Level II Regential Form
Attach to full proposal for level II changes.
I Summary of Proposed Changes
Joint Ph.D. in Materials Science with Montana Tech
Department/program
The University of Montana-Missoula and Montana Tech of The
University of Montana propose to establish a Ph.D. program in
Materials Science. Materials Science deals with the development,
structure, function, and properties of materials at all scales and across a
variety of products from medical instrumentation to large scale
manufacturing equipment. This material science Ph.D. program will
draw upon the expertise of faculty members and research activities from
areas such as Chemistry and Physics at UM-M and General Engineering
and Metallurgical & Materials Engineering at MTech
II Preliminary Approval
Type/Print Name Signature
Date
Requestor:
Perry Brown
Summary
Phone
Department/Program Chair:
X4689
Andrew Ware, Chair,
Physics & Astronomy
Mark Cracolice, Chair,
Chemistry &
Biochemistry
Other affected programs:
Dean
Christopher Comer, Dean
Dean of the Library
Bonnie Allen, Dean
Library impact statement: Are the resources included in the proposal sufficient to
adequately support the new programs library needs?
Initial Review in Provost’s Office
III Type of Program Change (check X appropriate description)
Create new degree; add new major to existing degree
Create minor or certificate where major does not exist
Change name of degree
X
IV Proposal (See instructions at http://www.umt.edu/provost/curriculum.htm)
Attach the following:
 Full Proposal
 BOR Level II Program Change Request
 Item Template
 Cover/Signature Page
V Copies and Electronic Submission
Submit the complete Level II proposal to the Provost’s Office for preliminary approval. After
all signatures have been obtained submit original, one copy, and an electronic file to the
Faculty Senate Office, UH 221, camie.foos@mso.umt,.edu
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1. Overview
The University of Montana-Missoula (UM-M) and Montana Tech (MTech) of The
University of Montana propose to establish a Ph.D. program in Materials Science.
Materials Science deals with the development, structure, function, and properties of
materials at all scales and across a variety of products from medical instrumentation to
large scale manufacturing equipment. This material science Ph.D. program will draw
upon the expertise of faculty members and research activities from areas such as
Chemistry and Physics at UM-M and General Engineering and Metallurgical & Materials
Engineering at MTech with students having committee members at both campuses.
Students most likely will be drawn from basic science backgrounds in chemistry and
physics and backgrounds in engineering. Courses and research will deal with the science,
engineering, and development of new and improved materials. Industrial partners are
visualized as an integral component of the degree, providing opportunities for applied
training and venues for research. Graduates of the program are expected to find
employment in existing and developing research, development, and manufacturing
companies in Montana.
2. Provide a one paragraph description of the proposed program. Be specific
about what degree, major, minor or option is sought.
The University of Montana-Missoula (UM-M) and Montana Tech of The University of
Montana (MTech) propose to develop a joint doctoral (Ph.D.) program in Materials
Science (MS). The program will be a collaborative effort between the two campuses, and
will involve multiple departments, faculty, and classes from both institutions. Research
will be conducted using equipment and facilities at both locations. The Ph.D. degree will
be granted by UM-M. The curriculum will involve both physical science and engineering,
and courses will be offered at both campuses by taking advantage of online opportunities
where appropriate. It is expected that all engineering courses will be offered by MTech
and most of the science courses will be offered by the UM-M, with some offered by
MTech. The program will also include internships through UM-M or MTech Research
Centers, the industrial partners of these Centers, or participating corporations involved in
funding research and development programs at both campuses. The internship projects
are expected to constitute part or all of the research upon which the doctoral dissertation
will be based. To this end, research funding of approximately 8 million dollars will be
available within the framework of the Fuel Cell Design and Manufacturing Technology
Development program.
3. Need
a. To what specific need is the institution responding in developing the
proposed program?
Nationwide, materials science is a growing industry. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, reports that “while some materials
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scientists hold a degree in materials science, degrees in chemistry, physics, or electrical
engineering are also common. Most research jobs in chemistry and materials science
require a Master’s degree or, more frequently, a Ph.D.” It goes on to state that job growth
“is expected to grow 9 percent over the 2006-16 decade” and that “graduates with an
advanced degree, and particularly those with a Ph.D., will enjoy better opportunities.”
One website, http://www.indeed.com, has 4,742 postings for materials scientists and
29,565 for materials engineers. According to The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Materials scientists and engineers are
expected to have employment growth of 12 and 9 percent respectively over the next
decade. Many of these jobs will be in manufacturing, which is expected to be the next
growth industry in Montana, and also happens to be a large part of what is offered by
MTech’s Chemistry, General Engineering, and Metallurgical & Materials Engineering
Departments and UM-M‘s Chemistry and Physics Departments (see course offerings
beginning page 8).
