May 30, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2022-2023 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2022-2023 [Archived Catalog]

Courses


 
  
  • MGMT 9990 - Dissertation


    Active participation in research, under the supervision of a faculty adviser, leading to a doctoral dissertation. Grades of IP are assigned until the dissertation has been publicly defended, approved by the doctoral committee, and accepted by the Office of Graduate Education to be archived in a standard format in the library. Grades will then be listed as S.

    Credit Hours: 1-16

Credit Hours: 1-16
  
  • MTLE 1200 - Introduction to Materials Engineering


    A 1-credit course comprising class lectures, laboratory visits, and group projects. The course will provide an overview of the field of materials science and engineering, highlighting how understanding the structures, properties and processing of materials provides scientific and engineering advances that sustain the progress of technology.  

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 1

Credit Hours: 1
  
  • MTLE 2020 - Introduction to Ceramic Materials


    Structure and properties of crystalline ceramic materials. Atomic bonding, crystal structure, structural imperfections, nonstoichiometry, surfaces, and interfaces. Reactions in ceramic systems in terms of phase equilibria, nucleation and crystal growth, diffusion, grain growth, and sintering. Ceramic microstructures and various properties.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 2100 - Structure of Engineering Materials


    The first course in Materials Science and Engineering. Structures of metals, ceramics, and polymers and experimental techniques for their determination are discussed. Laboratory experience is included.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ENGR 1600  or equivalent.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 2500 - Materials Laboratory Skills


    Introduction to some experimental methods used to fabricate and measure the structure and properties of materials. Thermal and mechanical processing and properties are emphasized. Specimen preparation, examination by light optical microscopy, report writing, and measurement systems analysis are covered.

    When Offered: Summer term annually.



    Credit Hours: 1

Credit Hours: 1
  
  • MTLE 2940 - Readings in Materials


    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 2980 - Senior Project


    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4030 - Glass Science


    Glasses are used in optical communications (optical fibers), electronics (insulator), and nuclear waste processing in addition to conventional use as windows, light bulbs, and containers. Subjects covered include: Formation and structure of inorganic glasses. The relationship between properties and cooling rate. Viscosity and structural relaxation. Phase separation and crystallization. Ionic diffusion and electrical properties. Mechanical strength and fatigue. Glass surface and chemical durability. Optical properties.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4050 - Introduction to Polymers


    Introduction to Polymers is a first course on polymer science and structure-property relationships. Topics include chemical and molecular structure; morphology (structure) of amorphous and crystalline polymers; crystallization phenomena; polymer solutions and blends; physical properties of polymers in relation to structure, including rubber elasticity, viscoelasticity, and glass transition; and mechanical and rheological properties and testing.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course. This is a companion course to CHEM 4620  Introduction to Polymer Chemistry.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Cross Listed: Co-listed with MTLE 6050 . Students can only earn credit for MTLE 4050 or MTLE 6050 .

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4100 - Thermodynamics of Materials


    Rigorous development of classical thermodynamics as applied to prediction of materials properties. Nonideal gases, solutions, phase equilibria, chemical equilibria, defects.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ENGR 2250 , CHEM 1100 , ENGR 1600  or equivalent.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 4150 - Kinetics in Materials Systems


    Kinetic processes in materials. Overview of kinetics in relation to equilibrium thermodynamics, atomistics and mathematics of diffusion, phase transformations, and microstructural evolution. All materials classes, including metals and alloys, ionic and intermetallic compounds, glasses, semiconductors, and polymers will be considered in terms of similarities and differences. Includes laboratory component.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites:  CHEM 1100 , MTLE 4100   and ENGR 1600   ( or CHEM 1600   or PHYS 1600  or ISCI 1600 ).

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 4160 - Semiconducting Materials


    Review of electronic properties of materials. Growth and structure of semiconductors. Diffusion, ion implantation, oxidation, microlithography, plasma etching, thin film deposition, metallization, with emphasis on Si technology. Introduction to compound semiconductors.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: MTLE 4200  or equivalent.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4200 - Electrical and Optical Properties of Materials


    Electronic and optical properties of metals, dielectrics, semiconductors, and organic molecular solids. Introduction to quantum mechanics. Lattice vibrations, magnetism, energy bands in solids. Free and nearly free electron models. Effect of electronic structure on interatomic bonding. Semiconductors and their devices.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ENGR 1600 , MTLE 2100 , PHYS 1200 .

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 4250 - Mechanical Properties of Materials


    This is a required departmental course, but is also appropriate for biomedical engineers and other engineering disciplines as an elective. This course teaches the mechanical properties of metals, ceramics, and polymers from both the macroscopic and atomistic or micromechanical viewpoints. An introduction to three-dimensional stresses and strains. Elastic behavior, plastic behavior, strengthening mechanisms, fracture, creep, and fatigue are all addressed. Includes laboratory component.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: ENGR 1600 , MTLE 2100 .

