Materials Science and Engineering
Department of Materials
Science and Engineering
College of Engineering
Engineering Building. Room 338
http://coen.boisestate.edu/mse/
Degree Requirements
Materials Science and Engineering
Bachelor of Science
Course Number and Title
Phone: (208) 426-5600
Fax: (208) 426-4466
Credits
Foundational Studies Program requirements indicated in
bold. See page 50 for details and lists of approved courses.
Chair and Professor: Peter Müllner. Professors: Butt, Callahan, Knowlton,
Moll. Associate Professors: Frary, Hughes, Ubic. Assistant Professors: Estrada,
Graugnard, Hurley, Jankowski, Lee, Li, Simmonds, Wharry, Xiong. Clinical
Assistant Professor: Ackler. Distinguished Research Fellow: Yurke. Research Associate
Professor: Wu. Lecturer: Watson.
ENGL 101 Introduction to College Writing
3
ENGL 102 Intro to College Writing and Research
3
UF 100 Intellectual Foundations
3
UF 200 Civic and Ethical Foundations
3
Degrees Offered
DLM MATH 170 Calculus I
4
DLN CHEM 111, 111L General Chemistry I & Lab
4
• Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
• Secondary Education Emphasis
• Minor in Materials Science and Engineering
Department Statement
A fundamental understanding of how properties, structure, processing and
performance of materials are interrelated is an essential aspect of an engineering
education. Understanding how these materials properties can be altered
or how the properties change in different applications and environments
is a critical focus for all engineering disciplines. The Materials Science and
Engineering program focuses on the fundamental aspects of the technical
classes of materials including metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials,
biomaterials, nanomaterials, and composites. Laboratory emphasis is placed on
the measurement and characterization of these materials systems and providing
hands-on experience with various process operations typical in the materials
fabrication industry.
The study of materials properties has held fascination with scientists for many
years. However, it is in the application of materials to product design and
manufacturing where economic growth is realized. In today’s technology driven
environment, the engineer and scientist work to modify materials to optimize
performance, reduce cost, and to develop materials with a greater range of
capabilities.
DLN PHYS 211, 211L Physics I with Calculus & Lab
5
DLV Visual and Performing Arts
3
DLL Literature and Humanities or
DLL STEM-ED 220 Perspectives on Science and
Mathematics (Secondary Education Emphasis)
3-4
DLS Social Sciences course in a first field or
DLS ED-CIFS 201 Foundations of Education (Secondary
Education Emphasis)
3
DLS Social Sciences course in a second field or
DLS STEM-ED 210 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics
and Science (Secondary Education Emphasis)
3
CHEM 112, 112L General Chemistry II with Lab
4
Computer science elective*
2-4
ENGR 120 Introduction to Engineering or
ENGR 130 Introduction to Engineering Applications
3-4
ENGR 210 Engineering Statics
3
ENGR 240 Electrical and Electronic Circuits or
ECE 210 Intro to Electric Circuits
3
ENGR 245, 245L Intro to Materials Science & Engineering
& Lab
4
MATH 175 Calculus II
4
MATH 275 Multivariable and Vector Calculus
4
MATH 333 Differential Equations with Matrix Theory
4
MATH 360 Engineering Statistics
3
CID MSE 215 Materials Processing
3
MSE 305 Structure of Materials
3
MSE 308 Thermodynamics of Materials
3
MSE 310 Electrical Properties of Materials
3
Students wishing to pursue this degree plan must meet the requirements
and standards for admission to teacher education, which are described fully
under STEM Education IDoTeach STEM Teaching Certification or at http://
idoteach.boisestate.edu. Students must meet and maintain all knowledge, skill,
and disposition requirements to remain in the program.
MSE 312 Mechanical Behavior of Materials
3
MSE 318 Phase Transformations and Kinetics
3
MSE 380 Materials Properties Laboratory
3
MSE 381 Material Analysis Laboratory
3
Educational Objectives
MSE 421 Structural Characterization
3
Graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering program will be:
MSE 480 Senior Project I
3
FF MSE 482 Senior Project II
3
MSE 498 Materials Science Seminar
1
The B.S. in Materials Science is accredited by the Commission of ABET, 111
Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, (410) 347-7700.