Montana itself is experiencing sustained growth in the highly competitive materials
industry. Scientists and engineers at existing operations (REC Silicon and AFFCO),
plants under construction (Seacast), as well as research facilities (MSE Technology
Applications, Inc., Resodyne , GT Solar, Purity Systems Inc, Universal Technical
Resource Services, and Rivertop Renewables) must extensively apply Materials Science
and Engineering principles to succeed in business. Many of the technical concepts and
issues being dealt with by Montana industries require a level of understanding and
experience equivalent to PhD level training. In particular, the collaboration now required
for advanced materials investigations in industrial research is becoming more common in
Montana and demands more doctoral participation. The proposed program will focus on
near-term industrial need and long-term research issues, both of which are of direct
benefit to these Montana industries.
No doctoral level Materials Science programs exist in Montana, and only two such
programs are available in the contiguous states (at the University of Idaho and at South
Dakota School of Mines and Technology, respectively). However, it is noted that MSUBozeman does do materials science research, but it is predominantly bio-inspired through
its nanotechnology center, CBIN. The PhD program being proposed here is not in
competition with that program, but rather will aid the efforts of various departments at
UM-M (e.g. Chemistry) and MTech (e.g., Metallurgical & Materials Engineering) as well
as both CASANS and CAMP. CASANS is also a nanotechnology center, but located on
both the UM-M and MTech campuses and is not bio-inspired. Similarly, CAMP is
located at MTech but focuses on natural materials (minerals and some metals) and
synthetic materials (other metals, ceramics, polymers, glasses, slags, and composites).
Students within the Montana University System who wish to pursue doctoral studies in
this field are essentially forced to continue their education outside of the state.
Implementation of the proposed doctoral program will enable these students to pursue
their studies within the Montana University System and, additionally, attract qualified
graduate students from other parts of the nation and the world.
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b. How will students and any other affected constituencies be served by
the proposed program?
Over the last several years, representatives of several industrial corporations that provide
financial support for scholarship and research at MTech and the UM-M have expressed
concerns about the shortage of graduate-level materials scientists and engineers,
particularly at the doctoral level. The burgeoning growth of the materials sector within
the state, and throughout the world, has intensified demand for technical personnel with
advanced, in-depth knowledge of materials systems and processes. When coupled with
the shortage of available graduate-level talent, the large number of impending babyboomer retirements present a serious issue. Industry representatives have stated that they
expect that graduates of the proposed doctoral program will receive immediate
consideration for high level positions and opportunities for rapid advancement in major
materials industry corporations.
Research and industry have moved toward interdisciplinary team models to deal with the
increasing complexity of production, research and development. We envision a program
in which two doctoral committee co-chairs advise and oversee each student. There will be
one co-chair from each campus in order to represent both a science department such as
chemistry or physics and an engineering department such as metallurgical engineering.
This program will be specifically designed to ensure that the curriculum, mentors,
research teams and funding will sustain the interdisciplinary nature of the program.
As one of the core principles of the program, industrial participation will be coordinated
with research and education in a manner to ensure high student retention and to expand
and reinforce the relationship between industry and the UM-M and MTech campuses.
The program will afford students paid internship opportunities to establish working
relationships with industrial concerns even before they are accepted as full candidates and
choose formal research projects. Specific examples are the internships routinely available
to students through the University Centers, CASANS and CAMP (see Appendix I and II).
The MS program would enable these Centers to expand job solicitations to include PhD
level work as well, thus enhancing their existing industrial programs. This will also
provide opportunities for faculty, in that well established industrial researchers such as
Dr. Jerry Downey and Dr. Courtney Young at MTech will be available to provide support
to well established academic researchers, such as Dr. Ed Rosenberg and Dr. Chris Palmer
at the UM-M, and vice versa. Both of these experienced groups will then be available as
mentors not only to students, but to newer faculty as well.
In summary, the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the proposed doctoral
program differentiates it from most existing materials oriented graduate programs, and
certainly from those within the immediate geographical area. While engaged in this
program, students will enjoy access to the extensive academic resources of a major
university as well as the practical “hands-on” learning experiences that are typically only
available at a smaller engineering college. The program will coordinate these factors, in
combination with the high degree of industrial exposure, to ultimately graduate highly
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educated and experienced job applicants who will capably compete for scientific and
technical management positions at the international level.
c. What is the anticipated demand for the program? How was this
determined?
The projected demand for this program is high. For example, the materials science
program at Washington State University is claimed to be the fastest growing program at
the university. Job boards routinely post over 5,000 materials science jobs, and Ph.D.
level job boards show large numbers of materials scientist positions as well. As
mentioned above, substantial industrial interest in graduates already exists due to the
need for replacing an aging professional workforce. This fact is documented by the
attached letters of support.
Several students have expressed interest in the proposed program based only on word-ofmouth discussion about the possibility that it will be offered. At the UM-M graduates in
Chemistry and Physics have increased sharply in the last few years as a result of the
expansion of research with undergraduate students in these departments. MTech projects
that between five and ten students will enroll if the program becomes available; the figure
includes students that are currently involved in funded research efforts and professionals
that are currently employed by materials-oriented businesses within the region.
