College of EngineeringMaterials Science and Engineering
OverviewMaterials engineers and scientists study the structure and properties of engineering materials on scales ranging from the atomic through the microscopic to the macroscopic. These materials include ceramics, metals, polymers, composites, biomaterials, semiconductors, electronic, magnetic, and photonic materials. 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. Because 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. As a consequence, the discipline of materials science and engineering is central and critical to the success of several identified strategic national initiatives, including biotechnology, nanotechology, energy, information technology, vehicular transportation systems, national defense and security, and environmental stewardship. 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. Opportunities also exist in government-operated engineering centers and research laboratories. Graduates work in entry level engineering, manufacturing, materials selection and design, quality assurance and control, research and development, technical consulting, management, and sales and marketing. Graduates have an excellent background for post-graduate 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 Commonwealth of Virginia participates in the Academic Common Market, a coalition of 10 Southern Regional Education Board 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 Office of the University Registrar 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, including the Micron Scholars Awards for outstanding students with career interests in microelectronics. 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. Educational Objectives
To prepare its graduates for successful careers as practicing professionals in engineering or complementary fields, the MSE Department at Virginia Tech offers a curriculum developed to meet the following educational objectives: In addition to foundation courses in MSE, students tailor an invidualized program of elective study. Electives can be selected to emphasize certain subdisciples of MSE (e.g., metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, composites, biomaterials, nanomaterials, etc.) or to prepare for a career in certain application areas (e.g., manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, information technology, microelectronics, etc.). The undergraduate curriculum contains a nationally-recognized integrated program of instruction in engineering communication including writing, public speaking, proposal preparation, reporting, research skills, critical and creative thinking, and graphical presentation. More information regarding this unique program can be found at http://www.mse.vt.edu/academics/comm/comm.html. The courses comprising the MSE curriculum deliver a wide range of specific learning objectives that comprehensively capture outcomes required for accreditation Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). A listing of the ABET outcomes and how they are addressed within the MSE curriculum can be found at http://www.mse.vt.edu/academics/curriculum/objectives.html. The MSE Program at Virginia Tech is accredited by the Engineering Acccreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 telephone (410) 347-7700. The Materials Science and Engineering ChecksheetStudents typically enter the MSE Department following completion of their first year studies within the College of Engineering, as administered by the Department of Engineering Education (EngE); a specific listing of required first year coursework can be found within the EngE section of this catalog.
Progress towards the DegreeIn 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)1004: MATERIALS IN TODAY'S WORLDAn introductory course designed for the student with a basic high school science background who wishes to understand and learn about the exciting materials developments which are affecting us all in today's world. The course will introduce the structures and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers (plastics), composites, and materials for electronic and optical applications. Students will also gain an appreciation for the processing and design limitations of materials used in everyday applications. (1H,1C) 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 CHEM 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: 2044 or 2034. (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 OF MATERIALS LABORATORY Laboratory experiments on mechanical properties and behavior of homogenous 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. Co: 3054. (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 3504. (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) 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. Pre: 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 3094 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, 3034 or ME 3404. (3H,3C) I. 4075-4076: SENIOR DESIGN LABORATORY A capstone design course centered around an open-ended, faculty-advised senior project involving the design of a process, material, or a technique for solving a technological problem. Pre: 3314 for 4075; 3314, 4075 for 4076. Co: 4085 for 4075; 4086 for 4076. (3L,1C) 4085-4086: SENIOR DESIGN RECITATION Capstone course run in parallel with faculty-advised Senior Project Laboratory (MSE 4075-4076). Topics in engineering professional practice, project planning, and reporting. Preparation of proposals, interim reports, final project reports, and discussion of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of engineering. Instruction in design theory, ethics, continuous learning, and global issues. Senior Standing in MSE. Pre: 3884 for 4085; 3884, 3324 for 4086. Co: 4075, 4095 for 4085; 4076, 4096 for 4086. 4085: (2H,2C) 4086: (1H,1C) 4095-4096: HONORS SENIOR DESIGN LABORATORY A capstone design course centered around an open-ended, faculty-advised senior honors project involving the design of a process, material, or a technique for solving a technological problem. Outcomes and work effort are consistent with that expected of honors students. Individual preparation and presentation of an original senior honors thesis. Enrollment in University Honors, and senior standing in MSE required. Pre: 3314 for 4095; 3314, 3324 for 4096. Co: 4085 for 4095; 4086 for 4096. (6L,2C) 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 measurement and modeling; signal analysis Pre: 3054, PHYS 2176 or PHYS 2306. (3H,3C) 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. Co: MSE 4034 or ME 3114 or ME 3124 or ME 3134. I (3H,3C) 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: 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. Co: ECE 3054 for 4235. (3H,3C) 4254: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 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. Pre: 4206 or 4215 or 4124. 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 physical properties (thermal, optical, mechanical, electrical and magnetic) and the structure and composition of ceramics at the atomic and microscopic level as affected by processing and service environment. Emphasis will be placed on application and 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. Co: 4414. (3L,1C) 4434: GLASS AND REFRACTORIES Manufacturing processes and applications of glassy and refractory materials. Current theories of the structure of glassy and refractory materials are studied and related to their properties and behavior at high temperature and other demanding applications. Environmental effects of these energy intensive processes are taken into consideration. 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 crosslinked 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) 4554: POLYMER ENGINEERING This course is designed to introduce the student to polymers from the MSE perspective. The basics of polymer synthesis 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: CHEM 1074, PHYS 2306, MATH 2224, MSE 2054. (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. Must meet prerequisite or have graduate standing in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Pre: 3054. (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 MSE 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. Co: MSE 4086 or MSE 4096. Pre: 3314, 3884, 4424. (0C) 4900: COMMUNICATIONS PORTFOLIO IN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Each student develops a portfolio of writing and speaking in various styles from work performed in seven required courses, and reflects on the development of his or her communication ability over the course of the program. The completed portfolio and reflections documents the student's success in meeting the Area 1: Writing and Discourse in written, oral, and visual communication. Students register for this course in the semester during which their portfolio will be completed. Pass/Fail only. Pre: 3314, 3884, 4424. Co: 4086. (1H,1C) 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course. 4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.
College of Engineering Programs of Study
Engineering Education | Aerospace and Ocean Engineering | Biological Systems Engineering | Chemical Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering | Computer Science | Electrical and Computer Engineering Engineering Science and Mechanics | General Engineering | Industrial and Systems Engineering Materials Science and Engineering | Mechanical Engineering | Mining Engineering |