Curriculum in Materials Science and Engineering
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For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering are the basis for all Engineering. Improvements in the quality of life require knowledge of the processing and properties of current materials and the design, development and application of new materials; i.e., Materials Science and Engineering. The Materials Science and Engineering curriculum provides the student with an understanding of the underlying principles of synthesis and processing of materials and of the interrelationships between structure, properties, and processing. Students learn how to design advanced materials ranging from better polymers for synthetic fabrics and ceramic-metal composites for jet engines, to advanced ceramic thin films for microelectronics and biocompatible materials for implants in the body. The curriculum uses concepts from both basic physics and chemistry and provides a detailed knowledge of what makes the materials we use every day respond as they do.
Students in the first two years take courses in general areas of science and engineering as well as courses introducing the concepts in MatSE. The curriculum is designed to allow relatively easy transfer to and from other engineering disciplines within the first two years. In the third year, students study the common, central issues related to MatSE. Seniors focus on application areas of MatSE (e.g., biomaterials, ceramics, metals, polymers, and electronic materials), which provide them with the detailed knowledge to be immediately useful to corporations or to provide an introduction to graduate study.
This degree program is designed to be completed in eight semesters of study with no advanced placement (AP or IB) credit. The MatSE degree requires a minimum of 131 hours for graduation and is consistent with the professional component described in the introduction for the college. The program is ABET accredited. Formal statements of the mission of the department and the goals of the undergraduate program as well as further details may be found at the department website.
Areas of Concentration
The MatSE program provides five standard areas of concentration as well as the option to design unique programs of interest to the student. Students are encouraged to take technical electives outside of the department in related disciplines of interest to them and of relevance to their career goals.
- Biomaterials: A new focus area teaching the science and engineering of materials for use in biological applications, particularly in the human body. This concentration uses a strong focus on basic and intermediate chemistry along with basic and intermediate biology concepts, with relatively little use of physics topics. This focus area includes a subset of the standard junior year courses and requires additional chemistry and biology in the junior year.
- Ceramics: Studies the science and engineering of ceramic materials, including alloy design, composites, synthesis, and processing methods. This concentration makes significant use of concepts from both basic physics and basic chemistry.
- Electronic Materials: Describes the design and engineering of materials primarily for the microelectronics industries. Topics span the ceramics, metals, and polymers areas. Concepts from basic and intermediate physics are used along with basic chemistry.
- Metals: Introduces the design and processing of metals and alloys to achieve desired properties. This concentration primarily uses concepts from basic and intermediate physics with relatively less emphasis on chemical concepts.
- Polymers: Teaches the methods for molecular design to achieve desired properties in polymer molecules and polymer blends as well as processing methods. This concentration primarily uses concepts from basic and intermediate chemistry with relatively less emphasis on physics concepts.
Educational Objectives
The educational objectives of the MatSE Department are
- To provide the foundation for entry-level industrial positions in materials-related industries or advanced study programs through in-depth instruction in both materials as a whole and in their chosen concentration. An emphasis is placed on analysis, problem solving, open-ended problems, and materials design methods.
- To develop teamwork, communication skills, and individual professionalism, including ethics and environmental awareness.
- To encourage students to broaden their education in engineering and science or expand their knowledge through student-selected technical and free electives and cooperative engineering education, internship, and study abroad programs.
- To teach students to learn and grow as individuals, contribute to society, and to develop life-long learning and leadership skills.
Educational Outcomes
It is expected that the graduates will have an ability to
- apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to materials topics,
- formulate engineering and science problems and develop practical solutions, hypotheses, and experimental methods,
- design materials products, components, and processes,
- design, conduct, analyze, and interpret results of experiments,
- work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and provide leadership,
- achieve effective oral, graphic, and written communication,
- understand the impact of science and engineering decisions in a global, societal, economic, and environmental context,
- understand legal, professional and ethical responsibility,
- recognize the value of and carry out life-long learning,
- understand contemporary issues and contribute effectively,
- use the techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for materials engineering and science practice,
- make a responsible contribution to society,
- be familiar with chemistry, physics, and advanced mathematics.
Working in MatSE
MatSE graduates work with engineers across the spectrum of design and manufacturing. They design the materials that make the technologies we rely on work better. Our graduates work as part of teams designing high-technology devices. They move on to management. They get advanced degrees and work as teachers and bench scientists.
