Materials Engineering - MATL

MATL 2100 INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS SCIENCE (3) LEC. 3. The science of solid materials and the relationship between this science and material properties.

MATL 2110 MATERIALS STRUCTURE, PROPERTIES, PROCESSING, AND PERFORMANCE (3) LEC. 2. LAB. 2, LLB. 0. Pr. (MATL 2100). Fundamental principles governing materials are explored, including how atomic structure, crystallography, and phase transformations impact material properties and performance. The structural origins of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and magnetic properties are reviewed. Material characterization and analysis techniques are explored.

MATL 2150 MATERIALS STRUCTURE, PROPERTIES, PROCESSING, AND PERFORMANCE (3) LEC. 2. LAB. 2, LLB. 0. Pr. (MATL 2100). Fundamental principles governing materials are explored, including how atomic structure, crystallography, and phase transformations impact material properties and performance. The structural origins of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and magnetic properties are reviewed. Material characterization and analysis techniques are explored.

MATL 2210 MATERIALS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION AND STORAGE (1) LEC. 1. Technologies for sustainable energy production and storage, renewable energy conversion, associated materials challenges.

MATL 2220 MATERIALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (1) LEC. 1. Environmental impact of the production, use and disposal of materials.

MATL 2230 MINERAL RESOURCES: PROCESSING AND AVAILABILITY (1) LEC. 1. Mineral resources for engineering materials; processing and availability of mineral resources.

MATL 2240 COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN MATERIALS (2) LEC. 2. Pr. MATL 2100. This course introduces computational thinking, numerical methods, and data-driven approaches for materials science and engineering. Students gain practical experience in scientific coding, data analysis, and visualization while applying mathematical and algorithmic tools to problems in materials and mechanics. Topics include numerical solving differential equations, basics of materials informatics, and introduction into AI for materials engineers. Integrated hands-on exercises reinforce lecture content through coding and analysis of materials-related datasets.

MATL 3100 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - METALS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. The relationship among processing, microstructure, properties and engineering applications of metallic materials.

MATL 3101 METALLOGRAPHY LABORATORY (1) LAB. 3. Coreq. MATL 3100. The use of microstructural characterization to understand the relationship between microstructure and properties of metallic materials.

MATL 3200 ENGINEERING MATERIALS POLYMERS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. CHEM 1040. The synthesis, processing, structure and properties of polymers and polymer matrix composites.

MATL 3201 POLYMER AND COMPOSITES LABORATORY (1) LAB. 3. Coreq. MATL 3200. A hands-on lab course on the synthesis, processing, structure and properties of polymers and polymer matrix composites.

MATL 3210 THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. CHEM 1030 and MATL 2100. Laws of thermodynamics to describe phase equilibria and phase transformations in one-component and multi-component systems, mechanisms of diffusion, the interplay of thermodynamic driving forces and kinetics of mass transfer in materials systems

MATL 3220 PHYSICS OF SOLIDS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. PHYS 1610 or PHYS 1617 and MATL 2100. This course introduces the physical principles governing the behavior of solid materials, emphasizing the relationships between atomic structure, bonding, and electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties. Topics include crystal structures, lattice vibrations, electronic band theory, defects, and transport phenomena. Students develop the ability to connect atomistic mechanisms to macroscopic properties and engineering performance, with integration of analytical and computational tools relevant to modern materials science and engineering.

MATL 3230 PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS IN MATERIAL PROCESSING (3) LEC. 3. Pr. (MATL 2100). This course examines the fundamental principles governing phase transformations in materials, with emphasis on their role in materials processing and microstructural evolution. Topics include thermodynamic driving forces, diffusion, nucleation and growth, solidification, and solid-state transformations in one- and multi-component systems. Students develop the ability to connect processing conditions to microstructure and resulting properties, integrating analytical and computational approaches to understand and predict transformation behavior in engineering materials.

MATL 3250 COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 2100 and MATL 2240. This course introduces students to major materials simulation methods through hands-on practice. Topics span density functional theory, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, Calphad, and finite element methods, linking physical models to computational implementation across length scales. Students use industry-standard software and Python analysis tools to study real materials systems and gain exposure to data-driven and machine-learning approaches. A final group project guides students through problem selection, simulation, analysis of their results, and a conference-style presentation.

