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What Is Materials Science and Engineering?Advances in technology and improvements in our quality of life are linked to the development of engineering materials. For example, high purity silicon makes it possible to have miniaturized electronics and high speed computers; strong, light-weight alloys increase the fuel efficiency of cars; polymeric contact lenses are available as an alternative to traditional eyewear; and ceramic space shuttle tile have helped to revolutionize space travel. How were engineering materials such as these selected? What physical properties of the candidate materials influenced the choices? How can the materials be manufactured into the needed size and shape? These are questions for a materials scientist or materials engineer. Materials scientists and engineers are trained to develop new and improved materials for engineering applications. They know how to measure a material's properties, characterize its structure and determine how properties and structure are affected by the conditions of use. Materials scientists and engineers are also involved in the design of the manufacturing processes used to fabricate the engineering materials into components or products. TrainingA Bachelor's degree in MS&E prepares you to be on the forefront of developing new materials and technology. Coursework in MS&E covers the structure, properties, processing and performance of engineering materials. An engineering material's structure is made up of atoms and molecules. The nature of the interatomic and intermolecular bonds and the way in which the atoms or molecules pack in the solid structure are responsible for many of the differences in materials properties. For example, differences in bonding explain why most metals are good conductors of electricity and most ceramics are not. Structure on a larger scale (microstructure) influences properties as well. Characterization methods, including atomic force microscopy and light microscopy, allow us to image structural features down to an atomic scale and up to the millimeter level. A host of physical properties are of interest to materials scientists and engineers, including mechanical properties, such as strength and ductility, and electrical properties, such as conductivity. In addition, an engineer may need to know about the magnetic, optical, thermal and chemical properties of material. For any engineering material to be used, it must be fabricated or processed into the necessary shape and size. The way in which a material is processed determines its structure and therefore influences its properties. Students in the MS&E program gain an appreciation of the interrelationships between structure, properties and processing, and can contribute effectively to the development of new products and applications for materials. |
Related LinksProgram Educational Objectives and Outcomes MSE Undergraduate Brochure (pdf) ------------------- |
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