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Fundamentals of Materials Science

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 170 ratings
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Kolan M. Reddy, Liu Jing, and Qiang Guo

Materials are the physical foundations for the development of science and technology. The human civilizations are historically designated by the evolution of materials, such as the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. Nowadays, materials science and technology support most of the industrial sectors, including aerospace, telecommunications, transportation, architecture, infrastructure and so on. Fundamentals of Materials Science is a core module for undergraduates majored in materials science and engineering. This English course will be taught by Prof. Guo Qiang, Prof. Reddy and Prof. Liu Jing from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. An integrated approach of combining metallic, ceramic and polymeric materials will be adopted in this course, for the attendants to attain a deep understanding on the correlation of composition, microstructure, processing and properties in materials science. Let’s gather in this course and explore the wonderland of materials together.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1
In week 1, you will get a brief introduction to materials science, as well as part 1 of module 1 including atomic bonding in solids, crystal lattices, and crystal structures of metals.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers the structure and properties of metals, ceramics, and polymers
Explores the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of materials
Examines the principles of materials processing and fabrication
Introduces the fundamentals of materials science and engineering
Provides a solid foundation for further study in materials science
Taught by experienced professors from Shanghai Jiao Tong University

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Reviews summary

Foundational materials science core principles

According to learners, Fundamentals of Materials Science offers a comprehensive and academically rigorous foundation in the field. Students largely praise its strong theoretical depth, covering everything from atomic bonding to phase transformations. The structured weekly modules are often noted as helpful for progressive learning. However, some learners caution that the course can be dense and abstract, potentially requiring a solid prior understanding of science to fully grasp. While it excels in foundational knowledge, a common feedback point is a limited focus on real-world applications or hands-on activities. Overall, it's considered an excellent resource for building core materials science concepts, though its academic focus means it may be challenging for complete beginners without a strong background.
Quality of explanations varied between different professors.
"Prof. Guo Qiang's lectures were <span class="positive">exceptionally clear and engaging, making complex topics understandable."
"I noticed that the <span class="neutral">clarity of explanations varied depending on which professor was teaching a module."
"Some modules felt <span class="neutral">more polished and easier to follow due to the instructor's delivery than others."
Covers a wide range of essential topics in materials science.
"The <span class="positive">syllabus is incredibly comprehensive, covering all major material types effectively."
"I was impressed by the <span class="positive">breadth of topics covered, from atomic bonding to phase diagrams."
"It's a <span class="positive">well-rounded introduction that provides a holistic view of materials engineering."
Provides a deep understanding of core materials science principles.
"This course provides an <span class="positive">excellent theoretical foundation for understanding materials science; I found it incredibly thorough."
"I gained a <span class="positive">deep understanding of core principles from this course, especially in crystal structures."
"It truly helped me build a <span class="positive">solid conceptual understanding in materials science."
Focuses heavily on theory with fewer practical applications or labs.
"While the theory is strong, I wished for <span class="warning">more real-world examples and practical applications to connect concepts."
"I missed having <span class="warning">hands-on activities or lab simulations; it's very academic in its approach."
"I felt there could be more <span class="warning">case studies to show industrial relevance of these fundamentals."
The course can be quite abstract and challenging, requiring focus.
"I found some concepts <span class="warning">very abstract and difficult to grasp, requiring extra effort."
"The <span class="warning">pacing felt quite fast at times, and some topics were <span class="warning">dense, making it challenging for beginners."
"Be prepared for a <span class="warning">high level of theoretical detail; I needed to re-watch lectures often."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Materials Science with these activities:
Explore materials databases
Enhance research skills by becoming familiar with materials databases and their capabilities for materials property exploration.
Show steps
  • Identify and access reputable materials databases, such as the Materials Project and AFLOW.
  • Learn how to search and filter materials based on specific properties.
  • Retrieve and analyze materials data, such as crystal structures, electronic band structures, and mechanical properties.
Participate in a materials science discussion group
Engage in discussions with peers to exchange ideas, clarify concepts, and deepen understanding of materials science.
Browse courses on Materials Science
Show steps
  • Join a materials science discussion group or forum.
  • Participate in discussions by asking questions, sharing insights, and responding to others.
  • Collaborate on solving problems or exploring materials science topics together.
Read 'Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction'
Reinforce foundational knowledge and gain a comprehensive understanding of materials science concepts.
View Materials Science and Engineering: An... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the assigned chapters and take notes on key concepts.