MATL 3300 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - CERAMICS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. The engineering of ceramic materials. Structural property relationships of crystalline and glassy ceramics will be included.

MATL 3410 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. This course examines the mechanical behavior of materials through the relationships between stress, strain, microstructure, and failure mechanisms. Topics include elastic and plastic deformation, strengthening mechanisms, fracture, fatigue, creep, and time-dependent behavior. Emphasis is placed on linking atomistic and microstructural mechanisms to macroscopic response and engineering performance. Students develop analytical and experimental insight into how materials deform and fail under various loading conditions relevant to engineering applications.

MATL 3420 ELECTRICAL, OPTICAL, & MAGNETIC PROPERTIES (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. This course examines the electrical, optical, and magnetic behavior of materials through the relationships between atomic structure, electronic structure, and functional response. Topics include electronic band theory, charge transport, dielectric behavior, optical interactions, and magnetic phenomena. Emphasis is placed on linking fundamental physics to material performance in engineering applications such as semiconductors, photonic devices, and magnetic systems. Students develop analytical and computational insight into how materials respond to electric, electromagnetic, and magnetic fields.

MATL 3610 MATERIALS SCIENCE LAB I (1) LAB. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. This laboratory introduces experimental methods for analyzing mechanical behavior, thermodynamics, and solid-state physics of materials. Students perform experiments on deformation, thermal behavior, diffusion, and structure–property relationships, integrating concepts from concurrent courses in mechanical properties, thermodynamics, and physics of solids. Emphasis is placed on data acquisition, uncertainty analysis, and interpretation of material behavior. The course is designed to reinforce lecture content while functioning as a standalone introduction to experimental materials science.

MATL 3620 MATERIALS SCIENCE LAB II (1) LAB. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. This laboratory builds on foundational skills to explore phase transformations, advanced materials characterization, and functional properties. Students perform experiments involving diffusion, transformation kinetics, microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrical/optical/magnetic measurements. The course integrates concepts from kinetics, characterization, and functional materials courses while emphasizing quantitative analysis and interpretation. It supports concurrent coursework while serving as a standalone intermediate-level laboratory in materials characterization and behavior.

MATL 4100 THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETICS OF MATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. CHEM 1040 and ENGR 2200. Laws of thermodynamics to describe phase equilibria and phase transformations in one-component and multi-component systems, mechanisms of diffusion, the interplay of thermodynamic driving forces and kinetics of mass transfer in materials systems

MATL 4500 MATERIALS PROPERTIES AND SELECTION (4) LEC. 3. LAB. 3. Pr. ENGR 2070 and MATL 3100 and MATL 3200. Methods for microstructure control. Design of processing sequences, statistical and economical analysis.

MATL 4510 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (1) LEC. 1. This course develops professional skills essential for materials engineers, including technical communication, career preparation, project management, and engineering practice. Topics include resume and portfolio development, professional communication, engineering standards, contracts, and intellectual property. Students engage in individual and team-based activities designed to build professional competencies. The course supports concurrent technical coursework while functioning as a standalone introduction to professional practice in materials engineering.

MATL 4520 MATERIALS SELECTION AND DESIGN (2) LEC. 2. Pr. MATL 2100. This course introduces systematic methods for selecting materials based on performance, processing, cost, and sustainability considerations. Students apply materials property charts, selection indices, and engineering analysis to evaluate materials for specific applications. Emphasis is placed on linking materials properties to design requirements, including mechanical, thermal, and environmental performance. Students develop skills in decision-making, trade-off analysis, and data-driven selection using modern tools.

MATL 4530 SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT (3) LEC. 1. LAB. 6. Pr. MATL 2100. This capstone course provides a comprehensive design experience in materials engineering, integrating knowledge of structure, processing, properties, and performance to solve open-ended engineering problems. Students work in teams to define, design, and execute a project that meets specified technical, economic, and societal constraints. Emphasis is placed on materials selection, design validation, experimental or computational analysis, and professional communication. The course culminates in a final report and presentation demonstrating engineering design and decision-making.

MATL 4630 MATERIALS ENGINEERING LAB I (1) LAB. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. This laboratory focuses on engineering applications of materials, emphasizing metals and biomaterials, materials selection, and performance under service conditions. Students conduct experiments related to mechanical behavior, processing effects, and material selection criteria. The course integrates experimental data with engineering decision-making and design considerations. It supports concurrent senior-level coursework while functioning as a standalone applied laboratory experience focused on materials performance and selection. Departmental approval required.

