The undergraduate curriculum in the ceramic and materials engineering (CME) program embodies the interplay between structure, processing, and properties of engineering materials, with emphasis on applications and materials design. While all materials are addressed within the curriculum, there is a strong emphasis on ceramic materials. Here, the high-temperature phenomenon in the entire field of inorganic chemistry and physics is addressed with particular emphasis on cutting-edge materials and technologies.
The curriculum covers both the crystalline and glassy phases of many materials types. The core courses and research projects include studies of composition, phase, and structure; the interaction of materials to stress, temperature, varying chemical environments, and radiation of all frequencies; and the processing of complex engineering components and devices.
The curriculum examines engineering fundamentals, but also provides flexibility to allow students to concentrate on a specific field within ceramic and materials engineering. The curriculum culminates in two capstone courses: Engineering Design in Ceramic and Materials Engineering (14:150:411,412) or Senior Ceramic and Materials Engineering Laboratory (14:150:401-402). The Engineering Design in Ceramic and Materials Engineering two-course sequence is intended for students wishing to emphasize production and management in advanced materials. Engineering Design stresses the concept of design of a project related to the fundamentals of plant layout, construction, installation, maintenance, and cost for manufacturing a ceramic product taking into consideration all the economic, safety, and social factors involved. Those students wishing to emphasize research in ceramics take Senior Laboratory, a two-course sequence, which is their capstone course. In this case, the students are trained in the scientific methods of performing an independent research project. Students choose from a unique set of projects that are presented by members of the faculty.
Options and Areas of Specialization
Students, alumni, and the employers have a great influence on the curriculum. This is demonstrated by the recent creation of areas of specialization that are critical to today`s graduating engineers. In addressing these constituencies, four options have been established: nanomaterials, photonics and optical materials, engineering management, and general studies in CME.
With the creation of these options, a greater degree of freedom is now available for students in their junior and senior years. During these four terms, six potential electives are available for students to concentrate their studies in a particular area. Electives have been spaced to allow a student to select either the nanomaterials option, the photonics and optical materials option, the engineering management option, or the general CME option. Future options will include materials engineering, electronic materials, biomaterials, and powder technology.
An option is defined by a student selecting a minimum of four courses from a list of electives in an area of concentration. Students who complete the sequence of four courses will be awarded a certificate and have this noted on their transcripts. Selection of an option should be made after meeting with an academic adviser at the end of the spring term of the sophomore year.
Internship Programs
Students also may participate in a variety of internship programs ranging from a student technician program to the co-op internship. The co-op internship provides the student with the opportunity to practice and/or apply knowledge and skills in various ceramic or materials engineering professional environments. This internship is intended to provide a real world experience to the student`s undergraduate studies by integrating prior course work into a working engineering environment.
Program Objectives
The Department of Ceramic and Materials Engineering is committed to provide qualified students with a relevant education in ceramic and materials engineering, preparing them for a productive and rewarding career. While this mission is consistent with the overall mission of the university and the School of Engineering, the department focuses on providing an education that is both learning and practice oriented. With its low student-to-faculty ratio, the department provides unique course options and extensive laboratory experiences, along with research and co-op internships that have adapted to the changing requirements of employers and graduate schools.
Through continuous feedback from students, alumni, industry, and employers, the department has developed a curriculum that emphasizes basic science, engineering, and design. Moreover, the curriculum provides flexibility and diversity in allowing students to select areas of concentration that are in the forefront of technology today.
Within the scope of the CME mission, the objectives of the program are to produce graduates with an education relevant to current science and engineering, and an education that will lead to a productive and rewarding career. Objectives of the program are to produce graduates who practice engineering in a broad range of industries including ceramic materials production; have an extended knowledge of management, photonics and optical materials, or nanomaterials; engage in advanced studies in ceramic materials, ceramic engineering, and related or complementary fields of study; are able to function independently and in teams and are proficient in written, oral, and graphical communication; are capable of responding to societal, ethical, environmental, and engineering constraints to improve the global quality of life; and are capable of recognizing the need for responding to a rapidly expanding knowledge base through lifelong learning.
