The undergraduate curriculum in the materials science and engineering (MSE) 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 materials science and engineering. The curriculum culminates in two capstone courses: Engineering Design in Materials Science and Engineering (14:635:411,412) or Senior Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (14:635:401-402). The Engineering Design 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 product taking into consideration all the economic, safety, and social factors involved. Those students wishing to emphasize research and/or go into advanced degree studies 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. Check the department website at http://www.mse.rutgers.edu for any changes that may occur.
Areas of Specialization
Students, alumni, and 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 areas have been established: nanomaterials, photonics and optical materials, engineering management, and general studies in MSE.
With the creation of these areas, a greater degree of freedom is now available for students in their junior and senior years. During these four semesters, seven potential electives are available for students to concentrate their studies in a particular area. Areas may include materials science and engineering, electronic materials, biomaterials, and powder technology.
An area is defined by a student selecting a minimum of four courses (12 credits) from a list of electives in an area of concentration. Students who complete the sequence of four courses will be awarded a certificate. Selection of an area should be made after meeting with an academic adviser at the end of the spring semester 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 coursework into a working engineering environment.
Educational Mission of the Department
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is committed to providing qualified students with a relevant education in 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 high faculty-to-student 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, 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.
Educational Objectives
Within the scope of the MSE 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. Furthermore, objectives of the program are to produce graduates who:
- are able to practice materials engineering in a broad range of industries and have an extended knowledge of general materials technology, management, photonics, and optical materials, or nanomaterials;
- are able to engage in advanced studies in materials, materials 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;
- are capable of recognizing the need and responding to a rapidly expanding knowledge base through lifelong learning.
Program Outcomes and Their Relationship to ABET Criterion 3
The program outcomes for MSE students are divided into two categories. Outcomes 1-11 are applicable to all engineers. Outcomes 12-15 apply to materials science and engineering students. Graduates in MSE demonstrate the following related to general engineering practice:
1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs;
4. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;
5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
7. an ability to communicate effectively;
8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context;
9. the recognition of the need for, and the ability to engage in lifelong learning;
10. a knowledge of contemporary issues;
11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice;
12. an ability to use experimental, statistical, and computational methods to analyze the behavior of materials systems;
13. an ability to apply advanced science and engineering principles to materials systems;
14. an understanding of the fundamental principles underlying and connecting structure, properties, processing, and performance related to the material systems utilized in materials engineering;
15. an ability to apply and integrate knowledge from each of the above four elements of the field to solve material selection and design problems.
