment of these topics given in MSE 2884. Pre: MSE major, junior status, 2884. (3L,1C)

4034: THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS SYSTEMS
Topics in thermodynamics on the solution of materials selection and design related problems such as materials stability at high temperatures and in corrosive chemical environments. Thermodynamic principles important in controlling equilibrium in single component systems and multicomponent solid solutions and in establishing the thermodynamic driving force in kinetic processes which are important in materials processing unit operations. Estimation of thermodynamic properties and equilibrium calculations in multicomponent and multiphase systems. Pre: 2054. (3H,3C)

4055-4056: MATERIALS SELECTION AND DESIGN I AND II
4055: Selection of materials for engineering systems, based on constitutive analyses of functional requirements and material properties. 4056: The role and implications of processing on material selection. Pre: 2034 or 2044 or AOE 3094, ESM 2204 for 4055; 3034, ISE 2214 for 4056. (3H,3C)

4064 (ME 4704): TRIBOLOGY
Basic principles of tribology--the study of friction, wear, and lubrication--including the importance of materials, surfaces, design, operating conditions, environment, and lubrication on friction, wear, and surface damage in any system. Application of tribological theories, concepts, techniques, and approaches to design, research, development, evaluation, and problem-solving. Pre: 2034 or 2044, 3024 or ME 3404. (3H,3C) I.

4085-4086: SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT
Capstone course centered around a faculty-advised senior project involving the design of a process, material, or a technique for solving a technological problem. Training in research, preparation of proposals, interim reports, final project reports, and the environmental, social, and economic impacts of engineering work. Instruction in design theory, ethics, continuous learning, and global issues. Senior standing in MSE is required. Pre: 3314, 3884. (2H,2C)

4095,4096: HONORS SENIOR PROJECT
Capstone course centered around a faculty-advised senior project involving the design of a process, material, or a technique for solving a technological problem. Training in research, preparation of proposals, interim reports, final project reports, and the environmental, social, and economic impacts of engineering work. Instruction in design theory, ethics, continuous learning, and global issues. Outcomes and work effort are consistent with that expected of honors students. Preparation and presentation of an individually-developed and original senior honors thesis. Enrollment in University Honors and senior-standing in MSE required. Pre: 3314, 3884. (3H,3C)

4124: EXTRACTIVE PROCESSES
Principles of various industrial processes of upgrading minerals from ores, extracting metals from ores and mineral concentrates by pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and electrochemical methods; an refining metals and producing alloys by various methods. Pre: 4034 or MINE 3554. (3H,3C)

4154 (ESM 4154): NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF MATERIALS
Concepts and methods of nondestructive evaluation of materials. Discussion of techniques and mathematical bases for methods involving mechanical, optical, thermal, and electromagnetic phenomena; design for inspectability; technique selection criteria; information processing and handling; materials response; laboratory. Pre: 3054, 3064, PHYS 2306. (2H,3L,3C) II.

4164 (MINE 4164): PRINCIPLES OF MATERIALS CORROSION
Introduction to the scientific principles of materials corrosion and corrosion protection. Topics include: thermodynamics of materials corrosion, including potential- PH (Pourbaix) diagrams, kinetics of corrosion reactions and mixed potential theory, types of corrosion (uniform, galvanic, crevice, pitting, fatigue, stress corrosion cracking, intergranular, and hydrogen embrittlement), material/environmental factors that promote or prevent the various types of corrosion, and methods and techniques of corrosion testing. Pre: CHEM 1074. Co: 4034 or ME 3114 or ME 3124 or ME 3134. (3H,3C) I.

4234 (ECE 4234): SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
Manufacturing practices used in silicon integrated circuit fabrication and the underlying scientific basis for these process technologies. Physical models are developed to explain basic fabrication steps, such as substrate growth, thermal oxidation, dopant diffusion, ion implantation, thin film deposition, etching, and lithography. The overall CMOS integrated circuit process flow is described within the context of these physical models. Pre: 2224, (ECE 2204 or ECE 3054). (3H,3C) I.