Otherwise, these students are considered likely to either pursue their doctoral studies
outside of the state of Montana or simply elect not to obtain a Ph.D.
4. Institutional and System Fit
a. What is the connection between the proposed program and existing
programs at the institution?
The collaborative doctoral program will be anchored by the Chemistry and Physics
Departments at UM-M and by the Chemistry, General Engineering, and Metallurgical
and Materials Engineering Departments at MTech. However, participation will not be
restricted to these departments, and it is expected that faculty from other departments will
become active participants as the program grows. To this end, faculty members within
other departments at both institutions have expressed their interest and willingness to
participate. These include Computer Science, Geosciences and Mathematics at UM-M
and Environmental Engineering and Biological Sciences at MTech. Such broadened
participation will further enhance the multidisciplinary aspect of the program. The
availability of additional facilities and equipment will elevate the level of research, which
in turn will attract additional research funding opportunities. The direct involvement of
the students with the Centers will not only benefit the students, but will also expand the
capabilities of the Centers, and will have a positive impact on the economy of The State
of Montana.
b. Will approval of the proposed program require changes to any
existing programs at the institution? If so, please describe.
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No, the proposed program will not require changes to existing programs. With the
exception of two new online courses that will be developed to augment the collaborative
effort by UM-M and MTech, the program will be initiated with existing faculty resources
and course offerings. However, anticipated growth in the program will provide the
opportunity to hire additional faculty and expand research infrastructure (please refer to
Section 5 – Resources).
c. Describe what differentiates this program from other, closely related
programs at the institution (if appropriate).
The UM-M has no formal Materials Science program. MTech has a Metallurgical and
Materials Engineering Department that offers Bachelors and Masters Degrees, but does
not have a Ph.D. program. Thus, the proposed program will supplement the already
available degrees at UM-M and MTech.
d. How does the proposed program serve to advance the strategic goals
of the institution?
The goals of the participating institutions emphasize the following principles:
UM-M Goals
 an integrated learning environment achieved through collaboration
 an active learning environment that will attract and educate motivated and
capable students working on actual problems of interest to local industries.
 programs that enhance students, faculty and state
 basic and applied research, technology transfer, and cultural outreach
 telecommunication and distance training
MTech Goals
 a quality education that blends theory with practice
 a faculty with national reputations in their area of research
BOR Goals
 Prepare students for success through quality higher education
 Increase responsiveness to workforce development
 Expand research and technology transfer
The proposed program will establish these principles as core values. It will be founded on
an integrated, collaborative structure. The collaborative effort will foster an active
learning environment where all the participating students and faculty will interact.
Applied research at the doctoral level, along with the collaborative nature of the research,
will enhance funding opportunities for faculty. Much of the research effort will be
devoted to applied research in order to facilitate technology transfer to industry. From the
outset, teleconferencing (using existing facilities) will be an integral part of the program.
Additionally, costs will be minimized by taking advantage of the expertise, facilities and
equipment already available at research facilities located on both campuses.
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e. Describe the relationship between the proposed program and any
similar programs within the Montana University System. In cases of
substantial duplication, explain the need for the proposed program at
an additional institution. Describe any efforts that were made to
collaborate with these similar programs; and if no efforts were made,
explain why. If articulation or transfer agreements have been
developed for the substantially duplicated programs, please include
the agreement(s) as part of the documentation.
There are no comparable programs within the Montana University System or, for that
matter, within any of the State’s private colleges and universities. While many
universities include Materials Science in their Chemistry, Chemical and Biological
Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering programs, none of the MUS chemistry programs
include advanced degrees in Materials Science, nor does the Mechanical Engineering
program at Montana State University. Consequently, the collaborative doctoral program
would benefit not only UM-M and MTech, but also benefit students in the other
institutions who may be interested in Materials Science. The program would also
eliminate a considerable educational void in Montana and some neighboring states. The
only immediate regional competition is the aforementioned programs at the University of
Idaho and at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; there are no other MSE
doctoral programs in Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wyoming.
While a number of national and international programs exist in Materials Science and/or
Engineering, most are based on either biomaterials or nanomaterials research. Programs
at regional universities such as Washington State University, University of Washington,
University of Utah and Colorado State University deal primarily with similar issues.
5. Program Details
a. Provide a detailed description of the proposed curriculum. Where
possible, present the information in the form intended to appear in the
catalog or other publications. NOTE: In the case of two-year degree
programs and certificates of applied science, the curriculum should
include enough detail to determine if the characteristics set out in
Regents’ Policy 301.12 have been met.
The doctoral degree requires that the student complete a minimum of sixty graduate
credits, which are subject to committee review and approval. Following the completion of
one semester in the program and upon recommendation of the student’s committee, an
existing Master of Science degree can be applied toward the doctorate credit requirement.
Typically, the transfer will accommodate up to thirty (30) semester hour credits
(including twenty-one transferable graduate course credits and nine research credits).
Additional detail is provided under Program Description, below.
