The required and recommended courses provide a firm background in materials science.The required and recommended courses provide a firm background in materials science.

Academics
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Undergraduate Study
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Materials Science and Engineering (BS)
Curriculum & Requirements

We empower our students to become whole-brain engineers by integrating elements of left-brain thinking (analysis, logic, and math) with the high-level right-brain thinking that fosters intuition and creativity. The required and recommended courses have been selected to give students a broad exposure to various aspects of engineering and a firm background for materials science and engineering.

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.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 48 courses, including the following:

Core Courses (32 courses)

  • Mathematics (4 courses)
  • Engineering analysis and computer proficiency (4 courses)
  • Basic sciences (4 courses)
  • Design and communications (3 courses)
  • Basic engineering (5 courses)
  • Social sciences/humanities (7 courses)
  • Unrestricted electives (5 courses)

Materials Science and Engineering Major (16 courses)

Technical Electives (5 courses)

These technical electives in engineering, natural sciences (usually chemistry or physics), and mathematics are chosen to fulfill an area of concentration.

  • No more than 2 of the 5 courses may be 200-level courses.
  • At least 2 of the 5 must be 300-level materials science and engineering courses.
  • Examples of programs for concentrations in bio-materials, design and manufacturing, electronic materials, metals and ceramics, nanomaterials, polymeric materials, and surface science are described in a departmental manual for degree candidates.
  • No more than 1 unit of 399 may be counted.

Additional Information

For more information about the BS in materials science and engineering and its requirements, please review the course sequence and pre-requisites document. Use the downloadable four-year course sequence spreadsheet to plan coursework.