Program Overview

Introduction to the Undergraduate Major in Materials Science

The Undergraduate Major in Materials Science is designed to prepare students for research, professional practice, or advanced study in a rapidly advancing interdisciplinary field. The program focuses on the relationships between the properties of materials and their internal structure and how this structure can be controlled.

Aims and Scope

The aim of the Materials Science option is to develop analytical competence and use it for individualized research, culminating in a one-year senior thesis. Materials Science students develop professional independence, creativity, leadership, and the skills for continuing professional and intellectual growth.

Program Structure

The first year of the four-year course of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree is common for all students of the Institute, although first-year elective subjects are available as an introduction to various aspects of engineering and applied science. At the end of the first year, students who elect the Materials Science option are assigned advisers appropriate for their expressed field of interest. Together with their advisers, they develop programs of study for the next three years.

MS Option Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

1. Fulfillment of extended core requirements in:

• Differential Equations (Ma 2 or equivalent)
• Probability and Statistics (Ma 3 or equivalent)
• Waves (Ph 2 a, Ph 12 a or equivalent)
• Quantum Mechanics (Ph 2 b, Ph 12 b, Ch 21 a or equivalent)
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (Ph 2 c, Ph 12 c or equivalent)

2. Demonstration of competency in computer programming or computer science by taking CS 1, or by taking an approved alternative course, or by passing a placement exam administered by the computer science option.
3. 18 units of laboratory courses taken from a specified list, including:

• APh 77 bc
• Ae/APh 104 bc
• CE 180
• CS/CNS 171
• CS/CNS 174
• EE/CS 10ab
• EE 45
• EE 90
• EE 91 ab
• EE 110 abc
• ME 50 ab
• ME 72 ab
• MS 121
• MS/APh 122
• MS 125
• MS 142

4. ACM/IDS 104 and ACM 95/100 ab, or Ma 108 abc, or Ma 109 abc.
5. SEC 10 or equivalent; SEC 11, SEC 12, SEC 13 or equivalent.
6. APh 17 ab or ChE 63 ab or APh/MS/ME 105 ab.
7. MS 115 and MS/ME/MedE 116 and MS 90 (or other appropriate laboratory in MS).
8. At least 45 units of additional courses from a list of restricted electives, including:

• ACM/IDS 104
• Ae/AM/CE/ME 102 abc
• APh/MS/ME 105 abc
• APh 114 abc
• APh/EE 130
• APh/Ph/MS 152
• APh/Ph/Ae/MS 153
• APh/EE 183
• Ch 21 abc
• ChE/Ch/MS 113
• Ch 120 ab
• Ch 121 ab
• Ch 125 ab
• Ch/ChE 147
• ChE/Ch 148
• CS 11
• Ge 114 ab
• ME 12 abc
• MS 121
• MS 122
• MS 125
• MS 131
• MS 132
• MS 133
• APh/MS 141
• MS 142
• MS/ME 161
• MS/APh 162
• MS/ME 166
• Ph 125 abc

9. Senior thesis MS 78 abc.

MS Typical Course Schedule

The typical course schedule for the Undergraduate Major in Materials Science is as follows:

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

Conclusion

The Undergraduate Major in Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology is a comprehensive program that provides students with a strong foundation in the principles of materials science and prepares them for research, professional practice, or advanced study in this field. The program is designed to develop analytical competence, professional independence, creativity, leadership, and the skills for continuing professional and intellectual growth. With its rigorous curriculum and research opportunities, the Undergraduate Major in Materials Science is an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in this exciting and rapidly advancing field.