Faculty:
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At a minimum, faculty in the Chemistry and Physics departments at the UM-M as well as
the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, General Engineering and Chemistry
departments at MTech will participate. These faculty include but are not limited to
UM-M
Chris Palmer - Chemistry
Edward Rosenberg - Chemistry
Sandy Ross - Chemistry
Mike Schneider - Physics
David Andrews - Physics
MTech
David Bunnell - General Engineering
Doug Cameron - Chemistry
Jerry Downey - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Butch Gerbrandt - General Engineering
Bill Gleason - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
David Hobbs - Chemistry
H.H. Huang - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Rajendra Kasinath - Environmental Engineering
Michael Klem - Chemistry
Alan Meier - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Marisa Pedulla - Biological Sciences
K.V. Sudhakar - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Courtney Young - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
Participating Research Centers and Companies:
Center for Advanced Mineral and Metallurgical Processing - MTech
Center for Advanced Supramolecular and Nano Systems - UM-M & MTech
Appendix I for participating companies
Appendix II for letters of support
Program Description:
The Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Materials Science is designed by the student
in consultation with his/her advisor to accommodate the student’s interests and career
objectives within the realm of materials science and engineering. The program must be
approved by the student’s dissertation committee co-chairs and it also must conform to
all applicable UM-M and MTech graduate school policies and regulations. Advisors and
in particular graduate committee co-chairs will be drawn from each campus as is
appropriate, with the requirement that UM Missoula faculty be represented on all
committees. A UM Missoula faculty member must also serve as either a chair or co-chair
of the graduate committee.
To earn the Ph.D. degree, the student must fulfill the following program requirements:
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1. Complete at least forty-two semester hours of acceptable course work, which
may include up to twenty-one transferable graduate course credits presented
for the student’s Master’s degree, if approved by the dissertation committee,
and provided that the Master’s degree was in Materials Science, Materials
Engineering, or a similar science or engineering field.
2. Twelve semester hours of acceptable course work must be taken at the
alternate campus (i.e. students matriculating at the UM-M are required to
complete twelve semester hours at MTech and students matriculating at
MTech are required to complete twelve semester hours at the UM-M.
3. Obtain a minimum of eighteen semester hours of research credit; a maximum
of nine research credits may be presented for the student’s Master’s degree if
approved by the dissertation committee and provided that the Master’s degree
was in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or a similar science or
engineering field.
4. Complete nine to twelve semester hours of course work that relates to the
doctoral research project as determined by the dissertation committee.
5. Successfully present and defend a dissertation research project proposal.
6. Demonstrate preparation, and the ability to conduct independent research, by
passing both a comprehensive written and an oral qualifying examination (one
each). The written examination will consist of a general topic examination and
an area-of-specialization examination; the oral examination is restricted to
questions that pertain to the fundamentals of the student’s proposed research.
The examinations are administered during the last five weeks of the Fall and
Spring Semesters; to be eligible, the student must notify the dissertation
committee of his/her intent within the first month of the intended semester.
7. Present semiannual research project progress reports before the thesis
committee.
8. Participate in a 1-12 month internship with an affiliated University Research
Center, industrial collaborator or partnering federal laboratory.
9. Successfully submit and defend a dissertation that presents the results of
original scientific research before the dissertation committee.
Doctoral candidates are also required to make two seminar presentations (one at each
institution) related to their dissertation research.
Prerequisites:
To enter the doctoral program, the student must have completed an undergraduate
program equivalent to that required to obtain a B.S. degree in Materials Science,
Materials Engineering, or a related science or engineering field. The student’s academic
record must evidence an adequate background in the fundamentals of science and
engineering principles. A student that has such a background, but has not passed the
prerequisite undergraduate courses that are specified for their graduate courses, must
remove the course deficiencies at the outset of the student’s program of study. For
example, prior to enrolling for graduate credit in ENGR 5850 – Advanced Mechanics of
Materials, a student that has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry or Physics would
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first need to pass the prerequisite undergraduate course (ENGR 3350); similarly, a
student with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering must complete the
designated prerequisite courses (CHMY 401) before enrolling for graduate credit in
Inorganic Chemistry and Current Literature (CHMY553).
Courses at the graduate level that are already available are listed below along with their
course descriptions.
Courses offered at MTech:
CHMY 5506 – POLYMER CHEMISTRY (3 cr). Covers the structure, synthesis,
kinetics, distribution, conformations, and morphology of polymers. Prerequisites: CHMY
210 or 323 and 373. (2nd, Alt)
ENGR 5350 - EXPERIMENTAL STRESS ANALYSIS (3 cr). Experimental stress
analysis emphasizes the determination of strains, stresses and the directions of maximum
stresses by experimental methods. Electronic strain gage application is studied in depth,
and other topics include strain measurement by mechanical methods, photoelasticity,
brittle coatings and structural models.
ENGR 5840 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN (3 cr). An introduction to the
design of reinforced concrete beams, columns and footing will be made. Single
reinforced, double reinforced and T-beams will be designed for both bending and shear.