    When Offered: Summer Arch term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 4310 - Corrosion


    Mechanisms, characteristics, and types of corrosion. Methods for testing, combating, and evaluating corrosion resistance. Suitability of metals, ceramics, and organic materials in corrosive environments. Oxidation and other high-temperature gas-metal reactions.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Corequisite: MTLE 4910 .

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4400 - Materials Synthesis and Processing


    This course covers materials processing in the area of metals, polymers, ceramics, and electronic materials. Some processes covered include casting, molding, deformation processing, additive processing, and joining methods. Design and analysis of experiments and process modeling are emphasized. Includes laboratories.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: MTLE 4200 , MTLE 4150 , MTLE 4250 .

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 4430 - Fundamentals of Metallurgical Alloy Systems


    This course explores principles of chemical and physical metallurgy of the common alloy systems, including mild and low alloy steels, copper, aluminum, and aluminum alloys. Applications include alloys designed for corrosion resistance and elevated temperature applications. Alloy design and development for extreme or exotic environments also will be discussed. In each case, alloy development concepts will be related to the appropriate engineering applications. 

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4440 - Thin Films


    Introduction into thin film deposition technologies that are essential in industry. Practical technical aspects and fundamental growth processes are discussed. The course covers: evaporation techniques, sputter deposition, plasma and ion-beam processing, chemical vapor deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, surface science, nucleation and growth, epitaxy, texture evolution, nanostructure formation, stress.

     

    When Offered: Spring term annually



    Cross Listed: Co-listed with MTLE 6440 . Students cannot get credit for both this course and MTLE 6440 .

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4460 - Materials for Energy Applications


    This course covers all aspects of the role materials play in energy. The course takes a fundamental perspective and these materials can range from neutrons to photons to energetic biomolecules. The five forms of energy (thermal, electromagnetic, mechanical, chemical, and nuclear) are stressed in every lecture as are the appropriate thermodynamic laws and governing cycles. 

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4470 - Biology in Materials Science


    This course will cover the basic principles of biology in the context of materials science as well as emerging and cutting applications of biomaterials science. Topics will include: fundamentals of biological self assembly and hierarchical structures; examination of structure-property relationships in naturally occurring biopolymers, foams, and ceramic composites; biomimetic design and synthesis of novel materials at the molecular and nanoscale levels. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the impact of biological principles on current topics in materials science.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ENGR 1600 .

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Cross Listed: Co-listed: MTLE 6440 . Students can only earn credit for MTLE 4440  or MTLE 6440 .

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4500 - Computational Materials Design


    This course will provide the background and a set of examples of how computational methods can be applied to design of materials with desired structure and properties. The methods will span multi-length and time scales, including first-principles approaches, molecular dynamics simulations, stochastic methods for optimization and sampling, and computational thermodynamics. Lectures will be complemented by computer labs with hands-on exercises using publicly available or commercial software packages.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Undergraduates must have junior standing or permission of the instructor.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4520 - Materials under Extreme Conditions


    This course will review basic thermodynamic and kinetic concepts, which underpin how material behaves under extreme thermal, mechanical, chemical, electrical, and magnetic conditions as well as high-energy irradiations. Engineering materials that can withstand harsh environments and new materials with unique crystal structures and microstructures will be surveyed.

     

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite:  MTLE 4100  and MTLE 4150  or equivalent.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Cross Listed: Co-listed: MTLE 6520 . Students cannot get credit for both MTLE 4520 and MTLE 6520 .

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4720 - Applied Mathematical Methods in Materials


    Students apply mathematical and numerical techniques to understand materials engineering topics such as materials structure, symmetry, diffusion, mechanics, and physics of solids. Class uses examples from materials science and engineering core courses to introduce mathematical concepts and materials-related problem-solving skills. Topics include linear algebra, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, quadratic forms, tensor operations, symmetry operations, calculus of several variables, ordinary and partial differential equations, Fourier analysis, integral transformations, numerical methods, and calculus of variations.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: MATH 2400  and access to Mathematica.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Cross Listed: BMED 4720 . Students can only earn credit for BMED 4720  or MTLE 4720.