MATL 4640 MATERIALS ENGINEERING LAB II (1) LAB. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. This capstone laboratory emphasizes polymers, ceramics, and failure analysis through open-ended experimentation and design. Students investigate material performance, degradation, and failure mechanisms using advanced experimental techniques. The course integrates processing, structure, properties, and failure behavior to support engineering analysis and design. It reinforces concurrent coursework while serving as a standalone culminating laboratory focused on independent experimentation and failure-informed engineering decisions.

MATL 4930 DIRECTED STUDIES (1-6) IND. SU. Departmental approval. Areas of interest within Materials Engineering. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

MATL 4980 SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT (3) LEC. 1. LAB. 6. Students select, design, schedule, fabricate and perform an engineering design project related to Materials Engineering.

MATL 5100 THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS SYSTEMS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. CHEM 1040 and ENGR 2200. Departmental approval. Application of thermodynamics to describe phase stability, crystal imperfections, solubility, oxidation, surface, and interface energy and transformations.

MATL 5200 MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION (2) LEC. 2. Pr. PHYS 1610 or PHYS 1617. Principles of materials characterization including x-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy, and other advanced analytical methods for materials design.

MATL 5201 MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION LABORATORY (1) LAB. 3. Coreq. MATL 5200. Laboratory on the use of x-ray diffraction, metallography, and optical/electron microscopy for materials characterization.

MATL 5210 MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION (2) LEC. 2. Pr. PHYS 1610 or PHYS 1617 and MATL 2100. This course introduces experimental techniques used to characterize the structure, composition, and properties of materials across multiple length scales. Topics include diffraction, microscopy, spectroscopy, and surface analysis methods. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical principles underlying each technique, data interpretation, and linking characterization results to materials structure and performance. Students develop the ability to select appropriate characterization methods and analyze data to support materials engineering decisions.

MATL 5300 PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS IN MATERIAL PROCESSING (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATH 2650 and ENGR 2200. Departmental approval. Principles that govern phase transformations in materials systems and control of nucleation and growth, microstructure and morphology.

MATL 5310 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - METALS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. This course examines the structure, processing, properties, and performance of metallic materials used in engineering applications. Topics include crystal structures, phase transformations, strengthening mechanisms, heat treatment, and degradation processes. Emphasis is placed on linking microstructure to mechanical behavior and performance in service environments. Students develop the ability to select, process, and evaluate metals for engineering applications using both fundamental principles and practical considerations.

MATL 5320 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - CERAMICS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. This course examines the structure, processing, properties, and performance of ceramic materials used in engineering applications. Topics include atomic bonding, crystal structures, defects, diffusion, sintering, and phase transformations in ceramic systems. Emphasis is placed on linking processing routes to microstructure and resulting mechanical, thermal, and functional properties. Students develop the ability to evaluate and design ceramic materials for applications requiring high temperature stability, corrosion resistance, and specialized functional behavior.

MATL 5330 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - POLYMERS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. CHEM 1030 and MATL 2100. The synthesis, processing, structure and properties of polymers and polymer matrix composites.

MATL 5340 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - BIOMATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 2100. Interactions between materials and proteins, cells, and tissue as related to medicine and biotechnology including tissue culture, cardiovascular, drug delivery, tissue engineering and other applications. Thermodynamics of protein absorption. Cell biology of adhesion. Analytical methods, sterilization, and regulations.

MATL 5400 PHYSICS OF SOLIDS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. PHYS 1610 or PHYS 1617. Departmental approval. The physics of solid-state materials, including the electronic, optical and magnetic properties of materials.

MATL 5410 FAILURE ANALYSIS OF MATERIALS (2) LEC. 1. LAB. 1. Pr. (MATL 2100). This course introduces the principles and practice of failure analysis in engineering materials, emphasizing the systematic investigation of why materials and components fail in service. Students integrate knowledge of materials behavior, mechanics, and characterization techniques to identify failure mechanisms, determine root causes, and recommend mitigation strategies. Through case studies and a semester-long project, students develop skills in evidence-based reasoning, experimental design, and professional communication essential for engineering practice.