Column design will include both tied and spiral reinforced columns. The class will
include the analysis and design of a three-story reinforced concrete building frame with
beam, column and footing designs.
ENGR 5850 ADVANCED MECHANICS OF MATERIALS (3 cr). Considers
advanced strength topics and reviews elementary strength of materials. Topics
considered are beam deflections, statically indeterminate beams, fatigue, two and three
dimensional Mohr’s circle stress problems, advanced beam topics (shear center,
unsymmetrical bending, curved flexural members, beams on elastic foundations,
nonlinear stress-strain diagrams), advanced torsion problems, thick-walled pressure
vessels, rotating disks, contact stresses and stress concentrations, elastic and geometric
stability.
M&ME 5230 – MULTICOMPONENT PHASE DIAGRAMS (3 cr). One- and twocomponent systems are reviewed; however, three-component systems are emphasized
and four-component systems are discussed. Isothermal sections, crystallization paths and
vertical sections are covered for a variety of metallic systems. (2nd, even numbered yrs)
METE 5260 – THERMODYNAMIC MODELING OF AQUEOUS SYSTEMS (3
cr). An application of computer techniques to process engineering including
organizations, mass balances, energy balances, thermodynamics, and simulations (1st ,
odd numbered yrs).
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METE 5340 – PROCESSING OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RESOURCES
(3 cr). This course describes the physical and chemical processes involved in
separations. Flotation, the most commonly used separation technology, is discussed in
detail. Gravity, magnetic and electrostatic separations are also described, Strategies
involving non-mineral systems (recycling and waste minimization) are introduced and
corresponding laboratory exercises are conducted. Students must register for METE
5340 Lab (1st, even yrs).
M&ME 5440 – CASTING AND SOLIDIFICATION (3 cr). Theory of solidification
is reviewed including heat flow, nucleation and growth kinetics, solute distribution,
constitutional undercooling, and grain and sub-grain structure. Both micro and macro
forms of segregation are examined. Different casting methods and molding materials are
characterized and compared. Casting concerns and special handling techniques for
particular alloy systems are discussed. Methodologies for mold design are covered.
Feeding, gating, and risering systems are studied with the aid of fluid dynamics. Models
regarding the formation of casting defects, porosity, and hot-tearing are outlined.
Students must prepare an extensive literature review on a select topic. (Odd numbered
yrs)
METE 5550 – ADVANCED FLOTATION (3 cr). Deals with the development of the
theoretical basis of the flotation process. The surface chemistry of collector and frother
action under modification is quantitatively presented. Modern theories of absorption are
critically examined. (On demand)
METE 5690 – FAILURE ANALYSIS & DESIGN LIFE (3 cr). Application of the
principles of physical and mechanical metallurgy to failure analysis. Methodologies are
developed to solve failures including an analysis of stress state and loading.
Fractography is characterized for different types of failure. Models for crack initiation
and crack propagation are presented. The role of corrosion on design life is considered.
Principles of nondestructive evaluation are introduced. Case histories of past failures are
reviewed and analyzed. Students must prepare a comprehensive literature review on a
selected topic. (1st, even yrs)
M&ME 5700 – MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS (3 cr). Treats
mechanical properties and behavior of materials with regard to stress and strain. Plastic
deformation of crystalline materials is considered. Relationships between microstructure
and mechanical strength are developed. Mechanisms for fracture, creep, and fatigue are
examined. (1st, odd yrs)
M&ME 5710 – SEM/EDX (2 cr; lecture + lab). Continuation of METE 4710 with a
complete focus on materials characterization and analysis by Scanning Electron
Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM/EDX). Theory, principles, and
techniques are presented in detail. Enrollment will be limited. (1st, even yrs)
M&ME 5800 – NANOSCALE MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY (3 cr; lecture +
lab). Examines the technology and creation of functional materials, devices, and systems
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through the control of matter o the nanometer scale (1-100 nm) from the top down as
well as the bottom up including exploitation of novel phenomena and properties
(physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, and electrical). (2nd, odd yrs)
M&ME 5820 – PROCESSING OF ENERGY RESOURCES (3 cr; lecture + lab).
Focuses on coal and uranium processing including discussions on environmental issues.
Coal topics include genesis, macerals, properties, washability analysis, beneficiation
principles, levels of preparation, beneficiation equipment, preparation economics, power
plant operations, blending and fractionation. Spreadsheet calculations involving
comminution modeling and coal drying are developed. Labs on maceral identification,
hardness, washability, carbon/sulfur analysis, and BTU measurements are conducted.
Uranium topics include mineralogy, leaching practices, solution concentration and
purification. Nuclear power plant operations are touched upon. Students will conduct
library searches and write reports on other energy resources excluding oil. (2nd, odd yrs)
M&ME 5840 – ELECTRICAL, OPTICAL, AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF
MATERIALS (2 cr). Concepts introduced at the undergraduate level are expanded upon
relative to the electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of materials. Topics include the
electron properties as a particle and as a wave, bonding, free electron theory, bond theory
of solids, semiconductors, dielectric materials, magnetic materials, lasers, and
superconductors (Odd numbered yrs)
M&ME 5950 – SPECIAL TOPICS: ADVANCED THERMODYNAMICS (3 cr).