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4910 - Materials Selection


    This class covers basic materials selection concepts and the underlying structure-property-process-performance interaction. Engineering materials, structures and properties, principles and process of materials selection, generation of materials performances indices, assessment and optimization of performance, processing routes and manufacturing issues, role of reverse engineering and failure analysis in design are covered. Materials selection against yielding, fracture, flexure, buckling, fatigue, creep, corrosion, and wear are addressed. Decomposition of engineering problems into functional, geometric, and materials constraints are emphasized. Materials selection based on simple and complex or conflicting constraints will be developed. Students will perform written assignments and oral presentations to develop communication skills. Enrollment for Materials Science and Engineering majors is restricted to juniors, seniors, or graduates.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: CHEM 1100  and ENGR 1600 .

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4920 - Multidisciplinary Capstone Design


    A capstone design experience that engages students from biomedical, computer systems, electrical, industrial, materials, and mechanical engineering on teams in an open-ended engineering design problem in preparation for professional practice. With the guidance of a multidisciplinary team of faculty members and instructional support staff, students apply knowledge and skills from prior coursework. This is a communication-intensive course.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ENGR 2050 , MTLE 4910  and senior status.

    When Offered: Spring and fall terms annually.



    Cross Listed: ECSE 4900  and MANE 4260  and ISYE 4270 . Students cannot obtain credit for this course and ECSE 4900 , MANE 4260  or ISYE 4270 .

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 4960 - Topics in Materials Engineering


    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6010 - Defects in Solids


    Point defects, nonstoichiometry, diffusion and defects, electronic defects, elastic properties of dislocations, dislocation-point defect interactions, dislocation arrays, grain boundaries, stacking faults, phase stability, twin boundaries, epitaxial interfaces.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: MTLE 2100  or equivalent.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6030 - Advanced Thermodynamics


    Review of classical thermodynamics. Development of basic concepts of statistical thermodynamics. Application of both classical and statistical techniques to the determination of phase and chemical equilibrium in real systems.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: MTLE 4100  or equivalent.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 6040 - Principles of Crystallography and X-Ray Diffraction


    Symmetry operations, point groups and space groups, x-ray and electron diffraction techniques, reciprocal lattice, Ewald sphere, mathematics of diffraction, crystal chemistry, crystal structure-property relationships.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6050 - Introduction to Polymers


    Introduction to Polymers is a first course on polymer science and structure-property relationships. Topics include chemical and molecular structure; morphology (structure) of amorphous and crystalline polymers; crystallization phenomena; polymer solutions and blends; physical properties of polymers in relation to structure, including rubber elasticity, viscoelasticity, and glass transition; and mechanical and rheological properties and testing.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course. This is a companion course to CHEM 4620  Introduction to Polymer Chemistry.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Cross Listed: Co-listed with MTLE 4050 . Students can only earn credit for MTLE 4050  or MTLE 6050.

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6060 - Advanced Kinetics of Materials Reactions


    Diffusion and phase transformations: solutions to the diffusion equation, moving boundaries, concentration-dependent diffusion coefficient, interdiffusion, nucleation, crystal growth from the vapor and solution, solidification. Precipitation: general, cellular, and G-P zones. Allotropic and martensitic transformations. Grain growth. Sintering.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: MTLE 4100  or MTLE 6030  or equivalent.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 6080 - Electron Microscopy of Materials


    Introduction to electron optics, electron diffraction contrast mechanisms, specimen preparation, and microanalysis. Theory and operating fundamentals of the SEM, TEM, STEM, and the electron microprobe. Analysis of images from crystalline materials using kinematical and dynamical theories of electron diffraction. Includes laboratory component.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: MTLE 2100  or MTLE 6040 .

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6110 - Diffusion in Solids


    The diffusion process in metals and alloys. Solution to Fick’s law. Self-diffusion. Effect of temperature upon diffusion. Grain boundary and surface diffusion. Solution and diffusion of gases in metals. Diffusion in carburizing, the austenite transformation, powder metallurgy, and the scaling of metals and alloys.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6120 - Advanced Electronic Properties of Materials


    Review of essential electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics, including exact models and approximate methods. Application to behavior of electrons in solids including electronic band structure, charge carrier statistics and charge transport in metals, semiconductors, and insulators. Dielectric, optical, and magnetic properties. Solid-vacuum, solid-liquid, and solid-solid interfaces. Applications to semiconductor, optoelectronic, and magnetic devices.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 6150 - Fracture of Solids


    Review of elasticity and plasticity theory. Calculation of theoretical cohesive strength of crystalline solids; influence of stress concentrations on fracture strength. Fractography. Theory and applications of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Fracture testing. Elastic-plastic fracture mechanics. Dislocation theories of cleavage fracture. Phenomenology and theories of stress corrosion cracking, creep rupture, fatigue.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6220 - Advanced Semiconducting Materials and Processing


    Discussion of selected advanced and emerging topics in microelectronics materials and fabrication. These may include metallization, thin film deposition, interconnection technology, microlithography, plasma etching and processing.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6250 - Advanced Mechanical Properties of Materials