MATL 5420 PLASMONICS AND NANOPHOTONICS (3) LEC. 3. Pr. PHYS 1600 or PHYS 1610. This course will cover both fundamental and application aspects, with an emphasis on basic principles in nanophotonics, nanophotonic devices for light manipulation, plasmonic energy transfer, biomedical treatment, plasmonics in emerging materials, etc.

MATL 5500 NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF MATERIALS PROCESSING (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 4100. Fundamental principles and applications of computer-aided simulation of transport phenomena in materials processing systems.

MATL 5600 CORROSION (3) LEC. 3. Pr. CHEM 1040. Fundamentals of chemical degradation of materials. Types and methods for prevention and minimization of corrosion.

MATL 5700 BIOMATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Interactions between materials and proteins, cells, and tissue as related to medicine and biotechnology including tissue culture, cardiovascular, drug delivery, tissue engineering and other applications. Thermodynamics of protein adsorption. Cell biology of adhesion. Analytical methods, sterilization, and regulations.

MATL 5720 BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. LAB. 13. Pr. P/C BIOL 1030 or P/C CHEM 2070. Study of polymers used in the body for the purposes of aiding healing, correcting abnormalities, and restoring lost function.

MATL 5750 MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICS OF SKELETAL TISSUES (3) LEC. 3. Pr. MATL 2100 and (ENGR 2070 or MECH 3130). Molecular and cellular microstructural influence over the viscoelastic deformation of the skeletal tissues of bone muscle, ligament, tendon and cartilage; mechanics of failure and biomechanical injury mechanisms; consideration of the physiological processes of adaptive remodeling and healing of tissues; recent developments in orthopedic implant materials.

MATL 5970 INTERMEDIATE SPECIAL TOPICS (1-3) LEC. 1-3. Departmental approval. Regular course addressing an advanced specialized area of Materials Engineering not covered by regularly offered courses. Course may be repeated with change in topics.

MATL 6100 THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS SYSTEMS (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Application of thermodynamics to describe phase stability, crystal imperfections, solubility, oxidation, surface and interface energy and transformations.

MATL 6200 MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION (2) LEC. 2. Principles of materials characterization including x-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy, and other advanced analytical methods for materials design.

MATL 6201 MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION LABORATORY (1) LAB. 3. Coreq. MATL 6200. Laboratory on the use of x-ray diffraction, metallography, and optical/electron microscopy for materials characterization.

MATL 6210 MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION (2) LEC. 2. This course introduces experimental techniques used to characterize the structure, composition, and properties of materials across multiple length scales. Topics include diffraction, microscopy, spectroscopy, and surface analysis methods. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physical principles underlying each technique, data interpretation, and linking characterization results to materials structure and performance. Students develop the ability to select appropriate characterization methods and analyze data to support materials engineering decisions.

MATL 6300 PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS IN MATERIAL PROCESSING (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Principles that govern phase transformations in materials systems and control of nucleation and growth, microstructure, and morphology.

MATL 6310 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - METALS (3) LEC. 3. This course examines the structure, processing, properties, and performance of metallic materials used in engineering applications. Topics include crystal structures, phase transformations, strengthening mechanisms, heat treatment, and degradation processes. Emphasis is placed on linkingmicrostructure to mechanical behavior and performance in service environments. Students develop the ability to select, process, and evaluate metals for engineering applications using both fundamental principles and practical considerations.

MATL 6320 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - CERAMICS (3) LEC. 3. This course examines the structure, processing, properties, and performance of ceramic materials used in engineering applications. Topics include atomic bonding, crystal structures, defects, diffusion, sintering, and phase transformations in ceramic systems. Emphasis is placed on linking processing routes to microstructure and resulting mechanical, thermal, and functional properties. Students develop the ability to evaluate and design ceramic materials for applications requiring high temperature stability, corrosion resistance, and specialized functional behavior.

MATL 6330 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - POLYMERS (3) LEC. 3. The synthesis, processing, structure, and properties of polymers and polymer matrix composites.

MATL 6340 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - BIOMATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. Interactions between materials and proteins, cells, and tissue as related to medicine and biotechnology including tissue culture, cardiovascular, drug delivery, tissue engineering and other applications. Thermodynamics of protein absorption. Cell biology of adhesion. Analytical methods, sterilization, and regulations.

MATL 6400 PHYSICS OF SOLIDS (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. The physics of solid-state materials, including the electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of materials.

