Materials Science and Engineering
Department of Materials Science
and Engineering
Degree Requirements
Materials Science and Engineering
B.S.M.S.E.
College of Engineering
Engineering Building. Room 240
http://coen.boisestate.edu/mse/
Phone: (208) 426-5788
Fax: (208) 426-2470
Course Number and Title
ENGL 101-102 Introduction to College Writing and Research
Chair and Professor: Darryl Butt. Professors: Callahan, Knowlton, Moll,
Müllner. Associate Professor: Frary. Assistant Professor: Hughes. Research
Professor: Yurke. Research Associate Professors: Allahar, Ubic. Research
Assistant Professors: Graugnard, Hurley, Lindquist, Youngsman. Lecturer:
Donovan
Area I — see page 49 for list of approved courses
Degrees Offered
COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech Communication
Area II core course in a second field
Area II core course in any field
s B.S. and Minor in Materials Science and Engineering (B.S.M.S.E.)
s M.Engr. in Materials Science and Engineering (See the BSU Graduate
Catalog)
s M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering (See the BSU Graduate
Catalog)
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.
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.
Educational Objectives
Graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering program will be:
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.
ENGR 102 The Ethical Dimensions of Technology
Area I core course in a second field
Area I core course in any field
3
3
3
3
3
3
Area III
Area III requirements are automatically met by specific courses
included in the major requirements below.
CHEM 111, 111L-112, 112L General Chemistry I & II with Labs
Computer science elective (list of approved courses available
from department)
8
2-4
ENGL 202 Technical Communication
3
ENGR 120 Introduction to Engineering
ENGR 210 Engineering Statics
ENGR 240 Electrical and Electronic Circuits OR
ECE 210 Introduction to Electric Circuits
ENGR 245, 245L Introduction to Materials Science and
Engineering and Lab
3
3
3
MATH 170 Calculus I
MATH 175 Calculus II
MATH 275 Multivariable and Vector Calculus
MATH 333 Differential Equations with Matrix Theory
MATH 360 Engineering Statistics OR
MATH 361 Probability and Statistics I
4
4
4
4
3
MSE 215 Materials Processing
MSE 305 Bonding, Crystallography, and Crystal Defects
MSE 308 Thermodynamics of Materials
MSE 310 Electrical Properties of Materials
MSE 312 Mechanical Behavior of Materials
MSE 380 Materials Science and Engineering Lab
MSE 404 Materials Analysis OR
PHYS 423 Physical Methods of Materials Characterization
MSE 404L Materials Analysis Lab
MSE 418 Phase Transformations and Kinetics
MSE 480, 482 Senior Project I and II
MSE 498 Materials Science Seminar
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
PHYS 211, 211L Physics I with Calculus and Lab
PHYS 212, 212L Physics II with Calculus and Lab
PHYS 309, 310 Introductory Modern Physics with Applications
and Lab
5
5
4
Engineering electives*
6
Technical electives*
9
Total
Boise State University 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog
6
Area II — see page 49 for list of approved courses
*Electives must be approved by the student’s advisor.
196
Credits
4
1
3
6
1
129-131
Materials Science and Engineering
MSE 418 PHASE TRANFORMATIONS AND KINETICS (3-0-3)(F). Transport
Materials Science and Engineering Minor
Course Number and Title
Credits
ENGR 245, 245L Introduction to Materials Science and
Engineering and Lab
4
MSE 305 Bonding, Crystallography, and Crystal Defects
3
MSE 308 Thermodynamics of Materials OR
MSE 310 Electrical Properities of Materials
3
Courses chosen from the following list:
CE 340, CE 341, CHEM 321, CHEM 322, CHEM 401, ECE 320,
ECE 440, ECE 440L, ECE 441, GEOS 300, ME 444, ME 454, MSE
215, MSE 305, MSE 308, MSE 310, MSE 312, MSE 404, MSE 404L,
MSE 418, MSE 421, MSE 422, MSE 428, MSE 461, MSE 477, MSE
488, MSE 498, PHYS 309, PHYS 310, PHYS 415, PHYS 423
9
Total
19
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 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.
MSE 421 INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (2-2-3)(S). The theory
and practice of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), including electron optics, contrast mechanisms,
diffraction theory, chemical analysis techniques, and sample preparation.
Some understanding of crystallography is recommended. Applications of SEM
and TEM in materials science and engineering will be covered. PREREQ: MSE
305.
MSE 422 ADVANCED TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (1-3-2)(F).
Course Offerings
See page 63 for a definition of the course-numbering system.
MSE — Materials Science and Engineering
Lower Division
MSE 215 MATERIALS PROCESSING (3-0-3)(S). Survey of manufacturing and
processing techniques for technological materials including biomaterials,
ceramics, metals, nanomaterials and polymers. PREREQ: ENGR 120 and
ENGR 245.
Upper Division
MSE 305 BONDING, CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, AND CRYSTAL DEFECTS (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)(S). 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 380 MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING LABORATORY (1-4-2)(S).
Introduction to laboratory test instrumentation and statistical methods used in
materials engineering. Experiments using thermal and thermodynamic
measurement techniques and characterization of electromagnetic properties
of materials. PRE/COREQ: MSE 215, MSE 305, and MSE 308.
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 404 or PHYS 423.
In-depth understanding of the transmission electron microscope (TEM),
electron diffraction, imaging techniques, analytical techniques, and highresolution electron microscopy (HREM). Students are required to have an
approved project that utilizes the TEM. PREREQ: MSE 421.
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 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 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 480, 482 SENIOR PROJECT I, II (2-4-3)(F/S). 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, MSE 312, MSE 404L, and MSE 418.
MSE 488 BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION (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: CHEM 112 or
ENGR 245.
MSE 498 MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SEMINAR (1-0-1)(F/S). A
review of contemporary issues with an emphasis on lifelong learning in
Materials Science and Engineering. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
(Pass/Fail). PREREQ: PERM/INST.
Boise State University 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog
197