Advanced thermodynamic principles are introduced and the application of
thermodynamics and physical chemistry to materials and metallurgical engineering are
illustrated. The course focuses on entropy, enthalpy, and free energy, reaction
equilibrium, solution thermodynamics, methods for analyzing thermodynamic data, and
for developing and utilizing phase diagrams.
M&ME 5950 – SPECIAL TOPICS: ADVANCED PYROPROCESSING (3 cr). The
course focuses on the analysis of selected pyrometallurgical and thermal processes and
includes the application and integration of applicable environmental control technologies
and efficient energy utilization practices. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of
thermodynamic, kinetic, and engineering principles in process development, design, and
operation applications.
Courses offered at UM-M
CHMY 445 – INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY (3
cr). Offered every other autumn semester. Prereq., CHMY 143 or 123 (CHEM 162 or
152). A course based on local Montana chemical industries involving field trips to
chemical plants, visits by company personnel and an overall evaluation of the
company=s economic and environmental impact on the community.
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CHMY 542 – SEPARATION SCIENCE (3 cr). Offered autumn odd-numbered years.
Prereq., CHMY 421 (CHEM 342), CHMY 360 (CHEM 370) or 373 (CHEM 371).
Theory, method development, and application of analytical separations; solvent
extraction; solid phase extraction; various forms of chromatography; electrophoresis.
CHMY 553 – INORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND CURRENT LITERATURE (4
cr). Offered spring. Prereq., CHMY 401 (CHEM 452). A survey of the elements
including transition metal reaction mechanisms, redox chemistry, organomatallic
chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry. Oral and written presentations on primary literature.
CHMY 403 – DESCRIPTIVE INORGANIC CHEMISTRY (3 cr). Offered spring.
Prereq., CHMY 221-222, 360 or 373-371, and 401 (CHEM 221-223, 370 or 371-373 and
401). A survey of the chemistry of the elements including transition metal reaction
mechanisms, redox chemistry, organometallic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry.
PHYSICS 446 – THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS (3
cr). Offered autumn odd-numbered years. Prereq., PHYS 341; coreq., M 311. Topics in
thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
PHYSICS 463 – SELECTED TOPICS IN MODERN PHYSICS (3 cr). (R-6)
Offered intermittently. Prereq., PHYS 461 or consent of instr. Studies of a topic in
advanced modern physics including nuclear physics, solid state physics, and quantum
optics. The topic chosen will vary according to instructor.
PHYSICS 444 – ADVANCED PHYSICS LABORATORY (3 cr). Offered spring.
Prereq., PHYS 341 or equiv., PHYS 325 or equiv.; PHYS 321 suggested but not required.
Advanced experiments in classical and modern physics, including optics, spectroscopy,
laser science, atomic, nuclear, and particle physics, Data analysis techniques for
experimental scientists. Recommended for students entering graduate school in any
experimental science.
In addition, as the program develops it is anticipated that new online courses will be
taught by faculty from the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at
MTech and faculty from the Chemistry and Physics Departments at UM-M. Examples of
anticipated courses are:
CHMY G 5xx FUNCTIONAL NANOMATERIALS (3 cr). An interdisciplinary
course taught by two instructors, one from UM-M and one from MTech that surveys the
applications of nanoscaled materials in biology, electronics, environmental sensing and
medicine. Emphasis is on the synthesis of the materials and their practical applications
PHSX UG 4xx PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS– (3cr). An interdisciplinary course
that deals with the properties of specialized materials and includes microfabricated
materials, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, superconducting and magnetic materials
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These courses may be taught for the first time as Special Topics courses before being
proposed and established as regularly scheduled courses.
Internships
As discussed above, the participation of the doctoral students in industrial internships at
local collaborating companies may form a significant part of their research experience.
Although it is not unreasonable for students at UM-M to do an internship at a company in
the Butte area and for an MTech student to do an internship in Missoula, it would be
much more efficacious to have them participate in projects near their home campus.
Thus, we have identified materials based companies that have expressed a willingness to
have student interns near each campus In Missoula, these companies are Purity Systems
Inc., Rivertop Renewables, and GT Solar. All three of these companies are involved in
materials fabrications and their applications. In Butte, the most suitable companies would
be AFFCO, REC, MSE, Resodyne, Polymeric Interconnects, and Seacast.
The duration of the internship would vary from six months to one year depending on the
interests of the student. The internship could be the main project of the student’s
dissertation or a separate project to be included as a chapter in the dissertation. The
internships will be jointly supervised by a company representative and by the student’s
co-chairs. The project must be on a topic of interest to the collaborating company’s
overall goals.
a. Describe the planned implementation of the proposed program,
including estimates of numbers of students at each stage.