    The phenomenological, mechanistic, and micro-structural aspects of the mechanical properties of materials are developed, with particular emphasis on the similarities and differences among various material systems including metals, ceramics, and polymers. Phenomenological aspects of the three-dimensional characteristics of stress and strain, various yield criteria, elastic behavior, viscoelastic behavior, plastic behavior, statistical aspects of brittle fracture and fracture mechanics are presented. Mechanistic and micro-structural topics include edge and screw dislocation behavior, slip systems, critical resolved shear stress, dislocation multiplication and interactions, barriers to motion, polymer chain conformation and entropy.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 6300 - Integrated Circuit Fabrication Laboratory


    Theory and practice of IC fabrication in a research laboratory environment. Test chips are fabricated and the resulting devices and circuits evaluated. Processes and fabrication equipment studied and used include oxidation/diffusion, CVD reactors, photolithography, plasma etching, vacuum evaporator, ion implantation, etc. Instruments used in process monitoring and final testing include thin film profilometer, ellipsometer, resistivity probe, scanning electron microscope, capacitance-voltage system, etc. The fundamentals of hazardous material handling and clean room procedures are studied.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ECSE 4250  or equivalent.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Cross Listed: ECSE 6300 . Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and ECSE 6300 .

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6400 - Vacuum Techniques


    Principles and practice of producing, measuring, and using pressures from atmospheric down to 10-15 atmospheres. Gas kinetics and flow of gases at low pressures. Basic vacuum system calculations. System design and leak detection. Physical and chemisorption of gases. Generation of clean surfaces and study of reactions on them.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6420 - Surface Phenomena


    The thermodynamics and reactivity of surfaces. Classical thermodynamics of surfaces. Atomistic models of the crystal surfaces. Electron diffraction from surface layers. Surface diffusion. Physical and chemisorption of gases, chemical reactions at surfaces. Nucleation of surface and bulk phases.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6430 - Materials Characterization


    Principles and applications of current techniques for the chemical, structural, and morphological characterization of engineering materials, with an emphasis on materials used in the microelectronics industry. Techniques studied include various electron and ion spectroscopies, electron microscopies, and diffraction techniques.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6440 - Thin Films


    Introduction into thin film deposition technologies that are essential in industry. Practical technical aspects and fundamental growth processes are discussed. The course covers: evaporation techniques, sputter deposition, plasma and ion-beam processing, chemical vapor deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, surface science, nucleation and growth, epitaxy, texture evolution, nanostructure formation, stress.

    When Offered: Spring term even-numbered years.



    Cross Listed: Co-listed with MTLE 4440 . Students can only earn credit for MTLE 4440  or MTLE 6440.

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6450 - Melting and Solidification


    Thermodynamics, kinetics, and morphologies of solid-liquid interfaces. Heat flow phenomena in casting and crystal growth. Structure of molten systems. Physical chemistry of vacuum processing. Mechanics of solidification of metals under equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions. Nucleation and growth phenomena. Solute redistribution during freezing. Metal transport during freezing. Grain size control. Application of theory to production of engineering alloys.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6460 - Advanced Structure and Bonding in Materials


    Phenomenological and quantitative descriptions of crystal symmetry and structure. Theories of primary and secondary bonding in crystals. Theory and application of diffraction techniques for structure determination. Models of cohesive forces in solids. Emphasis is placed on the intimate connection between crystal structure, bonding, electronic structure, and properties of solids.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • MTLE 6470 - Biology in Materials Science


    This course will cover the basic principles of biology in the context of materials science as well as emerging and cutting applications of biomaterials science. Topics will include: fundamentals of biological self-assembly and hierarchical structures; examination of structure-property relationships in naturally occurring biopolymers, foams, and ceramic composites; biomimetic design and synthesis of novel materials at the molecular and nanoscale levels. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the impact of biological principles on current topics in materials science.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: ENGR 1600 .
     

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Cross Listed: MTLE 4470 . Students can only earn credit for MTLE 4470  or MTLE 6470.

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6480 - Nanostructured Materials


    The course introduces students to the building blocks of nanostructured materials, material behavior when they are assembled, and the technological implications of these materials, with emphasis on new developments in this field and future perspectives. Lectures by the instructor and other faculty experts on various aspects of nanomaterials are followed by student lectures in areas of their own particular interest. These lectures then become the basis for students to create video presentations for broader dissemination.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6500 - Modeling of Materials


    This course introduces basic concepts used in the modeling of material properties. The course will include quantum mechanics, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo and continuum level analysis, and multiscale methods as applied to the modeling of soft and hard matter. The methods are introduced in a computer laboratory environment. Open to graduates and qualified undergraduates.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Undergraduates must have junior standing or permission of the instructor.

