Materials Science and Engr
- CEE 361/MAE 325/MSE 331: Matrix Structural Analysis and Introduction to Finite-Element MethodsThis course presents the Matrix Structural Analysis (MSA) and Finite Element Methods (FEM) in a cohesive framework. The first half of the semester is devoted to MSA topics: derivation of truss, beam and frame elements; assembly and partitioning of the global stiffness matrix; and equivalent nodal loads. The second half covers the following FEM topics: strong and weak forms of boundary value problems including steady-state heat conduction, and linear elasticity, Galerkin approximations, constant strain triangle, isoparametric quads. Modern topics, such as polygonal elements, will be introduced. MATLAB is used for computer assignments.
- CEE 531/MSE 531: Materials and ProcessesThe course focuses on the linear and non-linear rheology of colloidal materials and materials processing and solidification mechanisms. The rheological sections of the course focus on the fundamentals of rheological properties, viscoelasticity, flow, and constitutive models. The materials processing sections focus on chemistry, physics, and mechanics principles governing the behavior of materials and particulate. The course objective is to teach a framework for quantitative analyses of materials' rheological responses and processes and help students understand materials' capabilities and limitations.
- ECE 449/MSE 449: Micro-Nanofabrication and Thin-Film ProcessingThis course investigates the technology and underlying science of micro-and nano-fabrication, which are the methods used to build billions of electronic and optoelectronic devices on a chip, as well as general small sensors and actuators generally referred to as micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). The general approach involves deposition, modification, and patterning of layers less than one-micrometer thick, hence the generic term "thin-film" processing. Topics covered: film deposition and growth via physical and chemical vapor deposition, photolithography, pattern transfer, plasma-processing, ion-implantation, and vacuum science.
- ECE 455/CEE 455/MAE 455/MSE 455: Optical and Photonic Systems for Environmental SensingThis class will teach you about optical and photonic sensing technologies and their applications to environmental monitoring. The course will contain elements of atmospheric science and Earth observation, fundamentals of optics, photonics and laser physics, as well as a survey of modern optical and spectroscopic sensing applications. In this course students will be asked to prepare two oral presentations and there will be three laboratory assignments focused on fundamentals of optical sensing
- ECE 549/MSE 549: Micro-Nanofabrication and Thin-Film ProcessingThis course investigates the technology and underlying science of micro-and nano-fabrication, which are the methods used to build billions of electronic and optoelectronic devices on a chip, as well as general small sensors and actuators generally referred to as micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). The general approach involves deposition, modification, and patterning of layers less than one-micrometer thick, hence the generic term "thin-film" processing. Topics covered: film deposition and growth via physical and chemical vapor deposition, photolithography, pattern transfer, plasma-processing, ion-implantation, and vacuum science.
- ECE 560/PHY 565/MSE 556: Fundamentals of NanophotonicsIntroduction to theoretical techniques for understanding and modeling nanophotonic systems, emphasizing important algebraic properties of Maxwell's equations. Topics covered include Hermitian eigensystems, photonic crystals, Bloch's theorem, symmetry, band gaps, omnidirectional reflection, localization and mode confinement of guided and leaky modes. Techniques covered include Green's functions, density of states, numerical eigensolvers, finite-difference and boundary-element methods, coupled-mode theory, scattering formalism, and perturbation theory.
- GEO 369/MSE 369/ENV 388: Environmental Materials Chemistry: Researching in Field and LaboratoryThe course covers concepts related to the chemistry of inorganic and organic materials found in the pristine and contaminated settings in the Earth surface environments, with an introduction to the modern field sampling techniques and advanced laboratory analytical and imaging tools. Different materials characterization methods, such as optical, infrared, and synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy and microscopy, will also be introduced. Field sampling and analysis of materials from diverse soil and coastal marine environments will be the focus during the second half of the semester.
- MAE 550/MSE 560: Lessons from Biology for Engineering Tiny DevicesIn this course we present a survey of problems at the interface of biology, physics and engineering to discuss how nature invented many tiny sensors, machines and structures that are important for functions of cells and organisms. Using this knowledge, we comment how to engineer and self-assemble tiny devices with DNA origami, how to design thin structures that can transform into specific shapes in response to external stimulus, how to make structures with tunable surface properties (drag, adhesion, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity), how to make flexible electronics, how to make metamaterials with unusual properties, etc.
- MSE 201/ARC 212: Materiality of DesignAn introduction to the influence of materials in artistic, architectural, and product design. Primarily focused on the artist, architect, and designer who want to know more about materials and the principles of materials science and characterization. This class is also for the engineer who wants to study more about design. Focus will be on how technical properties, aesthetics, sustainability, manufacturability, and ergonomics relate to material properties and selection.
- MSE 301: Materials Science and EngineeringAn introduction to the structure and properties of important current and future materials, including metals, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers. Emphasis will be placed on the phase behavior, processing of materials, and how the structure of these materials affect their physical, mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.
- MSE 309: Translating Materials Research from Lab to Real World ApplicationsThis seminar examines the relationships between materials research and industry and market adoption of products based upon these novel materials. These relationships are examined using applicable case studies combined with speaker presentations. Focus will be on discussion of proven skills and methods scientists use to deal with real world scenarios. Registration of students from a diversity of non-materials science backgrounds is also very much encouraged.
- MSE 504/CHM 560/PHY 512/CBE 520: Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics Simulation in Statistical Physics & Materials ScienceThis course examines methods for simulating matter at the atomistic scale with emphasis on the concepts that underline modern computational methodologies for classical many-body systems at or near statistical equilibrium. The course covers Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics (from basics to advanced techniques), and includes an introduction to ab-initio Molecular Dynamics and the use of Machine Learning techniques in molecular simulations.
- MSE 505: Characterization of MaterialsA multidisciplinary course offering a practical introduction to techniques of imaging structure and compositional analysis of advanced materials. Focus on principles and applications of various characterization methods. Covered topics include AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX/WDX, EELS, Raman, Ellipsometry, Confocal Microscopy, sample preparation and image processing, etc. Hands-on experience is emphasized.
- MSE 509: Translating Materials Research from Lab to Real World ApplicationsThis seminar examines the relationships between materials research and industry and market adoption of products based upon these novel materials. These relationships are examined using applicable case studies combined with speaker presentations. Focus is on discussion of proven skills and methods scientists use to deal with real world scenarios. Registration of students from a diversity of non-materials science backgrounds is also very much encouraged.
- PHY 506/MSE 576: Advanced Quantum MechanicsThis is a one-semester course in advanced quantum mechanics, and counts as a "core course" in the physics graduate program. The emphasis is on topics of current interest, such as Berry phases, entanglement, quantum information, and quantum computation.
- PHY 536/MSE 577: Advanced Condensed Matter Physics IIThis course focuses on recent developments in the many-body dynamics of quantum systems and quantum circuits. This includes quantum thermalization, operator spreading and scrambling, the dynamics of entanglement, many-body localization, measurement-induced phase transitions, among other topics. Readings are from the recent literature.