The B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Secondary Education Emphasis
combines content knowledge, theories of learning and human development,
study of curriculum, and methodology to help students develop the knowledge,
skills and dispositions essential for success in secondary school teaching. The
program involves participation in the IDoTeach STEM-ED curriculum, which
includes early and sustained field experiences for students. Candidates who
complete the Secondary Education Emphasis program have demonstrated
evidence of meeting the Idaho Beginning Teacher and Engineering Standards
and are eligible for recommendation for state certification and an engineering
endorsement for teaching.
1. Fully qualified as entry-level materials engineers, with an ability to adapt
and progress in a rapidly changing field.
2. Well-rounded individuals who both understand the principles and can
undertake the practice of the science and engineering of materials.
3. Able to operate as effective engineers or scientists in materials industries,
academia, or related fields.
PHYS 212, 212L Physics II with Calculus & Lab
5
PHYS 309, 309L Introductory Quantum Physics & Lab
4
Materials Science and Engineering electives*
3
Continued
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201
Materials Science and Engineering
Course Offerings
Materials Science and Engineering continued
See page 63 for a definition of the course-numbering system.
In addition, complete the following coursework to
graduate with B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering
(without an emphasis) or complete the courses listed
under the Secondary Education Emphasis below to
graduate with a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering
with an emphasis in Secondary Education.
MSE – Materials Science and Engineering
Lower Division
Physics electives*
3
Technical electives*
3
Upper-division electives to total 40 credits
1
Total
124-128
Secondary Education Emphasis
STEM-ED 101 Step 1: Inquiry Approaches to Teaching
1
STEM-ED 102 Step 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design
1
STEM-ED 310 Classroom Interactions
3
STEM-ED 350 Research Methods
3
STEM-ED 410 Project-Based Instruction
3
STEM-ED 480 Apprentice Teaching
6
Total
134-137
This emphasis also needs to complete ED-CIFS 201, STEMED 220 and STEM-ED 350.
*Electives must be approved by the student’s advisor.
Materials Science and Engineering Minor
Course Number and Title
ENGR 245, 245L Intro to Materials Science & Engineering
& Lab
Credits
4
MSE 305 Structure of Materials
3
MSE 308 Thermodynamics of Materials or
MSE 310 Electrical Properties of Materials
3
Courses chosen from the following list:
CE 340 Engineering Properties of Construction Materials
CE 341 Construction Materials Lab
CHEM 321, 322 Physical Chemistry I & II Lecture
CHEM 401 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
ECE 320 Semiconductor Devices
ECE 440, ECE 440L Intro Integrated Circuit Process & Lab
ECE 441 Advanced Silicon Technology
GEOS 300 Earth Materials
ME 444 Corrosion Engineering
ME 454 Composites
MSE 215 Materials Processing
MSE 305 Structure of Materials
MSE 308 Thermodynamics of Materials
MSE 310 Electrical Properties of Materials
MSE 312 Mechanical Behavior of Materials
MSE 318 Phase Transformations and Kinetics
MSE 404, MSE 404L Materials Analysis
MSE 421 Structural Characterization
MSE 422 Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy
MSE 428 Interfaces and Dislocation Behavior
MSE 461 Microelectronic Packaging Materials
MSE 477 Biomaterials
MSE 488 Environmental Degradation of Materials
MSE 498 Materials Science and Engineering Seminar
PHYS 309, 309L Introductory Quantum Physics & Lab
PHYS 415 Solid State Physics
PHYS 423 Physical Methods of Materials Characterization
9
Total
202
MSE 215 MATERIALS PROCESSING (3-0-3)(S)(CID). Survey of
manufacturing and processing techniques for technological materials including
biomaterials, ceramics, metals, nanomaterials, and polymers. PREREQ: ENGL
102 (or ENGL 112), ENGR 120 or ENGR 130, and ENGR 245.