    When Offered: Fall term odd-numbered years.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6520 - Materials under Extreme Conditions


    This course will review basic thermodynamic and kinetic concepts, which underpin how material behaves under extreme thermal, mechanical, chemical, electrical, and magnetic conditions as well as high-energy irradiations. Engineering materials that can withstand harsh environments and new materials with unique crystal structures and microstructures will be surveyed.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Cross Listed: MTLE 4520 . Students cannot get credit for both MTLE 4520  and MTLE 6520.

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6610 - Deformation Processing


    Mechanical metallurgy and mechanics of the classical metal-working operations. Analytical techniques. Friction and lubrication. Workability. Effects on as-worked properties. Technological discussions of forging, rolling, extrusion, drawing, and other unit operations.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: ENGR 1600  or equivalent.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6750 - Special Topics in Ceramics


    A course in physical ceramics, the content of which will be modified in accordance with current interests and technology.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6840 - Polymer Engineering


    Survey and engineering analysis of industrial processes and commercial polymers. Topics include introductory fluid mechanics, non-Newtonian fluids, molecular theory of viscoelasticity, analysis of extrusion, and other selected processes.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6900 - Graduate Seminar


    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 0

Credit Hours: 0
  
  • MTLE 6930 - Literature Study


    A special course assignment open to graduate students working toward a master’s degree. Applicable where a student cannot reasonably arrange to submit a thesis. A written report on the study must be submitted and defended before a committee of the faculty.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 3

Credit Hours: 1 to 3
  
  • MTLE 6940 - Materials Engineering Project


    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6960 - Topics in Materials Engineering


    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • MTLE 6970 - Professional Project


    Active participation in a semester-long project, under the supervision of a faculty adviser. A Professional Project often serves as a culminating experience for a Professional Master’s program but, with departmental or school approval, can be used to fulfill other program requirements. With approval, students may register for more than one Professional Project. Professional Projects must result in documentation established by each department or school, but are not submitted to the Office of Graduate Education and are not archived in the library. Grades of A, B, C, or F are assigned by the faculty adviser at the end of the semester. If not completed on time, a formal Incomplete grade may be assigned by the faculty adviser, listing the work remaining to be completed and the time limit for completing this work.

Credit Hours:
  
  • MTLE 6980 - Master’s Project


    Active participation in a master’s-level project, under the supervision of a faculty adviser, leading to a master’s project report. Grades S or U are assigned at the end of the semester. If recommended by the adviser, the master’s project may be accepted by the Office of Graduate Education to be archived in the library.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 9

Credit Hours: 1 to 9
  
  • MTLE 6990 - Master’s Thesis


    Active participation in research, under the supervision of a faculty adviser, leading to a master’s thesis. Grades of S or U are assigned by the adviser each term to reflect the student’s research progress for the given semester. Once the thesis has been presented, approved by the adviser, and accepted by the Office of Graduate Education, it will be archived in a standard format in the library.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 9

Credit Hours: 1 to 9
  
  • MTLE 9990 - Dissertation


    Active participation in research, under the supervision of a faculty adviser, leading to a doctoral dissertation. Grades of IP are assigned until the dissertation has been publicly defended, approved by the doctoral committee, and accepted by the Office of Graduate Education to be archived in a standard format in the library. Grades will then be listed as S.

    Credit Hours: 1-16

Credit Hours: 1-16
  
  • PHIL 1110 - Introduction to Philosophy


    An introduction to the major areas of philosophy (ethics, theory of knowledge, philosophy of religion, etc.) and to some of the main problems treated within these fields. Selections from contemporary as well as classical authors are studied and discussed. Students are encouraged to develop a disciplined approach to intellectual problems. Emphasis varies with the instructor.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 2100 - Critical Thinking


    This course provides tools for the identification, analysis, and evaluation of the various patterns of reasoning as they occur in the real world. Patterns of reasoning include deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, scientific reasoning, statistical reasoning, and causal reasoning. The course also covers some basic psychology and sociology of reasoning and belief and concludes with a critical discussion of science and the scientific method.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Cross Listed: PSYC 2100 . Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and PSYC 2100 .

    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 2140 - Introduction to Logic


    Introduction to first-order logic as a tool to be used in engineering, computer science, philosophy, etc., and as procedural knowledge helpful in puzzle-solving environments (e.g., standardized tests). A hands-on laboratory component is included.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 2400 - Philosophy of Biology


    This course addresses such issues as: Are species real entities in the world or just human constructs? Are biological phenomena reducible to physical processes or do irreducible biological features exist? What is the relationship between microevolution and macroevolution? Does sociobiology have something to contribute to understanding of ethics? To what extent are the structures of the human mind products of evolution?