  • Summarize the main ideas and principles discussed in each chapter.
  • Complete the review questions and exercises at the end of each chapter.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice lattice geometry
Practice recognizing and understanding crystal lattice geometry and their impact on materials properties.
Browse courses on Crystal Structures
Show steps
  • Identify the Miller indices of various lattice planes.
  • Determine the symmetry operations and point groups for different crystal lattices.
  • Construct reciprocal lattices for simple cubic, body-centered cubic, and face-centered cubic structures.
Create a materials infographic
Develop a creative and concise visual representation to synthesize and showcase the key concepts of materials science.
Browse courses on Materials Science
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on the different types of materials and their properties.
  • Brainstorm and select the most important concepts to include.
  • Design and create the infographic using appropriate visuals and text.
  • Present the infographic to classmates or share it online.
Attend a materials science workshop or conference
Expand knowledge and network with experts in the field by attending materials science events.
Browse courses on Materials Science
Show steps
  • Identify relevant materials science workshops or conferences.
  • Register and attend the event.
  • Participate in presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities.
Solve for point defects
Enhance understanding of point defects, their formation energies, and their effect on material properties.
Show steps
  • Calculate the concentration of vacancies and interstitials as a function of temperature.
  • Determine the formation energy of vacancies and interstitials using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
  • Analyze the impact of point defects on material properties such as electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity.
Build a simple battery
Gain hands-on experience with materials science by constructing a functional battery and understanding its underlying principles.
Browse courses on Electrochemistry
Show steps
  • Research different types of batteries and select appropriate materials.
  • Design and assemble the battery components, including electrodes, electrolyte, and separator.
  • Test the battery's performance, including voltage, capacity, and charge-discharge cycles.
  • Analyze the results and troubleshoot any issues.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Materials Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Materials Scientist
A Materials Scientist is an expert on the development and application of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and more. They use their knowledge of materials and how they behave to design and create new materials that meet specific requirements. This course is a great introduction to the field of materials science, and it will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Materials Scientist. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist
Ceramics Engineer
A Ceramics Engineer designs, develops, and tests ceramic materials and products. They use their knowledge of ceramics to create new materials that are stronger, lighter, and more durable. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Ceramics Engineer. You will learn about the different types of ceramics, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ceramics Engineer
Metallurgical Engineer
A Metallurgical Engineer designs, develops, and tests metal materials and products. They use their knowledge of metals to create new materials that are stronger, lighter, and more durable. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Metallurgical Engineer. You will learn about the different types of metals, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Metallurgical Engineer
Polymer Scientist
A Polymer Scientist designs, develops, and tests polymer materials and products. They use their knowledge of polymers to create new materials that are stronger, lighter, and more durable. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Polymer Scientist. You will learn about the different types of polymers, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Polymer Scientist
Materials Engineer
A Materials Engineer designs, develops, and tests materials for use in a variety of applications. They use their knowledge of materials science to create new materials that meet specific requirements. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Materials Engineer. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and tests machines and other mechanical devices. They use their knowledge of materials science to select the right materials for their designs. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Mechanical Engineer. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer designs, builds, and maintains infrastructure projects, such as bridges, buildings, and roads. They use their knowledge of materials science to select the right materials for their designs. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Civil Engineer. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer
Chemical Engineer
A Chemical Engineer designs, develops, and operates chemical plants and processes. They use their knowledge of materials science to select the right materials for their designs. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Chemical Engineer. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer designs, develops, and tests aircraft and spacecraft. They use their knowledge of materials science to select the right materials for their designs. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as an Aerospace Engineer. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
A Biomedical Engineer designs, develops, and tests medical devices and implants. They use their knowledge of materials science to select the right materials for their designs. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Biomedical Engineer. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
A Nuclear Engineer designs, develops, and operates nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. They use their knowledge of materials science to select the right materials for their designs. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Nuclear Engineer. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer
Materials Science Teacher
A Materials Science Teacher teaches students about the properties and applications of materials. They use their knowledge of materials science to create lesson plans and activities that help students learn about this field. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Materials Science Teacher. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Science Teacher
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist conducts research on new materials and technologies. They use their knowledge of materials science to develop new products and processes. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Research Scientist. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates written materials, such as manuals, reports, and articles, about technical subjects. They use their knowledge of materials science to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way. This course will give you the foundation you need to succeed as a Technical Writer. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Patent Attorney
A Patent Attorney helps inventors protect their intellectual property. They use their knowledge of materials science to understand the inventions and write patent applications. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in a career as a Patent Attorney. You will learn about the different types of materials, their properties, and how they can be used to create new products and technologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Materials Science.
Materials Science and Engineering
Save
Comprehensive textbook that covers the fundamentals of materials science and engineering. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the subject.
Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction
Hardcover
$$$$
Callister's Materials Science and Engineering:...
Paperback
$$$
Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction
Loose Leaf
$$$$
Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering:...
Paperback
$$$
Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction,...
Hardcover
$$$$
Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering:...
Hardcover
$$$$
Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering:...
Hardcover
$$$$
Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction
Loose Leaf
$$$$
Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering:...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
WileyPLUS Single Semester Access Card for Materials...
Printed Access Code
$$$
Cover image
Biomaterials
Save
Comprehensive textbook that covers the fundamentals of materials for biomedical engineering. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the topic.
Biomaterials
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Conventional and Organic Farming: A Comprehensive...
Save
Comprehensive reference book on polymer science. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the topic.
Conventional and Organic Farming: A Comprehensive...
Hardcover
$$$
Conventional and Organic Farming: A Comprehensive...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Mechanical Behavior of Materials
Save
Comprehensive textbook that covers the fundamentals of mechanical behavior of materials. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the topic.
Mechanical Behavior of Materials
Paperback
Check
Mechanical Behavior of Materials
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Advances in Corrosion Science and Technology
Save
Comprehensive textbook that covers the fundamentals of corrosion engineering. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the topic.
Advances in Corrosion Science and Technology
Paperback
Check
Advances in Corrosion Science and Technology
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
ISTFA 2019: Proceedings of the 45th International...
Save
Comprehensive reference book on diffusion in materials. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the topic.
ISTFA 2019: Proceedings of the 45th International...
Paperback
Check
ISTFA 2019: Proceedings of the 45th International...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Ceramic Materials
Save
Comprehensive textbook that covers the fundamentals of ceramic materials. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the topic.
Ceramic Materials: Science and Engineering
Hardcover
$$$
Ceramic Materials
Paperback
$$$
Ceramic Materials: Science and Engineering
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Materials Selection in Mechanical Design
Save
Practical guide to materials selection in mechanical design. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the topic.
Materials Selection in Mechanical Design
Paperback
Check
Materials Selection in Mechanical Design
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Science and Engineering of Materials, Enhanced,...
Save
More concise introduction to materials science and engineering. It would be a good choice for students who want to get a basic understanding of the subject.
The Science and Engineering of Materials, Enhanced,...
Paperback
$$$
The Science and Engineering of Materials, Enhanced,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers,...
Save
More applied introduction to materials science and engineering. It would be a good choice for students who are interested in learning about the practical applications of materials science.
Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers,...
Paperback
Check
Introduction to Materials Science for Engineers,...
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
19 hours to complete
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Instructors
Kolan M. Reddy
Liu Jing
Qiang Guo
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers the structure and properties of metals, ceramics, and polymers
Explores the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of materials
Examines the principles of materials processing and fabrication
Introduces the fundamentals of materials science and engineering
Provides a solid foundation for further study in materials science
Taught by experienced professors from Shanghai Jiao Tong University
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