4235-4236 (ECE 4235-4236): PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRONIC PACKAGING
This two-course sequence covers principles and analyses for design and manufacture of electronic packages. 4235: design issues such as electrical, electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical, are covered at the lower levels of packaging hierarchy. Materials and process selection guidelines are discussed for the manufacturing and reliability of chip carriers, multichip and hybrid modules. 4236: system-level package design issues for meeting application requirements and modeling tools for analyzing electronic packages are introduced. Materials and process selection guidelines are discussed for the manufacturing and reliability of packaged electronic products. Pre: ECE 2204 or ECE 3054. (3H,3C)

4254: SCIENCE AND TECH OF THIN FILMS
Study of the fundamental properties and microstructure of materials in thin film (thin coating) form, their interaction with the substrate, and their processing techniques. Areas of application to exemplify the interdisciplinary nature of the field, including the electronics, biomedical, military, aerospace, and construction industries. Co: 3255. (3H,3C)

4274 (ECE 4274): ELECTRONIC PACKAGING LABORATORY
A laboratory course on electronic package design, fabrication and processing, and testing. Technologies addressed in the course are thick-film hybrid, thin-film processing, surface mount, wire bonding, and multichip module technologies. Pre: 4235 or ECE 4235. (3L,1C) II.

4304: METALS AND ALLOYS
This course covers the production, properties and uses of commercially important metals and alloys. The influence of structure, chemistry, and processing upon the properties of metals is emphasized. Alloy selection is discussed. Mechanical, electrical, thermal and chemical characteristics of ferrous and nonferrous alloys are studied. Pre: 2034 or 2044 or AOE 3094. (3H,3C)

4354: STRENGTH AND FRACTURE
Microstructural origins of strengthening, deformation, and fracture in engineering materials. Pre: 3304. Co: 3054, 3064. (1H,1C)

4414: PHYSICAL CERAMICS
Study of the relationships between the thermo-mechanical properties (strength, toughness, thermal shock, thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity) and structure of ceramics, glasses, and glass-ceramics at the atomic and microscopic level as affected by processing and service environment. Emphasis will be placed on application/design using structural ceramics. Pre: 3314. Co: 4424. (3H,3C)

4424: PHYSICAL CERAMICS LABORATORY
Laboratory course on the processing and characterization of the physical properties of ceramic materials. Particular emphasis is made on synthesis, densification, thermal analyses, strength, and microstructure, via the manufacture of a high-tension electrical insulator device. (3L,1C)

4434: GLASS AND REFRACTORIES
Glass and refractory manufacturing processes, applications and economics. Evaluation of the current theories of the structure of glass, refractories, and high temperature materials. Relation between structure and properties. Glass formers, intermediates, and modifiers. Covers oxide, chalcogenide, polymer, metallic and semi-conductor materials. Pre: 3024, 3134. Co: 4414. (3H,3C)

4534 (CHEM 4634): POLYMER AND SURFACE CHEMISTRY
Physical chemical fundamentals of polymers and surfaces including adhesives and sealants. Pre: CHEM 3615 or CHEM 4615. (3H,3C) II.

4544 (CHEM 4074): LABORATORY IN POLYMER SCIENCE
Experimental techniques used in the synthesis of various linear polymers, copolymers, and cross linked networks. Determination of polymer molecular weights and molecular weight distribution. Methods used in the thermal, mechanical, and morphological characterization of polymeric systems. Pre: CHEM 3616, CHEM 4534. (1H,3L,2C) I.

4554: POLYMER ENGINEERING
This course is designed to introduce the student to polymers from the MSE perspective. The basics of polymer snythesis and polymerization will be outlined. The relationship between processing, structure, and properties will be presented with respect to the performance and design requirements of typical polymer applications. Pre: 2054, CHEM 1074, PHYS 2306, MATH 2224. (3H,3C) II.

4564: POLYMER ENGINEERING LABORATORY
Laboratory experiments exploring the processing-structure-property relationships in polymers and polymer based composites will be performed. Experiments will be conducted in synthesis, melt rheology, crystal structure and mechanical properties of polymers. Effects of reinforcement on the properties of engineering polymers will also be investigated. Co: 4554. (3L,1C)

4574 (ESM 4574): BIOMATERIALS
Lectures and problems dealing with materials used to mimic/ replace body functions. Topics include basic material types and possible functions, tissue response mechanisms, and considerations for long term usage. Integrated design issues of multicomponent materials design in prosthetic devices for hard and soft tissues are discussed. Pre: 3054 or graduating in College of Veterinary Medicine. (3H,3C)

4604: COMPOSITE MATERIALS
The application of the fundamental concepts of mechanics, elasticity, and plasticity to multiphase and composite materials. Constitutive equations for the mechanical and physical properties of metal, ceramic, and polymeric matrix composites. The role of processing and microstructure on properties. Pre: 2034 or 2044 or 3094, ESM 2204. (3H,3C)

4894: WRITING IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Each student develops a portfolio of writing in various styles from work performed in eight required courses. The completed portfolio meets the writing-intensive requirements of the university Core. Students register for this course in the semester during which their portfolio will be completed. Pre: 3314, 3884, 4424. Co: 4086 or 4096. (0C)

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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