CME’s New Curriculum
Course Descriptions
CME 221 Materials Processing I
Introductory course in the principles underlying the processing/manufacturing of ceramics, polymerics, and metals.
Prerequisite CH 101 and Co-Requisite CME 225
CME 222 Materials Processing II
A continuation of CME 221 describing the principles underlying the processing/manufacturing of ceramic,
polymeric, and metallic materials. Prerequisite CME 221 and Co-Requisite CME 242
CME 225 Structure of Materials
Introductory course dealing with the fundamentals of atomic bonding as it relates to crystal structure and the
resulting properties of metals, ceramics, and polymers. Emphasis is placed on the influence of crystallography and
microstructure on the physical and chemical performance of materials. Prerequisites CHEM 102, Phys 122, and
MTHSC 108 and Co-Requisite CME 221
CME 226 Thermodynamics of Materials
Introduction to the physical laws that govern the equilibrium products of chemical and thermal reactions. The
course covers the 3 laws of thermodynamics, phase equilibria, energy requirements for reactions, material corrosion,
and environmental stability. Prerequisites CHE 102, MTHSC 108 and Co-Requisite PHYS 221
CME 227 Transport Phenomena
Kinetic aspects of mass, heat, and fluid transport as they relate to the processing and performance of materials.
Prerequisite CME 226 and Co-Requisite MTHSC 208
CME 228 Phase Diagrams
This course teaches the student to use single component, binary, and ternary phase diagrams to analyze material
processing routes and utilization. The reaction pathways by which material microstructure evolves and the
relationship of reaction pathway to equilibrium phase diagrams are considered, as are material
interactions/degradation during use. Prerequisite CME 226
CME 241 Metrics Laboratory
This lab is designed to give students a basic knowledge of statistical techniques and testing procedures used to
evaluate materials. Sampling procedures, calculation of averages, confidence intervals, Weibull statistics, precision
and accuracy to enable quality decision making, will be included.
Co-requisite CME 221
CME 242 Fabrication and Analysis Laboratory
This lab is designed to demonstrate how useful engineering products and components may be fabricated. Statistical
experimental design and ANOVA will be introduced to evaluate the effects of processing inputs on material
properties. Sampling and sample preparation methods and optical microscopy analysis will be presented.
Prerequisites CME 225, CME 241 and Co-requisite CME 222
CME 303 Noncrystalline Materials
Basic course on the fundamentals of the noncrystalline state. Topics will include cooling kinetics and effects on
formation, as well as physical properties of noncrystalline substances in metallic, polymeric, and ceramic systems.
Prerequisites CME 228, CME 320
CME 320 Mechanical Behavior of Materials
This course covers the microstructural basis of deformation and fracture in ceramic, metallic, and polymeric
systems. Prerequisites MTHSC 208, CME 225
CME 321 Materials Characterization
This course will provide the student with an overview of the commonly used materials characterization techniques,
including x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, microscopy, and surface analysis. Prerequisites CME 225 and Corequisite CME 341
CME Course Descriptions Continued
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CME 322 Thermal Processing
Description and analysis of thermal processing steps. Treatment using the fundamental science of processes and the
engineering of commercial scale equipment. Particular emphasis is placed on sintering, nucleation and growth, stress
relief. Thermal analysis and phase transformation processes will also be discussed. Prerequisites CME 227, CME
228 and Co-requisite CME 341
CME 323 Combustions Systems & Environmental Emissions
A study of the application of burners, burner controls, firing atmospheres, hydrocarbon fuels, and other energy
resources to industrial kilns, furnaces, and firing operations. Topics include energy resources, fuel chemistry,
combustion analysis, ratio control systems, flow and pressure measurement and control, kiln atmosphere controls,
industrial burners, and flames. Prerequisites CME 226, CME 322
CME 330 Powder Processing
Study of the cause-and-effect relationship in particulate suspensions controlling rheological behavior, porosity,
packing densities, shrinkages, and other properties in powder systems. Topics include particle size analysis
techniques and measurements, particle packing, rheological properties and measurements, surface area analysis, and
interfacial chemicals including both flocculants and deflocculants. Prerequisites CME 227 and Corequisite CME
342
CME 341 Analytical Methods & Phase Development Lab
This lab will show students how to use analytical tools such as XRD, thermal analysis, SEM and EDAX to
characterize materials, evaluate processing effects, and determine failure modes. It will provide understanding of
how thermodynamics and kinetics affect the development of phases in materials. Prerequisites CME 242 and Corequisite CME 321
CME 342 Stucture/Property Laboratory
This lab is designed to give students a basic understanding of how micro-structure interrelationships and processes
affects the physical properties of materials and how environmental effects modify structure and mechanical behavior
of materials. Prerequisites CME 341, CME 320
CME 361 Processing of Metals & Their Composites
This course will examine the control of microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials and their
composites through development and selection of innovative manufacturing methods. Prerequisites CME 222, CME
227, CME 320
CME H395 Honors Research
Individual research under the direction of a Ceramic & Materials Engineering faculty member. Prerequisites CME
222, CME 227, CME 228
CME 402/602 Solid State Materials
Discussion of the properties of solids as related to structure and bonding with an emphasis on electronic materials.
Band structure theory, electronic, and optical properties will be treated. Prerequisites CME 225, PHYS 221,
MTHSC 208
CME 407 Senior Capstone Design
Work with industrial partners who have materials related processes or product problems. Course emphasizes
interdisciplinary team approach and global perspective of products and problems. Critical thinking, group
effectiveness and problem solving with materials and processes. Collaborative efforts between industry and student
academic teams will be employed. Prerequisites CME 441, IE 384
CME 418/618 Process Control
Process control techniques and apparatus with particular emphasis on temperature measurement and control
systems. Application of laboratory techniques to the control of product quality and process efficiency is included.
Prerequisites CME 330, CME 303, CME 461
CME Course Descriptions Continued
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CME 424/624 Optical Materials and Their Applications
This course introduces the interaction of materials with light. Specific topics include fundamental optical properties,
materials synthesis, optical fiber and planar waveguides, and the componentry and systems-level aspects of optical
communication systems. Prerequisites CME 303, CME 402
CME 425/625 Micromechanical Behavior of Materials
This course considers advanced concepts of microstructure-deformation-fracture interrelationships in engineering
materials. Prerequisites CME 320, CME 343
CME 431/631 Advanced Ceramic Processing
This course will provide an advanced study of ceramic forming processes. The focus will be on the many types of
ceramic forming processes, such as slip casting, extrusion, dry pressing, filter pressing, and plastic forming.
Prerequisite CME 330
CME 432 Manufacturing Processes and Systems
Plant layout and design for manufacturing of ceramic products. Emphasizes process control and verification of
processing results. Adaption of computers in process simulation/robotics. Use of programmable logic controllers
and robotics in processing. Prerequisites CME 418 and CME 431
CME 441 Manufacturing Laboratory
The purpose of this laboratory is to provide the students with the understanding of process optimization. Use of
complex experimental design schemes to elucidate the interrelationships between processing, microstructural
development and resulting properties will be emphasized. Prerequisite CME 344 and Co-requisite CME 418
CME 460/660 Metals and Their Composites
The course will examine the control of microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials and their
composites through development and selection of appropriate thermal processing procedures. Prerequisites
CME 322,CME 342
CME H495 Honors Research
Individual research under the direction of a Ceramic & Materials Engineering faculty member. Prerequisite CME
H395