Upper Division
MSE 305 STRUCTURE OF MATERIALS (3-0-3)(F). Unit cells and lattices, 2D
symmetry, 3D symmetry, and crystal structures. Tensor properties. Bonding
potential and relationship to crystal structure. Point defects, diffusion, line defects,
surface structure, interfaces and microstructure. PREREQ: ENGR 245 and
MATH 333.
MSE 308 THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS (3-0-3)(F). Basic
thermodynamics principles including energy, entropy, and free energy. Equilibrium
states, phases and phase transitions of various materials systems. PREREQ: ENGR
245, MATH 333 and CHEM 112 or ENGR 320.
MSE 310 (ECE 340) ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS (3-0-3)
(F). Physical principles underlying the electrical properties of metals, insulators
and semiconductors. The effects of energy band structure, thermal properties and
impurities on electrical conduction. Concepts covered are applied to electrical
devices including nanodevices, MOSFETs and optoelectronic devices. May be
taken for MSE or ECE credit, but not both. PREREQ: ENGR 245, MATH 333
and PHYS 309 or ECE 212.
MSE 312 MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS (3-0-3)(S). Elastic
and plastic deformation and fracture in engineering materials, including
dislocation theory, alloy hardening and creep deformation, fracture mechanisms,
fracture mechanics, toughening of metals, ceramics, and composites,
environmentally assisted failure. PREREQ: ENGR 210 and ENGR 245.
MSE 318 PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS AND KINETICS (3-0-3)(S).
Transport processes and kinetics in materials systems including diffusion, phase
transformations, nucleation and growth, gas-solid and liquid-solid reactions, and
electrochemical kinetics. PREREQ: MSE 305 and MSE 308.
MSE 380 MATERIAL PROPERTIES LABORATORY (2-3-3)(F). Use of
characterization techniques for determining the properties of materials, including
microstructural, physical, thermodynamic, mechanical, electrical, optical,
magnetic, and thermal properties. Emphasis on understanding the significance of,
and being able to present, these measurements. PREREQ: ENGR 245L. PRE/
COREQ: MSE 305, MSE 308.
MSE 381 MATERIALS ANALYSIS LABORATORY (2-3-3)(S). Use of
compositional and structural characterization techniques in materials engineering
analysis, with an emphasis on microscopy, spectroscopy and diffraction techniques.
PREREQ: MSE 380. PRE/COREQ: MSE 215, MSE 312, MSE 421 and MATH
360.
MSE 404 MATERIALS ANALYSIS (3-0-3)(F/S). Physical and chemical
characterization of the bulk and physical properties of materials. Diffraction,
imaging and spectroscopy using optical, electron, and x-ray methods. PREREQ:
MSE 380.
MSE 404L MATERIALS ANALYSIS LAB (0-3-1)(F). Use of characterization
techniques in materials engineering analysis including microscopy, spectroscopy
and diffraction techniques. PRE/COREQ: MSE 305, MSE 380, MSE 404 or
PHYS 423.
MSE 419 INTERFACIAL KINETICS AND TRANSPORT PROCESSES
(3-0-3)(S)(Even years). Reaction kinetics and mass transport phenomena at
materials interfaces important in materials processing and performance, including
gas-solid, liquid-solid, and electrochemical processes. Emphasis is placed on
understanding fundamental mechanisms that control rates of reactions and mass
transport. PREREQ: MSE 308.
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MSE 421 STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION (3-0-3)(S). The theory and
practice of x-ray diffraction and analytical electron microscopy; the principles of
modern diffractometers and electron-beam instruments, both scanning and
transmission, including electron optics, imaging modes, the interaction of
electrons and x-rays with matter, diffraction theory, contrast mechanisms, and
Materials Science and Engineering
basic techniques for determining chemical composition, crystal structure,
orientation, and defects in crystals. PREREQ: MSE 305.
