Majors Related to Materials Science and Engineering

Compare Four

Your second and third years have distinctive course requirements and electives.

Here we can compare four related majors through select second and third year courses.

Materials Science and Engineering

MSE 2110 - Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering II

Course is designed to address core competencies in the materials discipline. Topics include crystallography, structure description and quantification, crystal imperfections, phase diagrams, microstructure, and an introduction to the use of computing tools and software in materials science and engineering.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): (MY 2100 or MSE 2100 or BE 2800) and (ENG 1100 or ENG 1101)

MSE 3100 - Materials Processing I

Classical chemical thermodynamics is applied to single and multicomponent materials systems. Topics include heat and mass balance, enthalpy, entropy, free energy, chemical reactions and equilibria, mass action, solution thermodynamics, and phase diagram.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (4-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): (MY 2100 or MSE 2100 or BE 2800) and MA 2160

MSE 3120 - Materials Characterization I

Fundamentals of microstructural and chemical characterization of materials. Examines the physical principles controlling the various basic characterization techniques. Topics include crystallography, optics, optical and electron microscopy, and diffraction. Laboratory focuses on proper operational principles of characterization equipment, which includes optical and other microscopy methods and various diffraction techniques.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MY 2110 or MSE 2110

MSE 3140 - Design of Microstructure

Relates thermodynamic and kinetic principles to phase transformations and microstructural evolution. Topics include nucleation, solidification, precipitation, recrystallization, grain growth, and sintering. Applications of these concepts (e.g., heat treatment of steel, casting, powder processing, etc.) are presented to provide a bridge between phase transformation theory and industrial/laboratory practice.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MSE 2110 and MSE 3100 and MSE 3120 or (MSE 3121(C) and MSE 3122(C))

MSE 3160 - Electronic, Magnetic, Optical, and Thermal Properties of Materials

An introduction to electronic, optical, magnetic, and thermal properties of materials and their use in engineering applications. Topics include descriptions of the constitutive behavior that describes material response, and common techniques used for the fabrication of electronic, optical, and magnetic devices.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200

Chemical Engineering

CM 2110 - Material and Energy Balances

Application of material and energy balances to chemical processes. Fundamental concepts covered include: process flow diagrams, engineering charts and tables, vapor-liquid equilibrium, and stoichiometry.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121) and (CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151))

CM 3230 - Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers

First and second law applied to closed and open systems. Topics include energy conservation, heat cycles, entropy and enthalpy calculations on engineering systems; property estimation for pure components and mixture constituents, and multicomponent phase equilibria.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (4-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CM 2110 and MA 2160 and PH 2100

CM 3110 - Transport Phenomena and Unit Operations I

Introduce and apply concepts of momentum transfer (fluid mechanics) and heat transfer to unit operations. Presents the basic equations of momentum and heat transfer by conduction and radiation, along with transport equations that can be used in engineering analysis.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CM 2110 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560) and MA 3160 and PH 2100

CM 3240 - Stagewise Separation Processes

This course will relate thermodynamic principles to separation processes. Mass balances, energy balances, and other fundamental concepts are applied in selected equilibrium stagewise and rate-based material multiphase separations (distillation, absorption, stripping, extraction, washing, packed bed, membrane-based, and leaching operations).

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CM 3230 and MA 2160

CM 3510 - Chemical Reaction Engineering

A study of chemical reaction engineering including design and analysis of chemical reactors, the fundamentals of chemical kinetics, and analysis of reaction rate data.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CM 2110 and CM 3110 and CM 3230 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

Mechanical Engineering

MEEM 2110 - Statics

Force systems in two and three dimensions. Includes composition and resolution of forces and force systems, principles of equilibrium applied to various bodies, simple structures, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia. Vector algebra used where appropriate. Prerequisite of MA2160 with a grade of C or better is required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci, College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2160

MEEM 2150 - Mechanics of Materials

Introduction to mechanical behavior of materials, including stress/strain at a point, principle stresses and strains, stress-strain relationships, determination of stresses and deformations in situations involving axial loading, torsional loading of circular cross sections, and flexural loading of straight members. Also covers stresses due to combined loading and buckling of columns.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci, College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2110