MATL 6420 PLASMONICS AND NANOPHOTONICS (3) LEC. 3. This course will cover both fundamental and application aspects, with an emphasis on basic principles in nanophotonics, nanophotonic devices for light manipulation, plasmonic energy transfer, biomedical treatment, plasmonics in emerging materials, etc.

MATL 6500 NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF MATERIALS PROCESSING (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Fundamental principles and applications of computer-aided simulation of transport phenomena in materials processing systems.

MATL 6600 CORROSION (3) LEC. 3. Pr. CHEM 1040. Fundamentals of chemical degradation of materials. Types and methods for prevention and minimization of corrosion.

MATL 6700 BIOMATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Interactions between materials and proteins, cells, and tissue as related to medicine and biotechnology including tissue culture, cardiovascular, drug delivery, tissue engineering and other applications. Thermodynamics of protein adsorption. Cell biology of adhesion. Analytical methods, sterilization and regulations.

MATL 6720 BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. LAB. 13. Study of polymers used in the body for the purposes of aiding healing, correcting abnormalities, and restoring lost function.

MATL 6970 INTERMEDIATE SPECIAL TOPICS IN MATERIALS ENGINEERING (1-3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Regular course addressing an advanced specialized area of Materials Engineering not covered by regularly offered courses. Course may be repeated with change in topics.

MATL 7050 DEFORMATION AND FAILURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Theoretical presentation of the fundamental principles of deformation and failure in materials systems.

MATL 7120 ADVANCED CERAMIC MATERIALS (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Processing, structure-property relationships and applications of advanced ceramics. Structural and functional applications of ceramics.

MATL 7130 ADVANCED POLYMER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Recent developments in both functional and structural polymers including approaches to synthesis, processing techniques, high-strength materials, electronic polymers, optic polymers, and medical polymers.

MATL 7320 THIN FILM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Structure, properties, characterization, processing and application of thin films.

MATL 7330 MATERIALS FOR ENERGY STORAGE (3) LEC. 3. Introduction of various electrochemical energy storage devices (Batteries, Supercapacitor, etc) and discussion of advancement in development of materials for these devices. Instructor's consent required for prerequisites.

MATL 7420 SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. An introduction to the principles and applications of various sensor, actuator and functionality smart material systems and structures.

MATL 7430 DIELECTRIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES (3) LEC. 3. Pr. (MATL 6100 or MATL 6106) and (MATL 6400 or MATL 6406). Departmental approval. Processing, structure, properties, and application of dielectrics, including physics of dielectrics, material/ device design/fabrication processes, and application of dielectric materials in high-technological industry.

MATL 7610 ENGINEERING ASPECTS OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL DETECTION (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Biological and chemical scientific concepts related to biological and chemical threat agents. Existing and developing detection technologies, trends and needs for the future detection systems. Physical principles behind the detection technologies. Evaluation of detection device or system performance.

MATL 7630 NANOMATERIALS FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY (3) LEC. 3. Departmental approval. Basic understanding of nanobiotechnology and practical applications in the interdisciplinary fields of Materials Science and Engineering and biotechnology/medicine including nanostructured biomolecules and bioarrays as well as biomolecular nanoelectronics.

MATL 7950 MATERIALS ENGINEERING SEMINAR (0) SEM. SU. Required during each semester of residency, but cannot be used toward minimum requirements for graduate degree in Materials Engineering. Content changes each semester and consists of off-campus speakers and presentations by graduate students and faculty.

MATL 7960 DIRECTED READINGS IN MATERIALS ENGINEERING (1-6) DSL/IND. SU. Departmental approval. May be taken more than one semester. Up to 6 hours may count toward the minimum degree requirements. Course may be repeated with change in topics.

MATL 7970 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MATERIALS ENGINEERING (1-3) DSL. Departmental approval. Regular course addressing an advanced specialized area of Materials Engineering not covered by regularly offered courses. Course may be repeated with change in topics.

MATL 7980 MASTER MATERIALS ENGINEERING PROJECT (1-3) LEC. 3. SU. Special design project report directed by major faculty. Topics to be determined by the student's graduate committee. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours.

MATL 7990 RESEARCH AND THESIS (1-15) MST. Individual mater's thesis research. Course may be repeated with change in topics.

MATL 8990 RESEARCH AND DISSERTATION (1-15) DSL/DSR. Individual doctoral dissertation research. Course may be repeated with change in topics.