Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Materials, Metallurgical, Ceramics, and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. This program plays a crucial role in the development, utilization, and advancement of technology in every engineering discipline and society's way of life.

Program Overview

The department of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering offers two programs united in core beliefs to provide undergraduates with fundamental knowledge associated with materials processing and manufacturing in the context of sustainability, material properties, and materials selection and application. Graduates of either program will have the necessary background and skills for successful careers in a wide variety of engineering industries, including mining, aerospace, automotive, electronic, biomedical, and many more, or for pursuit of graduate education in materials research and technology development and related fields.

Program Educational Objectives

The programs have shared department educational objectives such that students graduating will:

• Obtain a range of positions in industry or government facilities or pursue graduate education in engineering, science, or other fields.
• Demonstrate advancement in their chosen careers.
• Engage in appropriate professional societies and continuing education activities.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will have:

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
• An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
• An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
• An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
• An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Curriculum

The Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME) curriculum is organized to educate students in the fundamentals of materials (MME Basics) and their applications (MME Applications).

MME Basics

The basic curriculum in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering program will provide a background in the following topic areas:

• Crystal Structures and Structural Analysis
• Thermodynamics of Materials
• Transport Phenomena and Kinetics
• Phase Equilibria
• Properties of Materials

MME Applications

The course content in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering program emphasizes the following applications:

• Materials Processing
• Design and Application of Materials
• Statistical Process Control and Design of Experiments

MME Curriculum Requirements

The Metallurgical and Materials Engineering course sequence is designed to fulfill the program goals and to satisfy the curriculum requirements. The time sequence of courses organized by degree program, year, and semester is listed below.

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering requires the completion of a specific set of courses, including:

• Freshman year: Principles of Chemistry, Calculus for Scientists and Engineers, Physics, and more.
• Sophomore year: Molecular Engineering & Materials Chemistry, Physics II, Engineered Materials, and more.
• Junior year: Mechanics of Materials, Metallurgical and Materials Kinetics, Statistical Process Control and Design of Experiments, and more.
• Senior year: Mechanical Properties of Materials, Transport Phenomena and Reactor Design, Materials Design, and more.

Five-Year Combined Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Baccalaureate and Master of Engineering

The departments of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and Physics collaborate to offer a five-year program designed to meet the needs of the electronics and similar high-tech industries. Students who satisfy the requirements of the program obtain an undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, or Ceramic Engineering in four years and a Master of Engineering degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at the end of the fifth year.

Admission Criteria

Application for admission to this program should be made during the first semester of the sophomore year. Undergraduate students admitted to the program must maintain a 3.0 grade-point average or better. The graduate segment of the program requires a case study report, submitted to the student's graduate advisor.

Research Areas

The program provides a strong background in science fundamentals as well as specialized training in the materials-science and processing needs of the electronics and similar high-tech industries. Research areas include:

• Materials Processing
• Design and Application of Materials
• Statistical Process Control and Design of Experiments
• Microstructural Development
• Electrical Properties and Applications of Materials
• Transport Phenomena and Reactor Design for Metallurgical and Materials Engineers
• Materials Design: Synthesis, Characterization, and Selection

Conclusion

The Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and applications of materials science and engineering, preparing them for successful careers in a wide range of industries or for further graduate study.