    When Offered: Fall or spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 2830 - Introduction to Philosophy of Religion


    Central to philosophy is a careful examination of human reasons for holding their beliefs. Given the complexity/ineffability of religious experience, philosophy of religion’s examination of reasons is especially difficult. This course will analyze and evaluate Western monotheism both generally and as it relates to the traditional questions of faith and reason, the problem of evil, fate, and free will and the existence of miracles. Time permitting, non-Western as well as Western religions will be considered.

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 2940 - Philosophy Studies


    Independent study of a particular topic.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Permission of instructor.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 4

Credit Hours: 1 to 4
  
  • PHIL 2960 - Topics in Philosophy


    Experimental courses on subjects to be announced in advance.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 4

Credit Hours: 1 to 4
  
  • PHIL 4130 - Philosophy of Science


    How does science stimulate philosophical thinking and how has philosophy influenced science? This broad range of interaction is studied with special attention given to the concepts of theory, observation, and scientific method. Special attention is given to issues basic to psychology, in particular, reductionism, behaviorism, functionalism, and cognitivism.

    When Offered: Spring term odd-numbered years.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 4140 - Intermediate Logic


    This course is a continuation of PHIL 2140 , covering basic metatheory of logic (including formal syntax and semantics, model theory, and soundness and completeness of proof systems), applications of logic (including automated theorem proving, deductive problem solving, and the axiomatization of various branches of mathematics), and alternative systems of logic (including sequent systems, diagrammatic logic, and modal logic).

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHIL 2140 .

    When Offered: Spring term even-numbered years.



    Cross Listed: MATH 4040 .

    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 4240 - Ethics


    A critical examination of traditional and contemporary works in ethical theory by considering what these theories have to say about how people should live, what rights and obligations they have, what things are intrinsically valuable. Typically, this includes such topics as ethical and cultural relativism, egoism, freedom, and responsibility. Often the focus will be on contemporary issues such as war, abortion, equality, or punishment. 

    When Offered: Fall or spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 4260 - Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence


    This course may be roughly divided into two general areas: philosophical problems in AI and philosophical issues that arise because of AI. An example from the first area is the Knower Paradox, a paradox in which an apparently desirable formalism for handling an agent’s knowledge leads to inconsistency; an example from the second area is John Searle’s attack on so-called “Strong” AI by way of his Chinese Room argument, wherein he claims that because a computer at bottom just manipulates symbols it cannot genuinely understand.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHIL 2140 .

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 4300 - Environmental Philosophy


    While concepts such as quality of life, environment, nature, global ecology, and the like figure heavily in contemporary discussions, they are seldom integrated into an environmental philosophy. The course tries to achieve this integration by understanding some of the religious, mythic-poetic, and scientific dimensions of the man-nature matrix. Some specific environmental problems are examined in order to illustrate the system of values implied by various solutions.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.

    When Offered: Spring term even-numbered years.



    Cross Listed: STSO 4340  . Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and STSO 4340.

    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 4310 - Scientific Revolutions


    What is progress in science? How has the concept of progress been influenced by science? Are there significant differences between scientific and technological revolutions? These questions are explored in order to shed light on the complex dynamics of academic and industrial research.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHIL 1110 .

    When Offered: Upon availability of instructor.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 4420 - Computability and Logic


    A team-based, project-oriented, hands-on introduction to the great concepts and discoveries in logic and computability, including Turing Machines, first-order logic, the limitations of computing machines, Godel’s incompleteness results, and so forth. A hands-on laboratory component is included.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHIL 2140 .

    When Offered: Spring term odd-numbered years.



    Cross Listed: MATH 4030 . Students cannot receive credit both this course and MATH 4030 .

    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 4480 - Metaphysics and Consciousness


    Daydreams about some tropical paradise … the smell of freshly baked bread … the flash of anger experienced when one person cuts another off … the vision of an albino squirrel on the campus green … Humans take all of these to involve activities or states of consciousness. But what is this consciousness with which they claim to be so intimately familiar? What are its metaphysical implications, and can people reconcile those implications with current scientific understanding of the world? 

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: one course in philosophy.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 4500 - Bioethics


    This course involves a philosophical analysis of some of the basic moral issues raised by recent and anticipated developments in the areas of biology and medicine. The general question “What are moral problems, and how does one resolve them?” is examined in the context of concrete cases involving issues such as abortion, euthanasia, organ transplants, experimentation on human patients, cloning, genetic engineering, and behavior control and modification.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: STSO 2510, STSO 2520 , STSO 2700 , STSO 2500 , PHIL 1110 , IHSS 1160 , IHSS 1150 , PHIL 4240 , or permission of instructor

    When Offered: Fall and spring term annually.