Job Opportunities
Because advanced materials pervade all aspects of our society, MatSE students are found working in all areas. MatSE graduates work for all types of engineering and technology companies, ranging from small businesses to huge corporations. Starting salaries are among the highest in engineering. MatSE graduates work for microelectronics companies; automotive, aircraft, space, and other vehicle manufacturers; chemical, metal, glass, and other materials manufacturing industries; and many others. All companies that manufacture mechanical, electronic, or other devices can benefit from staff members with a strong understanding of materials. MatSE students also go on to graduate school in science, engineering, medicine, and business.
Suggested Sequence
The first two years of the Suggested Sequence is the same for all MatSE students. The third and fourth years vary with the Area of Concentration chosen. Refer to the appropriate third and fourth year sequence.
First year
| Hours | First Semester |
|---|---|
| 3 | CHEM 102—General Chemistry I |
| 1 | CHEM 103—General Chemistry Lab I |
| 0 | ENG 100—Engineering Lecture |
| 4 | MATH 221—Calculus I1 |
| 3 | MSE 182—Intro to Materials Sci and Eng |
| 4-3 | RHET 105—Principles
of Composition2 or Elective in social sciences or humanities3 |
| 15-14 | Total |
| Hours | Second Semester |
|---|---|
| 3 | CHEM 104—General Chemistry II |
| 1 | CHEM 105—General Chemistry Lab II |
| 2 | MATH 225—Introductory Matrix Theory |
| 3 | MATH 231—Calculus II |
| (1) | MSE 100—Materials Lecture4 |
| 4 | PHYS 211—Univ Physics, Mechanics |
| 3-4 | Elective
in social sciences or humanities3
or RHET 105—Principles of Composition2 |
| 16-17 | Total |
Second year
| Hours | First Semester |
|---|---|
| 3 | CS 101—Intro to Computing, Eng & Sci |
| 4 | MATH 241—Calculus III |
| 3 | MSE 201—Phases and Phase Relations |
| 4 | PHYS 212—Univ Physics, Elec & Mag |
| 3 | Elective in social sciences or humanities3 |
| 17 | Total |
| Hours | Second Semester |
|---|---|
| 3 | ECE 205—Intro Elec & Electr Circuits |
| 3 | MATH 385—Intro Differential Equations |
| 2 | PHYS 214—Univ Physics, Quantum Phys |
| 4 | TAM 206—Mechanics for MatSE |
| 3 | Elective in social sciences or humanities3 |
| 15 | Total |
Concentrations in Ceramics, Electronic Materials, Metals, and Polymers
Third year
| Hours | First Semester |
|---|---|
| 3 | IE 300—Analysis of Data |
| 3 | MSE 307—Materials Laboratory, I5 |
| 4 | MSE 401/CHEM 484—Thermodynamics of Materials |
| 3 | MSE 406—Thermal-Mech Behavior Matls |
| 3 | Elective in social sciences or humanities3 |
| 16 | Total |
| Hours | Second Semester |
|---|---|
| 3 | MSE 304—Electronic Properties of Matls |
| 3 | MSE 308—Materials Laboratory, II5 |
| 3 | MSE 402—Kinetic Processes in Materials |
| 3 | MSE 405—Microstructure Determination |
| 3 | Area specialty course6 |
| 3 | Free Elective |
| 18 | Total |
Fourth year7
| Hours | First Semester |
|---|---|
| 3 | MSE 403—Synthesis of Materials or CHEM 232—Elementary Organic Chemistry I |
| 6 | Area specialty courses6 |
| 3 | Area specialty course in a different area 6 |
| 3 | Technical elective8 |
| 3 | Elective in social sciences or humanities3 |
| 3 | Free elective |
| 18 | Total |
| Hours | Second Semester |
|---|---|
| 1 | MSE 395—Materials Design |
| 6 | Area specialty courses6 |
| 3 | Technical elective8 |
| 3 | Elective in social sciences or humanities3 |
| 3 | Free elective |
| 16 | Total |
Concentration in Biomaterials
Third Year
| Hours | First Semester |
|---|---|
3 |
CHEM 232—Elementary Organic Chemistry I |
3 |
IE 300—Analysis of Data |
3 |
MSE 307—Materials Laboratory I5 |
4 |
MSE 401/CHEM 484—Thermodynamics of Materials |
3 |
MSE 406—Thermal-Mech Behavior Matls |
| 16 | Total |
| Hours | Second Semester |
|---|---|
4 |
MCB 150— Molec & Cellular Basis of Life |
3 |
MCB 450—Introductory Biochemistry |
3 |
MSE 308—Materials Laboratory II5 |
3 |
MSE 402—Kinetic Processes in Materials |
3 |
Elective in social sciences or humanities3 |
| 16 | Total |
Fourth year 7
| Hours | First Semester |
|---|---|
9 |
Area specialty courses6 |
3 |
Area specialty course in a different area6,9 |
3 |
Elective in social sciences or humanities3 |
3 |
Free Elective |
18 |
Total |
| Hours | Second Semester |
|---|---|
3 |
|
1 |
MSE 395—Materials Design |
5 |
Area specialty courses6 |
3 |
Area specialty course in a different area6,9 |
| 3 | Elective in social sciences or humanities3 |
| 3 | Free elective |
18 |
Total |
1. MATH 220—Calculus may be substituted, with four of the five credit hours applying toward the degree. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus.