MEEM 3400 - Mechanical System Design and Analysis

In this course, students learn mechanical synthesis and analysis methods. They use case studies to develop relationships between design and performance. They apply synthesis methods to the design of a new product.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): (ENG 2120 or MEEM 2150) and MEEM 2700

MEEM 3750 - Dynamic Systems

This course deals with the modeling, analysis and control of mixed physics systems. It covers differential equation generation for mechanical, thermal, and electrical systems, their simulation, and methods for analyzing their performance operating in both open and closed loop.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2700 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

MEEM 3600 - Introduction to Manufacturing

This course introduces manufacturing processes, including deformation, subtractive, additive, and molding processes. Students learn how things are made in both low and high production environments. It includes design for manufacturing considerations.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2150 and MSE 2100

Applied Physics

PH 2260 - Honors Physics III - Electricity and Magnetism

Calculus-based introduction to electromagnetism. Topics include Coulomb's law, electric fields, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitance, circuits, magnetic forces and fields, Ampere's law, induction, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves and geometrical optics.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (4-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): (PH 1160 or PH 2100) and (PH 1200(C) or PH 2261(C)) and MA 2160

PH 2400 - University Physics IV-Waves and Modern Physics

A calculus-based introduction to waves and modern physics. Topics include interference and diffraction, special relativity, photons and matter waves, the Bohr atom, wave mechanics, atomic physics, molecular and solid-state physics, and nuclear physics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 or PH 2260

PH 3110 - Theoretical Mechanics I

An intermediate study of mechanics, including the study of Newtonian mechanics of a single particle and multiple-particle systems, oscillations, motion in non-inertial reference frames, gravitation and central-force motion, and Lagrangian mechanics.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): (PH 2200 or PH 2260) and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

PH 3210 - Optics

An introduction to geometrical and physical optics. Topics in geometrical optics include ray analysis of mirrors, lenses, prisms, and optical systems. Topics in physical optics include polarization, interference, interferometry, and diffraction. The laboratory explores optics through experiments in imaging, fiber optics, interferometry, diffraction, polarization, and laser beam propagation.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 3520(C) or MA 3521(C) or MA 3530(C) or MA 3560(C)

PH 3410 - Quantum Physics I

An introduction to the foundations of modern physics and Schrodinger's wave mechanics. Topics include thermal radiation, particle-like properties of radiation, Bohr's model of the atom, matter waves, Schrodinger's wave mechanics, quantization of angular momentum, and the one-electron atom.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2400 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

Review Sample Plans for Course Sequences

Advisors create sample plans and flow charts to help you understand course requirements, electives, pre-requisites, and credit loads.

These depend on the year you enroll, or your audit year. Students can take courses in the summer, if needed.

Common First Year

Engineering majors have a common first year program.

Finding the right major means navigating a landscape of options. In the College of Engineering, the first year student experience is similar across majors. This allows you to complete many course requirements and still be on track if you should decide to change majors. In engineering, the first year may look like this:

Year 1 Fall

CH 1150 - University Chemistry I

Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

CH 1151 - University Chemistry Lab I

Laboratory to accompany CH1150.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

ENG 1101 - Engineering Analysis and Problem Solving

An introduction to the engineering profession and to its various disciplines. Focuses on developing problem-solving skills, computational skills, and communication skills. Through active, collaborative work, students work on teams to apply the engineering problem-solving method to "real-world" problems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)) and (Spatial Visualization Score >= 19 or ENG 1002(C))

MA 1160 - Calculus with Technology I

An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, data and numerical calculations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): ALEKS Math Placement >= 86 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 or ACT Mathematics >= 29 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 680

PH 1100 - Physics by Inquiry I

Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)

UN 1015 - Composition

Provides direct instruction in composition. Students examine and interpret communication practices and apply what they learn to their own written, aural, and visual compositions. Class projects ask students to communicate in a variety of modes and to attend to audience, purpose, and context.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

Year 1 Spring

ENG 1102 - Engineering Modeling and Design

Continuation of ENG1101. Introduction to the engineering design process with an emphasis on graphics and documentation. Focuses on engineering problem solving in the context of the design process.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)) and (ENG 1101 or (ENG 1001 and ENG 1100)) and (Spatial Visualization Score >= 19 or ENG 1002)