Both institutions are prepared to inaugurate the doctoral program immediately following
BOR approval and begin enrolling graduate students as early as the Spring 2011
semester. This confidence is predicated on the success of the current Individualized
Interdisciplinary Program (IIP) which has been used by a few students to pursue
materials science oriented doctoral degrees by combining existing resources and
capabilities of UM-M and MTech. The relationships developed between the two
institutions through the IIP will facilitate the program start-up and minimize expense.
Example successes of the IIP include a graduate of the program, Dr. Bill Gleason, who is
now employed by the Department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering at Montana
Tech and involved in this proposed PhD Program, and a current student in the program,
Mr. Robert “Nick” Gow, who is presently taking classes at UM-M.
The proposed program is designed to be self-sustaining throughout the three stages of
development: Stage I – Inception and Early Program Development, Stage II – Sustained
Growth, and Stage III – Program Maturity. Rather than being constrained by an
unnecessarily specific time-line for moving from one stage to the next, the program’s
evolution will be driven by the ability of its faculty participants to secure research grants
and attract, educate, and graduate increasing numbers of graduate students. In other
words, the growth rate will be governed by the success of the program in obtaining and
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executing externally funded research programs, which in turn will provide the financial
resources necessary to augment the faculty and equipment resources.
Initial projections are that five to ten students will enter the program during its first year
of existence. Some of these students have already obtained or are in the process of
obtaining M.Sc. degrees. Research funding is already available for students, in particular
within the framework of the Fuel Cell Design and Manufacturing Technology
Development funding of approximately 8 million dollars over the next 4-5 years.
2. Resources
a. Will additional faculty resources be required to implement this
program? If yes, please describe the need and indicate the plan for
meeting this need.
No additional faculty resources are considered necessary to implement the proposed
program. The current faculty, laboratory space, and equipment resources are adequate to
implement the program and indefinitely sustain it at the Stage I level; this fact has been
proven through the current IIP program where students are following a track similar to
what is proposed here. It is recognized that start-up expenses will certainly be incurred
until the new participating faculty have established a threshold level of research funding.
MTech intends to defray these costs by strategic reinvestment of grant generated indirect
costs (IDCs) and use of grant funded “buy-outs” to provide participating faculty with
time necessary to write proposals and conduct seminal research necessary to develop
their doctoral research programs during Stage I. UM-M routinely implements such
procedures and would do so when there is a need in the proposed program.
Additional faculty resources will be needed to elevate the program to Stage II and
eventually Stage III with funding coming from grants as well as institutional support as
available. To foster growth under Stages II and III, each campus envisions the need for
two more faculty members, with two being added to the Metallurgical & Materials
Engineering Department at MTech and one each to the Chemistry and Physics
Departments at UM-M. At MTech, the Metallurgical & Materials Engineering faculty
workloads will gradually decrease as faculty members are added during Stage II and
Stage III. These changes will bring MTech faculty workloads in line with those at UM-M
as well as comparable PhD programs throughout the country. At UM-M, the faculty
additions will not affect workloads but will increase expertise in materials science. It is
estimated that salary and benefits for each of the 4.0 FTE positions will cost about
$85K/year.
b. Are other, additional resources required to ensure the success of the
proposed program? If yes, please describe the need and indicate the
plan for meeting this need.
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At Stages II and III, as the research program expands, it will require additional
administrative and technician resources that will be provided by increases in external
funding. We anticipate that the Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Department at
MTech will add a half time administrative assistant and that laboratory technicians will
be added at both campuses to manage the research laboratories. Also, at some point it
might be necessary to add a part-time technical writer to assist with proposal and other
development.
Aside from the Stage II and III personnel needs noted above addition of institutionally
supported GTA’s in Stage I and II will be needed to attract the best and brightest
applicants and to secure their matriculation within the program. To launch the program,
two UM-M and two MTech doctoral level GTA’s with tuition waivers are requested
beginning in FY 2012. When Stage II is reached, it is likely that additional institutionally
supported GTA’s will be requested. Also in Stage II, a need for laboratory renovations on
both campuses is anticipated. Financing some of these renovations likely will be borne by
research grants, but there is the likelihood that some institutional support will be required.
While not a financial resource issue per se, procedures will need to be developed to
ensure that there is seamless ability to transfer credits, pay appropriate fees, and execute
required paperwork.
3. Assessment.
How will the success of the program be measured?
The success of the program will be measured according to the following metrics:







The number of students that enroll in and complete the program;
the amount of funding secured;
the number of projects completed;
successful completion and defense of dissertations by participants;
the number of publications authored by participating faculty and/or doctoral
candidates based on original research conducted within the program;
feedback from our Montana industrial partners; and
ultimately, by the employment and career status gained by program graduates.
These statistics will be annually reviewed to ensure that the program experiences a
positive and sustainable growth pattern and that it is producing high quality graduates
that enhance the cultural and economic development of Montana.
4. Process Leading to Submission
Describe the process of developing and approving the proposed program.