2. RHET 105 may be taken in the first or second semester as authorized. The alternative is a social science or humanities elective.
3. Each student must satisfy the 18-hour social sciences and humanities requirements of the College of Engineering and the campus general education requirements for social sciences and humanities.
4. This course is highly recommended for freshmen, who may use it to help meet free elective requirements.
5. Satisfies the General Education Advanced Composition requirement.
6. To be selected from the list of area specialty courses as established by the department to provide an acceptable level of study in the student's chosen area of concentration.
7. It is recommended that students who intend to continue in graduate school undertake a research project in the senior year. The project may take the place of 4-6 hours of free, technical, or area specialty electives.
8. Selected from the departmental list of approved technical electives.
9. Both area specialty courses in this category must be from one of the other MatSE areas of concentration.
Area Specialty Courses
The courses listed below have been approved by the department to satisfy the 14-15 credit hour requirements in each of the five areas of technical concentration.
| Hours | Biomaterials Concentration |
|---|---|
| 3 | MSE 470— Design and Use of Biomaterials |
| 3 | MSE 472— Biomaterials Laboratory |
| 3 | MSE 473— Biomolecular Materials Science |
| 5 | Two area technical electives1 |
| Hours | Ceramics Concentration |
|---|---|
| 3 | MSE 420—Ceramic Matls and Properties |
| 3 | MSE 421—Cer Proc & Microstruc Devel |
| 3 | MSE 422—Electrical Ceramics |
| 3 | MSE 423—Ceramic Processing Laboratory |
| 3 | Area technical elective1 |
| Hours | Electronic Materials Concentration |
|---|---|
| 3 | ECE 440—Solid State Electronic Devices |
| 3 | MSE 460—Electronic Matls & Proc, I |
| 3 | MSE 461—Electronic Matls & Proc, II |
| 3 | MSE 462—Electronic Materials Lab |
| 3 | Area technical elective1 |
| Hours | Metals Concentration |
|---|---|
| 3 | MSE 440—Adv Mechanical Prop of Solids |
| 3 | MSE 441—Metals Processing |
| 3 | MSE 442—Metals Laboratory |
| 3 | MSE 443—Design of Engineering Alloys |
| 3 | Area technical elective1 |
| Hours | Polymers Concentration |
|---|---|
| 3 | MSE 450—Intro to Polymer Sci and Eng |
| 3 | MSE 452—Polymer Laboratory |
| 3 | MSE 453—Plastics Engineering |
| 6 | Two area technical electives1 |
1. Selected from the departmental list of approved technical electives for areas of concentration
Summary of Topics Courses for Areas of Concentration
Each area of concentration requires at least one course covering each of the topics processing, design, and characterization (senior lab). For the five standard areas of concentration in the MatSE curriculum outlined above, the relevant courses are categorized in the following table.
| Area of Concentration | Processing | Design | Characterization (Senior Lab) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biomaterials | MSE 470* | MSE 470* | MSE 472 |
| Ceramics | MSE 421 | MSE 422 | MSE 423 |
| Electronic Materials | MSE 460 | MSE 461 | MSE 462 |
| Metals | MSE 441 | MSE 443 | MSE 442 |
| Polymers | MSE 453* | MSE 453* | MSE 452 |
*same course counts as both topics
Customized Areas of Study
Students wishing to pursue an area of concentration other than the ones described above should consult with the chief advisor of the MatSE department. A customized area of study must total 15 credit hours and there must be a course identified for each of the topic categories in the table immediately above. The other courses may be suitable electives pertaining to the area of study. Customized areas of study require the approval of the department and it will not be listed on the transcript.
For the Combined Degrees of Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering
The five-year BS-MS program in Materials Science and Engineering combines two degrees: a BS in MatSE with an MS (with thesis) in MatSE. Current UIUC MatSE students enrolled in the College of Engineering who maintain superior academic performance are eligible to apply for this program. Students admitted to the program will receive both degrees once all requirements for the 5-Year BS-MS degree program have been successfully completed but will be permitted to participate in the Graduation Ceremonies with their class if they have completed 131 hours.