MA 2160 - Calculus with Technology II

Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3

MSE 2100 - Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering

Introduction to the structure, processing, properties, and performance of engineering materials, including metals, polymers, glasses, ceramics, and composites. Topics include material selection in design, material processing in manufacturing, and structural material failure mechanisms.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or CH 1122 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151) or (CH 1160 and CH 1161)

PH 1200 - Physics by Inquiry II

Experiments covering Coulomb's law, electric and magnetic fields, circuits, induction, and geometric optics are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100 or PH 1111 or PH 1141 or PH 1161

PH 2100 - University Physics I-Mechanics

A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135) or (CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 and MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))

UN 1025 - Global Issues

Study of contemporary global issues, their origins, impacts, and solutions through the thematic and comparative exploration of worldview and culture, population, globalization, development, politics and global governance, environment, and sustainability. Emphasis on global literacy and information literacy.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

In this sample plan, there is only one major-related course required during the first two semesters, MSE 2100. A physics major would likely take at least four physics classes in the first two semesters, so switching between physics and engineering may delay graduation by a semester or more.

Design and Research Capstone

You will have the design and research experience as a senior.

Engineering students and those in the sciences will participate in a research or design project for their capstone or senior year. Engineering students can choose Senior Design or Enterprise for their capstone initiative. A student may find a research project at any time in their undergraduate career.

MSE Senior Design Option

MSE 4130 - Materials Science & Engineering Senior Design Project I

Conducted in teams of students working with industrial partners. Open to all engineering majors interested in interdisciplinary senior design projects. Non-MSE majors must be senior project ready as defined by their major program and obtain permission of the MSE department.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): MSE 3190

MSE 4140 - Materials Science & Engineering Senior Design Project II

Senior design project conducted in teams of students working with an industrial partner. Open to all engineering majors interested in interdisciplinary senior design projects. Senior project ready as defined by major substitutes for prerequisites.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): MY 4920 or MSE 4130

MSE Enterprise Option

ENT 4950 - Enterprise Project Work V Capstone

Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems, taking constraints into account and applying relevant standards. Fourth-year students gain experience in defining project objectives, planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading technical teams to accomplish project goals. Must be project ready as defined by major.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Biomedical Engineering, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geospatial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engrg, Robotics Engineering, Software Engineering, Construction Management, Computer Network & System Admn, Electrical Eng Tech, Mechanical Engineering Tech, Surveying Engineering, Information Technology; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): (BE 3350 and BE 3700 and BE 3800 and BE 4900 and ENT 3950 and ENT 3960) or (CEE 3620 or CEE 3810) or CM 4855(C) or (CS 3712 or CS 4711 or CS 4760) or (ENT 3960 and (EE 3131 or (EE 3280 and EE 3261(C))) and EE 3901 and EE 3171(C) or EE 3173(C)) or (GE 3890 and GE 3880) or (ENT 3950 and ENT 3960 and (MA 3710(C) or MA 2710(C) or MA 2720 or MA 3715) and MEEM 3750 and MEEM 3201 and MEEM 3901 and MEEM 3911) and EE 3010(C) and MEEM 3400 and MEEM 3600(C) or MSE 3190 or (CMG 3250 and CMG 4120(C) and CMG 4210 and CMG 3200) or (EET 3281 and EET 4253(C)) or SAT 3812(C) or SU 4100(C) or ENG 3505(C) or (ENT 3950 and ENT 3960) or (MET 4200 and MET 3500(C) and MET 3451(C))

ENT 4960 - Enterprise Project Work VI Capstone

Interdisciplinary teams work as part of an enterprise to address real-world design projects or problems, taking constraints into account and applying relevant standards. Fourth-year students gain experience defining project objectives, planning strategies to achieve these objectives, and leading technical teams to accomplish project goals.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-6)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): ENT 4950 and (BE 4900 or CEE 3620 or CEE 3810 or CM 4855 or CS 3712 or CS 4711 or CS 4760 or EE 3171 or EE 3173 or GE 3890 or GE 3880 or MSE 4141(C) or CMG 4210 or EET 4253 or MET 4460 or SAT 4541 or SU 4100 or ENG 3830(C) or (ENG 3505 and ENG 4505) or (MEEM 3750 and MEEM 3201) or (EE 3280 and EE 3261))