MSE 422 ADVANCED TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
(1-3-2)(F). In-depth understanding of the transmission electron microscope
(TEM), electron diffraction, imaging techniques, analytical techniques, and
high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). Students are required to have an
approved project that utilizes the TEM. PREREQ: MSE 421 and PERM/INST.
MSE 423 INTRODUCTION TO X-RAY DIFFRACTION (0-3-1)(S). Practical
introduction to x-ray diffraction and the optimal use of an x-ray diffractometer for
crystalline materials in the form of bulk materials, powders, or films. Students are
required to have a planned project that utilizes x-ray diffraction and the approval
of their supervisor to enroll in this course. PREREQ: MSE 305 and PERM/INST.
MSE 428 INTERFACES AND DISLOCATION BEHAVIOR (3-0-3)(S)(Even
years). Structure of interfaces as groups of line defects including dislocations,
disconnections, and disclinations; application of general concepts to special
situations including epitaxial interfaces, twin boundaries and phase
transformations. PREREQ: MSE 305.
MSE 461 MICROELECTRONIC PACKAGING MATERIALS (3-0-3)(F/S).
Engineering analysis of electronic packaging materials and their effect on electrical
design, assembly, reliability, and thermal management. Selection process for
packaging materials, manufacturing and assembly, single and multi-chip
packaging. PREREQ: ENGR 245.
MSE 464 COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE (3-0-3)(F/S). Theory
and application of computational modeling and simulation to fundamentally
understand structure-property-performance relationships in materials. Different
length- and time scale modeling techniques (e.g., first-principles quantum
simulation, atomistic, mesoscale and continuum modeling), scientific
programming, and visualization tools. PREREQ: MSE 305, MSE 308, and PHYS
309 or PERM/INST.
MSE 465 APPLICATIONS OF MATHEMATICA FOR MATERIALS
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (1-0-1)(F). The basics of using mathematical
software to solve problems in Materials Science and Engineering. PREREQ:
ENGR 245 and MATH 175.
MSE 471 PHYSICAL CERAMICS AND GLASSES (3-0-3)(F/S). Structure
property and processing-property relations in crystalline and amorphous ceramic
materials at the atomistic and microscopic levels. PREREQ: ENGR 245 or
PERM/INST.
MSE 477 (BIOL 477)(ME 477) BIOMATERIALS (3-0-3)(F/S). Theory of
biomaterials science. Medical and biological materials and their applications.
Selection, properties, characterization, design and testing of materials used by or in
living systems. PREREQ: CHEM 112 or ENGR 245.
MSE 478 SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
AND ENGINEERING (1-0-1)(F). Intended for students performing research in
materials science and engineering to communicate their latest research findings to
specific targeted audiences. Methods are taught to organize and compose scientific
scholarly research publication at the conference or journal publication level.
Students will implement the methods by writing a scholarly research paper.
PREREQ: Student must be pursuing research in Materials Science and
Engineering, PERM/INST.
MSE 480 SENIOR PROJECT I (2-4-3)(F). Culminating major design
experience that incorporates materials selection, engineering standards and realistic
constraints that include most of the following: economic, environmental,
manufacturability, ethical, health and safety, social and political. PRE/COREQ:
MSE 310. PREREQ: MSE 312, MSE 318, MSE 381.
MSE 482 SENIOR PROJECT II (2-4-3)(S)(FF). Culminating major design
experience that incorporates materials selection, engineering standards and realistic
constraints that include most of the following: economic, environmental,
manufacturability, ethical, health and safety, social and political. PREREQ: MSE
480.
MSE 488 ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION OF MATERIALS (3-0-3)
(F/S). Theory of environmental degradation of metals, ceramics, polymers and
biomaterials. Scientific principles of materials degradation with emphasis on
material interactions within a living organism (in vivo). PREREQ: MSE 308.
MSE 498 MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SEMINAR (1-0-1)
(F/S). Review of contemporary issues with an emphasis on life-long learning in
Materials Science and Engineering. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits. (Pass/
Fail). PREREQ: ENGR 245.
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