    Cross Listed: STSO 4250 . Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and STSO 4250 .

    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHIL 4940 - Topics in Philosophy


    Experimental courses on subjects to be announced in advance.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Permission of instructor.

    Credit Hours: 1 to 4

Credit Hours: 1 to 4
  
  • PHIL 4990 - Capstone Experience in Philosophy


    Students conduct original scholarly projects: original research, theoretical or analytical reviews of the literature, or computer simulations. Working either alone or in groups, students prepare written reports relating to this project, under the supervision of a faculty member.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Permission of a supervising faculty member.

    When Offered: Fall, spring, and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 3 to 6

Credit Hours: 3 to 6
  
  • PHYS 1010 - A Passion for Physics


    A weekly one-hour seminar by physics department faculty members, in which they describe their scientific and research interests, at a level suitable for first-year college students. This course is graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 1

Credit Hours: 1
  
  • PHYS 1050 - General Physics


    A one semester calculus-based overview of physics fundamentals with an emphasis on applications. Mechanics, including equilibrium and statics, fluids, oscillations, and waves. Basics of thermodynamics and heat flow. Electrical circuits. Electromagnetic radiation and optics. Recommended for all students who intend to take only one semester of physics. Credit cannot be obtained for both PHYS 1050 and PHYS 1100 .

     

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Corequisite: MATH 1010  or equivalent or permission of instructor.

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 1100 - Physics I


    The first semester of a two-semester sequence of interactive courses. Topics include linear and angular kinematics and dynamics, work and energy, momentum and collisions, forces and fields, gravitation, oscillatory motion, waves, sound, and interference.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Corequisite: MATH 1010  or equivalent or permission of instructor.  Credit cannot be obtained for both PHYS 1050  and PHYS 1100.

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 1140 - Introductory Modern Physics


    An introduction to modern physics with emphasis on special relativity; concepts in quantum mechanics; elementary particles and fundamental forces; and applications to nuclei and atoms.

    Registration is limited to first semester students or by permission of instructor.

    When Offered: Fall annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 1150 - Introductory Classical Dynamics


    Introductory physics for students seeking a more intensive experience. Newton’s laws are introduced using differential calculus, with solutions based on integral calculus. Material on fluids and thermodynamics is included. Laboratory exercises are carried out emphasizing measurement uncertainty and clear, concise reporting. Recommended for students intending to major in physics. 

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: MATH 1010 .

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4 (See footnote 2 below.)

Credit Hours: 4 (See footnote 2 below.)
  
  • PHYS 1200 - Physics II


    The second semester of the two-semester sequence of interactive courses. Topics include electric and magnetic forces and fields, Gauss’s Law, dc and ac circuits, Ampere’s Law and Faraday’s Law, electromagnetic radiation, physical optics, and quantum physics.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHYS 1100  or equivalent or permission of instructor. Corequisite: MATH 1020 .

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 1250 - Introductory Electromagnetic Theory


    Introductory physics for students seeking a more intensive experience. Electricity and magnetism is discussed making use of multivariable differentiation and integration. AC and DC circuits. Electromagnetic waves, optics, and selected topics in modern physics. Laboratory exercises are carried out emphasizing measurement uncertainty and clear, concise reporting. Recommended for students intending to major in physics.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHYS 1100  or equivalent, or permission of instructor.  Corequisite: MATH 1020 .

    When Offered: Fall term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 1600 - Materials Science


    Introduction to the scientific principles that dictate the structure and properties of engineering materials, including metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers. Physical properties of materials (mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical) are discussed in terms of the underlying structure, spanning multiple length scales from atomic packing to micron scale defects in practical engineering materials. Throughout the course, the material behaviors are understood from the viewpoint of thermodynamics and kinetics.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: CHEM 1100 .

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Cross Listed: ENGR 1600 , CHEM 1600 , and ISCI 1600 . Students cannot receive credit for both this course and ENGR 1600 , CHEM 1600 , or ISCI 1600 .

    Credit Hours: 4

    Contact, Lecture or Lab Hours: 5
Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 1960 - Topics in Physics


    Credit Hours: 1

Credit Hours: 1
  
  • PHYS 2210 - Quantum Physics I


    Introduction to the formalism of Special Relativity, Schrodinger wave mechanics, and spin-1/2 particles. Solutions to Schrodinger’s Equation in one, two, and three dimensions. One-electron atoms and quantum mechanical magnetic dipole moments.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: PHYS 1200  or PHYS 1250 , MATH 1020 .