DEADLINE : Completed application and reference letters must be returned to the MatSE Office, 201 MSEB, 2 months before the end of the Fall semester of the students Junior year . Application and letter of reference forms for the BS/MS Program are available from the MatSE department office.
Admission to the Program
- Current UIUC MatSE students with Junior standing with an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5/4.0 may apply for provisional admission to the program. The 5-year program is highly competitive. Admission is based on overall academic performance, letters of reference, and statement of purpose.
- The GRE General Test is not required.
- Students provisionally admitted to the program:
- are assigned a graduate academic advisor when admitted.
- must maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 through completion of the BS component of the program, in order to remain in the program
- may register for graduate courses and earn graduate hours credit, with approval from their graduate academic advisor, even if they are more than 10 hours from completing the BS component
- must earn at least 120 hours of undergraduate credit, 9 hours of graduate credit in advanced level area courses, and satisfy all BS requirements to be officially admitted to the Graduate College
- Upon successful completion of the BS component, with grades of B or better in the advanced area coursework, and an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in all graduate coursework, students:
- will be officially admitted into the Graduate College
- will be issued letters of admission from the Office of Admissions and Records and the MatSE Department, at which time they will be considered graduate students and assessed graduate tuition the following semester
- may apply or be considered for graduate research or teaching assistantships, and tuition waivers, as well as fellowships and scholarships available to graduate students.
- must continue to maintain a graduate GPA of 3.0 or better in order to remain in the combined program.
- Students in the program are eligible to apply for the PhD program in MatSE near completion of the MS component. If admitted, the combined degree will count as Stage 1 of the PhD program, as if the student is admitted with a master’s degree.
- Same required courses as the traditional BS degree with minimum hours reduced to 120 hours; except MSE 395** is dropped (i.e., 1 hour)
- 2 of the required remaining 4 area specialty courses are to be taken at the graduate level (i.e., the students will be held to the course and grading requirements of a graduate student). The 3rd advanced level course can be either in the specialty area or in another specialty area.
- The reduction of 11 credit hours includes:
- 5 hours of free electives
- 3 hours of technical elective and 3 hours of the area specialty course in a different area (the latter becomes part of MS program requirements) for the Ceramics, Electronic Materials, Metals, and Polymers concentrations
- 6 hours of the area specialty courses in a different area (becomes part of MS program requirements) for the Biomaterials concentration
- Senior thesis is to be taken in lieu of MSE 395** and one area specialty course (5 hours total recommended, with 1 hour being the remaining hour of free elective).
- An overall GPA of 3.5 must be maintained through completion of BS component of the program and minimum residency requirements satisfied.
- Same overall requirements as for traditional MS with thesis.
- At least one 400-500 level course (for the BS or MS) will be a MatSE area specialty course from a different area (two if in the Biomaterials concentration).
- Complete a MS thesis according to MatSE department requirements; research for the senior thesis will often serve as a beginning for the MS thesis but the student may change thesis advisors.
University Residency Requirements
Undergraduate residency requirements include a student spending either the first three years, earning not less than 90 semester hours, or the last year (two semesters or the equivalent), earning not fewer than 30 hours, in residence at the Urbana-Champaign campus, uninterrupted by any work in another institution. Graduate residency requirements include that half or more of the graduate hours applied toward the degree must be earned in courses counted for residence credit. Consult the University of Illinois Programs of Study book for addition details about university residency requirements.
Course Requirements*
BS component (120 hours including 3 advanced (graduate level) area courses for at least 9 hours:
MS component (minimum 24 additional hours of coursework plus 8 hours of MSE 599 thesis):
Withdrawal
Students that do not complete all of the 5-Year BS-MS degree program requirements may request, by petition to the Graduate College with approval by their advisor, the department and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the College of Engineering, to have graduate hours earned, including the three advanced area courses, converted to undergraduate hours and applied toward a traditional BS in MatSE degree. Students reverting back to the traditional BS in MatSE degree program must earn a minimum of 131 hours and satisfy all traditional degree requirements, including MSE 395** and the area specialty course(s) in a different area, to receive the BS degree in MatSE. Graduate credit not used to fulfill the BS degree requirements will remain on the transcript and may, at some future point, be considered for transfer to another degree program.
* The BS degree from the BS/MS Program is not ABET accredited.
**At present, students in their fourth or fifth year considering withdrawing from the MS portion of the program should register for MSE 395 in the Spring semester; the resulting BS degree would then be ABET accredited. It is anticipated that, in the near future, senior thesis will be accepted by ABET as an appropriate “design experience”; when approved MSE 395 will no longer be required.