Indicate, where appropriate, involvement by faculty, students, community
members, potential employers, accrediting agencies, etc.
This proposal was developed by a team of faculty members from MTech and UM-M
through meetings, discussions, and several drafts of the proposal. It was reviewed on each
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campus by the participating departments, by the campus libraries, by administrators of
the participating departments and colleges and the graduate schools and academic affairs
offices, and submitted through the curricular governing processes and bodies of the two
campuses. As the letters attached to the proposal attest, several potential industrial
partners had an opportunity to comment on the proposal and to identify the need for such
a program in Montana.
The proposal also was sent to directors of a sample of prestigious materials science
doctoral programs for their input. Washington State University, the University of
Washington and the University of Michigan offer doctoral degrees in Materials Science.
These three schools were sent copies of the proposal and asked for comment.
Appendix I - List of Collaborating Companies
Jeff Ruffner, MSE-TA
Brian Sullivan, REC
Tom McIntyre, REC
Larry Farrar, Resodyne
Hugh Craig, Polymeric Interconnect
Larry Twidwell, Montana Enviromet
Dan Brimhall, American ChemMet
Yuval Avniel, MicroPowder Solutions LLC
David Briggs, PSI
Todd Johnson, Federal Technology Group
Don Kiely, Rivertop Renewables
John Krstulich, GT Solar
Appendix II - Letters of Support from Collaborating Companies
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This proposal was reviewed and approved by the affected departments as follows:
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Date: 9/15/2010
Department Name: Chemistry and Biochemistry Date: 9/15/2010
In addition the deans of the following Schools/Colleges reviewed and approved the
proposal:
Dean of:
College of Arts and Sciences
Date: 9/20/2010
Dean of:
Libraries
Date: 9/15/2010
The proposal was reviewed and approved by the Faculty Senate at the University of
Montana Date: ______________________________________
[No outside consultants were employed for the development of this proposal.]
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M O N T A N A
B O A R D
O F
R E G E N T S
LEVEL II REQUEST FORM
Item No.:
-
-R
Date of Meeting:
Institution:
The University of Montana - Missoula
Program Title:
Joint Ph.D. in Materials Science with Montana Tech
Level II proposals require approval by the Board of Regents.
Level II action requested (check all that apply): Level II proposals entail substantive additions
to, alterations in, or termination of programs, structures, or administrative or academic entities
typically characterized by the (a) addition, reassignment, or elimination of personnel, facilities, or
courses of instruction; (b) rearrangement of budgets, cost centers, funding sources; and (c)
changes which by implication could impact other campuses within the Montana University System
and community colleges. Board policy 303.1 indicates the curricular proposals in this category:
1.
Change names of degrees (e.g. from B.A. to B.F.A.)
2.
Implement a new minor or certificate where there is no major or no
option in a major;
3.
Establish new degrees and add majors to existing degrees;
4.
Expand/extend approved mission; and
5.
Any other changes in governance and organization as described in
Board of Regents’ Policy 218, such as formation, elimination or
consolidation of a college, division, school, department, institute, bureau,
center, station, laboratory, or similar unit.
Specify Request:
The University of Montana-Missoula and Montana Tech of the University of Montana
request permission to develop a joint doctoral (Ph.D.) program in Materials Science. The program
will involve multiple departments, faculty, and classes from both institutions, research will be
conducted using equipment and facilities at both locations, and the Ph.D. degree will be granted
by UM-Missoula.
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*meeting date*
ITEM XXX-XXX-XXXXX
Approval of a joint Ph.D. in Materials Science between The University of Montana –
Missoula and Montana Tech of The University of Montana
THAT
In accordance with Montana University System Policy, the Board of Regents of
Higher Education authorizes The University of Montana-Missoula and Montana Tech
of the University of Montana to create a joint doctoral program in Materials Science
with the degree to be awarded by The University of Montana-Missoula.
EXPLANATION
Given that Materials Science is a growing industry in both the nation and the state,
and that many of the relevant technical concepts and issues require a level of
understanding and experience equivalent to Ph.D. level training, the proposed
program will focus on near-term industrial need and long-term research issues, both
of which will directly benefit Montana industries. The curriculum will involve both
physical science and engineering, and courses will be offered at both campuses. The
program will also include internships through UM-M or MTech Research Centers,
industrial partners, or participating corporations, which are expected to constitute part
or all of the research upon which the doctoral dissertation will be based.
This program will aid the efforts of various departments at UM-M (e.g. Chemistry)
and MTech (e.g., Metallurgical & Materials Engineering) as well as both MTech’s
Center for Advanced Supramolecular and Nano-Science and the Center for Advanced
Mineral and Metallurgical Processing. Implementation of the proposed doctoral
program will enable students to pursue their studies within the Montana University
System and, additionally, attract qualified graduate students from other parts of the
nation and the world.
ATTACHMENTS
Proposal Narrative
Appendix I, List of Collaborating Companies
Appendix II, Letters of Support from Collaborating Companies
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