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 2220 - Quantum Physics II


    Applications of special relativity and quantum theory to topics in modern physics. Atomic and molecular physics. Quantum statistics, blackbody radiation, and lasers. Crystalline solids. Superconductivity. Nuclear and particle physics. Astrophysics and cosmology.

     

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: PHYS 2210 , MATH 2010 .

    When Offered: Spring and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 2350 - Experimental Physics


    Experiments in mechanics, optics, electricity and electromagnetics, oscillations and waves, atomic, nuclear, and solid-state physics. Experimental methods, quantitative observations, and interpretation of data. This is a communication-intensive course.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite or co-requisite: PHYS 2210  

    When Offered: Fall, spring, and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

    Contact, Lecture or Lab Hours: 9 contact hours
Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 2620 - Optics


    An introduction to the properties of light and its interactions with matter. Topics include wave, particle, and ray treatments of light; geometrical optics and imaging systems; interference and diffraction; polarization; and Fourier methods for imaging and pulses. A laboratory is included.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: PHYS 1200  or PHYS 1250 , and MATH 2400 .

    When Offered: Spring term annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 2940 - Special Projects in Physics


    Reading and study in various fields of physics to develop interest in and ability for independent study.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Permission of instructor.

    Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 3
  
  • PHYS 2960 - Topics in Physics


    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 2990 - Thesis


    An independent investigation.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Permission of instructor.

    Credit Hours: 3 or 4

Credit Hours: 3 or 4
  
  • PHYS 4100 - Introductory Quantum Mechanics


    Quantum mechanics beyond Schrodinger wave mechanics. The postulates of quantum mechanics. Second quantization, Dirac notation, Hilbert spaces, perturbation theory, and applications to simple systems.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: PHYS 2210 .

    When Offered: Spring and summer terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 4210 - Electromagnetic Theory


    Field theory of electricity and magnetism with emphasis on solving boundary value problems. Dielectric and magnetic materials. Maxwell’s equations and wave propagation with applications to optics. Relativistic electrodynamics.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: PHYS 2210  and MATH 4600  or MATH 4700 .

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 4240 - General Relativity


    Introduction to the physics of gravitation and spacetime. Special relativity, tensor calculus, and relativistic electrodynamics. General relativity with selected applications of Einstein’s field equations (gravitational time dilation; gravitational lensing; frame dragging; gravitational radiation). The physics of nonrotating and rotating black holes. Relativistic models for the large-scale structure of the Universe. Observational constraints on the cosmological parameters. Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the Cosmic Background Radiation. A culminating experience project is required. (Meets with ASTR 4240 ).

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: PHYS 4330  and MATH 4600 .

    Cross Listed: ASTR 4240 . Students cannot receive credit for both PHYS 4240 and ASTR 4240 .

    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 4330 - Theoretical Mechanics


    Particle and rigid body dynamics using Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian methods. Motion of particle systems. Central force motion. Rotating coordinate systems. Rigid body motion using the inertia tensor and Euler angles. Coupled systems and normal coordinates. Introduction to continuum mechanics and the mechanics of deformable media. Introduction to Hamiltonian Mechanics, including proof and applications of Liouville’s Theorem. Formalism of Special Relativity. Introduction to nonlinear dynamics and chaotic behavior.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: PHYS 1250  or PHYS 1200 , and MATH 2400 ; Prerequisite or co-requisite: MATH 2010 .

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 4420 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics


    The principles and physical applications of classical thermodynamics are developed. Basic concepts in classical and quantum statistical mechanics are introduced and their relations to thermodynamics are developed.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: PHYS 2210  ; Also MATH 2400  and MATH 2010 .

    When Offered: Fall and spring terms annually.



    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 4620 - Elementary Particle Physics


    Survey of the elementary particles and their interactions. Historical introduction and discussion of experimental apparatus and particle accelerators. Relativistic kinematics and incorporation into quantum field theory, including Feynman diagrams. Bound states and the quark model. Symmetries and their manifestation. Neutrino oscillations and gauge theories. Quantum electrodynamics, the electroweak interaction, quantum chromodynamics, and prospects for grand unification. A culminating experience project is required.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHYS 4100 .

    Credit Hours: 4

Credit Hours: 4
  
  • PHYS 4630 - Lasers and Optical Systems


    Optical physics and applications of lasers. Design of optical systems. Topics include: wave optics and beam propagation, Gaussian beams, resonators, optical properties of atoms and laser gain media, laser amplifiers, pulsed laser systems, applications of lasers, nonlinear optics.

    Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHYS 2620  recommended.

    When Offered: Fall term odd-numbered years.



    Cross Listed: ECSE 4630 . Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and ECSE 4630 .

    Credit Hours: 4

    Contact, Lecture or Lab Hours: Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week.
Credit Hours: 4
 

Page: 1 <- Back 1010 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20