Materials science
Undergraduate · Engineering
Syllabus focus
Standard syllabus · STEM / applied
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Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Atomic structure and bonding
- Atomic structure and the periodic table for engineers
- Primary and secondary bonding mechanisms
- Crystalline versus amorphous solids
- Crystal structures: BCC, FCC, HCP and packing factors
- Miller indices for planes and directions
- Point defects: vacancies and interstitials
- Linear defects: edge and screw dislocations
- Planar defects: grain boundaries and stacking faults
- Diffusion mechanisms and Fick's first law (intro)
- Phase diagrams: unary and binary eutectic systems
Mechanical properties and failure
- Stress-strain curves: elastic and plastic regions
- Young's modulus, yield strength, and ultimate strength
- Ductility, toughness, and hardness measurements
- Tension, compression, and shear test interpretation
- Fatigue: S-N curves and endurance limit concepts
- Creep and stress rupture at elevated temperature
- Fracture modes: ductile and brittle failure
- Impact testing and Charpy energy
- Strengthening mechanisms: solid solution, precipitation
- Cold working and grain size effects on strength
STEM / applied
Material classes and selection
- Ferrous alloys: carbon steels and stainless steels
- Nonferrous metals: aluminum, copper, and titanium
- Polymers: thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers
- Ceramics and glasses: properties and applications
- Composites: fiber-reinforced polymer overview
- Ashby charts and material selection methodology
- Cost, availability, and manufacturability trade-offs
- Corrosion mechanisms and protection strategies
- Recycling, sustainability, and life-cycle thinking
- Case studies: aerospace, biomedical, and civil materials
Processing and characterization
- Casting, forging, rolling, and extrusion processes
- Machining, welding, and additive manufacturing overview
- Heat treatment of steels: quench and temper
- Microscopy: optical and SEM at survey level
- X-ray diffraction for phase identification (intro)
- Nondestructive testing: UT, radiography overview
- Lab reports: property measurement and error analysis
- Material standards (ASTM) and data sheets
- Failure analysis workflow from fractured components
- Design project: material choice with justification
Notes
Topics reflect common engineering syllabi at US colleges and universities. Exact order, depth, and applied emphasis vary by institution, department, and instructor.