Academics

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Undergraduate Study

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Materials Science (BA)

Major in Materials Science

Students majoring in materials science in Weinberg College choose from two tracks: general materials or soft materials. Requirements include foundation courses in mathematics and science and advanced electives.

Fall Quarter Freshmen should consider taking MatSci 190 Materials Science and Engineering Freshman Projects. This elective class introduces students to use of the scanning electron microscope and other modern apparatus, as well as the correlation of structure with other properties of materials through lecture and laboratories.  Students conduct their own research projects using skills developed in class labs.

The major declaration form and process can be found here. The form itself can be accessed here.

Foundations in Mathematics and Science

(Courses depend upon chemistry and mathematics sequences taken.)

• MATH 220 and 224 or 212, 213 and 214; 230, 234 and 240 or 281-1,2,3 or 285-1,2,3 or 290-1,2,3 or 291-1,2,3.
• CHEM Lecture/lab: 110, 131/141 and 132/142 or 151/161 and 152/162 or 171/181 and 172/182
• PHYSICS 135-1,2,3 or 125-1,2,3 (and corresponding labs)

Students in the soft materials track who are interested in biomaterials and/or medicine are encouraged to take additional courses in biology.

Program Courses (13 Courses)

Laboratory components of general and organic chemistry courses require separate registration and bear separate credit; see the chemistry section for details.

• MAT SCI 201 or 301, 315, 316-1, 316-2, 351-1

Students take five courses in their chosen track:

General Materials Track

• CHEM 210-1 or 212-1
• CHEM 342-1 or MAT SCI 314
• MAT SCI 331; two courses chosen from 332, 351-2, 361

Soft Materials Track

• CHEM 210-1,2 or 212-1
• CHEM 342-1 or MAT SCI 314
• MAT SCI 331; 370 or equivalent

Advanced Electives

3 elective courses must be taken:

• At least one in materials science chosen from: 332, 333, 336, 337, 340, 341, 351-2, 355, 360, 361, 370, 371, 376, 380, 381, 390, 193, 395, 398
• At least one in another department chosen from the following:
  • CHEM 210-3 or 212-3, 333, 342-2, 342-3
  • EARTH 300
  • MATH 250; 351 or 381
  • PHYSICS 332, 333-1, 333-2, 337, 339-3, 357, 358, 359-3

Advising

The adviser for students pursuing their BA in materials science is:

Kathleen Stair, PhD
Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Cook Hall 2039
847-491-7827
Email Professor Stair