Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-12-15 | - |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This Ph.D. program in Materials Science and Engineering offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of materials science, including ceramics, polymers, and semiconductors. Students engage in interdisciplinary research, collaborate with industry partners, and have access to state-of-the-art facilities. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, development, and academia, with potential career paths in materials engineering, research science, and professorship.
Program Outline
Outline:
Content:
- Ceramics
- Computational material science
- Composites
- Corrosion
- Electrical, optical, magnetic materials
- Growth and synthesis
- Joining
- Materials for energy
- Metals
- Materials characterization and microscopy
- Nanomaterials
- Phase transformations
- Photonics
- Polymers and biomaterials
- Materials for nuclear energy
- Quantum computing
- Self-assembly
- Semiconductors
- Structural materials and mechanical properties
- Surfaces and interfaces
- Sustainability
- Thin films
- Wear
Structure:
- Face-to-Face
- Evening/Weekend
- Online
- Hybrid
- Accelerated
Course Schedule:
Program:
Materials Research Seminar
(12 credits)
Materials Core Courses
(29 credits)
- Advanced Polymeric Materials
- Thermodynamics of Solids
- Structure of Materials
- Advanced Materials Science: Phase Transformations
Graduate Level Math Course
(students may only count one of the following as materials core course)
- Engineering Analysis I
- Intermediate Problems in Chemical Engineering
- Methods of Applied Mathematics 1
- Methods of Applied Mathematics-2
- Theoretical Physics-Electrodynamics
Materials Electives Courses
(36 credits)
Additional Coursework and/or Research Credits
(425 credits)
Breadth Requirement
(9 credits) Program:
Materials Research Seminar
(6 credits)
Materials Core Courses
(23 credits)
- Advanced Polymeric Materials
- Thermodynamics of Solids
- Structure of Materials
- Advanced Materials Science: Phase Transformations
Materials Electives Courses
(36 credits)
Additional Coursework and/or Research Credits
(425 credits)
Breadth Requirement
(9 credits)
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
Materials Research Seminar:
- Students present their research and discuss current topics in materials science and engineering.
Advanced Polymeric Materials:
- Covers the synthesis, characterization, and properties of polymeric materials.
Thermodynamics of Solids:
- Examines the thermodynamic principles governing the behavior of solids.
Structure of Materials:
- Explores the atomic and molecular structure of materials.
Advanced Materials Science: Phase Transformations:
- Investigates the principles and applications of phase transformations in materials.
Engineering Analysis I:
- Introduces the fundamental principles of engineering analysis.
Intermediate Problems in Chemical Engineering:
- Covers advanced topics in chemical engineering.
Methods of Applied Mathematics 1:
- Provides an introduction to the mathematical methods used in applied mathematics.
Methods of Applied Mathematics-2:
- Continues the study of mathematical methods used in applied mathematics.
Theoretical Physics-Electrodynamics:
- Examines the fundamental principles of electrodynamics.
Materials Electives Courses:
- Special Topics in Materials Science and Engineering
- Polymeric Materials
- Nuclear Engineering Materials
- Principles of Corrosion
- Introduction to Thin-Film Deposition Processes
- Deformation of Solids
- Crystallography and X-Ray Diffraction
- Introduction to Ceramic Materials
- Electronic, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Materials
- Introduction to Computational Materials Science and Engineering
- Advanced Metal Casting
- Welding Metallurgy
- Materials for Elevated Temperature Service
- Fundamentals of Heat Treatment
- Rock Mechanics
- Advanced Polymeric Materials
- Thermodynamics of Solids
- Heterogeneous and Multiphase Materials
- Materials Fundamentals
- Structure of Materials
- Nanomaterials & Nanotechnology
- Fundamentals of Atomistic Modeling
- Properties of Solid Surfaces
- Advanced X-ray Scattering Methods in Materials Science and Engineering
- Mesoscale Modeling of Materials
- Structural Analysis of Materials
- Imperfections and Mechanical Properties
- Advanced Materials Science: Phase Transformations
- Structure and Properties of Advanced Electronic Materials
- Molecular Modeling of Materials
- Special Topics in Materials Science
- Biological Interactions with Materials
- Tissue Mechanics
- Chemical Biology
- Polymer Science and Technology
- Advanced Colloid and Interface Science
- Chemistry of Inorganic Materials
- Chemistry of Nanoscale Materials
- Chemistry of Polymers
- Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules
- Instrumental Analysis
- Solid State Electronics
- Crystal Chemistry
- Thermal Physics
- Solid State Physics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Advanced Solid State Physics
Assessment:
Qualifying Exam:
- Students must pass a qualifying exam in Materials Science and Engineering within 13 months of starting their first semester.
Preliminary Exam / Thesis Proposal Exam:
- Students must pass a preliminary exam / thesis proposal exam by the end of their fourth semester.
Thesis Defense:
- Students must prepare a doctoral dissertation, present it in a public seminar, defend it in closed examination by their doctoral committee, and deposit it with the Graduate School.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Laboratories
- Research projects
Faculty:
- Michael Arnold
- Sue Babcock
- Chang-Beom Eom
- Paul Evans
- Padma Gopalan
- Sindo Kou
- Rod Lakes
- Dane Morgan
- John Perepezko
- Kumar Sridharan
- Donald Stone
- Izabela Szlufarska
- Dan Thoma
- Paul Voyles
- Xudong Wang
Unique Approaches:
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary research
- Collaboration with industry partners
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Research scientist
- Development engineer
- Materials engineer
- Professor
- Consultant
Opportunities:
- Employment in academia, industry, and government
- Opportunities for postdoctoral research
- Fellowships and grants for research and professional development
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Overview:
University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research enterprise, and vibrant campus life. The university is guided by the Wisconsin Idea, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of using knowledge to improve the lives of people beyond the campus.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing centers, and career services.Student Life:
Student organizations, recreational facilities, cultural events, and health services.Technology:
Access to computer labs, online resources, and software.Housing:
On-campus residence halls and off-campus housing options.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at UW–Madison can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a lively social scene. The city of Madison offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
UW–Madison is home to a wide range of academic programs, including highly ranked programs in engineering, business, medicine, and the humanities.Research Opportunities:
The university is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research projects.Wisconsin Idea:
The university's commitment to public service provides students with opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.Vibrant Campus Life:
UW–Madison offers a lively and engaging campus experience with a diverse student body, a wide range of student organizations, and a variety of cultural events.Location:
Madison is a beautiful and vibrant city with a strong sense of community.Academic Programs:
UW–Madison offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Engineering:
The College of Engineering is highly ranked and offers programs in areas such as computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.Business:
The Wisconsin School of Business is known for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.Medicine:
The School of Medicine and Public Health is a leading institution in medical research and education.Humanities:
The university offers a wide range of programs in the humanities, including English, history, philosophy, and art history.Other:
Athletics:
UW–Madison is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletic tradition.Alumni Network:
The university has a large and active alumni network, providing students with valuable connections after graduation.Sustainability:
UW–Madison is committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.Entry Requirements:
- Applicants normally are expected to have a B.S. in the physical sciences or engineering.
- Undergraduate studies normally would include mathematics through differential equations, at least one year each of general physics and chemistry, a course in physical chemistry or modern physics, and an elementary course in properties of materials.
- Applicants may be admitted with deficiencies. These must be made up as soon as possible after entering the program.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency).