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Thomas H. Sanders, Jr.
Have you ever wondered why ceramics are hard and brittle while metals tend to be ductile? Why some materials conduct heat or electricity while others are insulators? Why adding just a small amount of carbon to iron results in an alloy that is so much stronger than the base metal? In this course, you will learn how a material’s properties are determined by the microstructure of the material, which is in turn determined by composition and the processing that the material has undergone.
Read more
Have you ever wondered why ceramics are hard and brittle while metals tend to be ductile? Why some materials conduct heat or electricity while others are insulators? Why adding just a small amount of carbon to iron results in an alloy that is so much stronger than the base metal? In this course, you will learn how a material’s properties are determined by the microstructure of the material, which is in turn determined by composition and the processing that the material has undergone.
Read more
Have you ever wondered why ceramics are hard and brittle while metals tend to be ductile? Why some materials conduct heat or electricity while others are insulators? Why adding just a small amount of carbon to iron results in an alloy that is so much stronger than the base metal? In this course, you will learn how a material’s properties are determined by the microstructure of the material, which is in turn determined by composition and the processing that the material has undergone.
This is the first of three Coursera courses that mirror the Introduction to Materials Science class that is taken by most engineering undergrads at Georgia Tech. The aim of the course is to help students better understand the engineering materials that are used in the world around them. This first section covers the fundamentals of materials science including atomic structure and bonding, crystal structure, atomic and microscopic defects, and noncrystalline materials such as glasses, rubbers, and polymers.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/qp3rm3/material
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction [Difficulty: Easy || Student Effort: 1hr 30mins]
This module will introduce the core principles of materials science. Topics that will be covered include the different general material types (metal, ceramic, polymer, etc.) and the properties associated with each type, some methods that are used to experimentally determine and quantify a material's properties, and how a materials engineer might go about choosing a suitable material for a simple application. This module also introduces the concept of the microstructure-processing-properties relationship which is at the heart of all materials science.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction [Difficulty: Easy || Student Effort: 1hr 30mins]
This module will introduce the core principles of materials science. Topics that will be covered include the different general material types (metal, ceramic, polymer, etc.) and the properties associated with each type, some methods that are used to experimentally determine and quantify a material's properties, and how a materials engineer might go about choosing a suitable material for a simple application. This module also introduces the concept of the microstructure-processing-properties relationship which is at the heart of all materials science.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces learners to the core principles of materials science, making it ideal for beginners with no prior background in the field
Taught by Thomas H. Sanders, Jr., who are recognized for their work in the field of materials science, ensuring learners will be taught by an expert in the field
Develops a strong foundation in the atomic structure, bonding, crystal structure, point defects, and diffusion, which are essential concepts for understanding the properties of materials
Covers both crystalline and noncrystalline materials, providing a comprehensive understanding of the different types of materials and their properties
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Reviews summary
Foundations in material behavior
According to learners, this course provides a positive and solid foundation in materials science fundamentals, particularly for those new to the subject or needing a refresher. Students say the instructor is knowledgeable and engaging, making complex topics like atomic bonding and crystal structures understandable. The course content is generally well-structured, progressing logically through modules covering different material types and defects. While many find the explanations clear and concise, some reviewers mention that the quizzes and assignments can be challenging and occasionally require significant effort or external resources to fully grasp. Overall, it's seen as a valuable introduction, especially for engineering students or professionals, although learners should be prepared for a rigorous learning experience.
Course follows a logical, organized flow.
"The course structure is very logical, building knowledge step-by-step."
"Modules progress in a clear and organized fashion."
"I liked how the topics flowed from one module to the next."
"The syllabus outlines the course well and it follows through."
"Content was presented in a structured and easy-to-follow manner."
Topics are explained clearly and concisely.
"The explanations were very clear and easy to understand."
"Complex topics are broken down well."
"I found the way the concepts were explained very helpful."
"Lectures present the information in a concise manner."
"Everything was explained thoroughly but not overly complicated."
Instructor is clear, knowledgeable, and engaging.
"The instructor was great at explaining complex topics."
"Professor is very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject."
"His lectures were easy to follow and understand."
"The professor kept the content interesting and well-paced."
"I appreciated the instructor's clear explanations and examples."
Provides strong basics in materials science.
"This course provides a very solid foundation in the basic concepts of Materials Science."
"It is a great introduction to Material science field."
"I feel I have a much better grasp of the fundamentals now."
"Provides a strong understanding of atomic structure, bonding, and crystal structures."
"I highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to start learning about material behavior."
Quizzes and homework require significant effort.
"The assignments and quizzes were significantly harder than the lectures prepared you for."
"Sometimes the quizzes require knowledge not fully covered in lectures."
"I had to spend a lot of time on external resources to solve the homework problems."
"Assignments could be quite challenging, pushing me to think deeply."
"The quizzes test your understanding but sometimes felt a bit disconnected."
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 Material Behavior with these
activities:
Review course syllabus and compile required materials
Show steps
Reinforce knowledge of course structure and requirements
Show steps
-
Read through the course syllabus carefully
-
Identify required textbooks and online resources
-
Gather necessary supplies such as notebooks, pens, and a calculator
-
Organize materials in a dedicated study space
Create a materials science vocabulary notebook
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive understanding of key terms and concepts
Show steps
-
Start a dedicated notebook or digital document for vocabulary
-
Define key terms from each lecture and reading assignment
-
Include examples, diagrams, or explanations to enhance understanding
Solve practice problems on atomic structure and bonding
Show steps
Strengthen understanding of fundamental concepts through repetition
Browse courses on
Atomic Structure
Show steps
-
Find practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or previous exams
-
Attempt to solve the problems independently
-
Check solutions and review areas where improvement is needed
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve practice problems on point defects and diffusion
Show steps
Enhance problem-solving abilities related to point defects and diffusion
Show steps
-
Identify practice problems from textbooks or online resources
-
Attempt to solve the problems independently, focusing on applying concepts
-
Check solutions and analyze areas where improvement is required
Explore online tutorials on crystallography
Show steps
Deepen knowledge of crystal structure and its impact on materials properties
Browse courses on
Crystallography
Show steps
-
Search for reputable online tutorials on crystallography
-
Follow along with the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the concepts
-
Complete any quizzes or exercises associated with the tutorials
Compile a glossary of noncrystalline materials
Show steps
Expand knowledge of noncrystalline materials and their diverse properties
Show steps
-
Gather information from textbooks, research papers, and online sources
-
Create a table or database that includes material name, composition, structure, and properties
-
Organize the compilation in a user-friendly and accessible format
Develop a project showcasing the applications of defects in materials
Show steps
Apply knowledge of defects to practical applications and enhance problem-solving skills
Show steps
-
Identify a specific engineering or industrial application
-
Research the role of defects in enhancing or hindering the application
-
Design a project that demonstrates the application of the defect in the context
-
Create a presentation or report summarizing the project findings
Connect with professionals in the field of materials science
Show steps
Gain insights from experienced individuals and build a network for future opportunities
Show steps
-
Attend industry events and conferences
-
Reach out to professors, researchers, or engineers in the field
-
Join professional organizations related to materials science
Review course syllabus and compile required materials
Show steps
Reinforce knowledge of course structure and requirements
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the course syllabus carefully
- Identify required textbooks and online resources
- Gather necessary supplies such as notebooks, pens, and a calculator
- Organize materials in a dedicated study space
Create a materials science vocabulary notebook
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive understanding of key terms and concepts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Start a dedicated notebook or digital document for vocabulary
- Define key terms from each lecture and reading assignment
- Include examples, diagrams, or explanations to enhance understanding
Solve practice problems on atomic structure and bonding
Show steps
Strengthen understanding of fundamental concepts through repetition
Browse courses on
Atomic Structure
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or previous exams
- Attempt to solve the problems independently
- Check solutions and review areas where improvement is needed
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve practice problems on point defects and diffusion
Show steps
Enhance problem-solving abilities related to point defects and diffusion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify practice problems from textbooks or online resources
- Attempt to solve the problems independently, focusing on applying concepts
- Check solutions and analyze areas where improvement is required
Explore online tutorials on crystallography
Show steps
Deepen knowledge of crystal structure and its impact on materials properties
Browse courses on
Crystallography
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable online tutorials on crystallography
- Follow along with the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the concepts
- Complete any quizzes or exercises associated with the tutorials
Compile a glossary of noncrystalline materials
Show steps
Expand knowledge of noncrystalline materials and their diverse properties
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information from textbooks, research papers, and online sources
- Create a table or database that includes material name, composition, structure, and properties
- Organize the compilation in a user-friendly and accessible format
Develop a project showcasing the applications of defects in materials
Show steps
Apply knowledge of defects to practical applications and enhance problem-solving skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific engineering or industrial application
- Research the role of defects in enhancing or hindering the application
- Design a project that demonstrates the application of the defect in the context
- Create a presentation or report summarizing the project findings
Connect with professionals in the field of materials science
Show steps
Gain insights from experienced individuals and build a network for future opportunities
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend industry events and conferences
- Reach out to professors, researchers, or engineers in the field
- Join professional organizations related to materials science
Career center
Learners who complete Material Behavior will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineer
A Material Engineer will learn how the process of adding a small amount of carbon to iron results in an alloy that is much stronger than the base metal. This knowledge may help them advance their career in the development of new materials and material production.
Ceramics Engineer
Ceramics Engineer
A Ceramics Engineer will gain a deep understanding on why ceramics are hard and brittle, while metals tend to be more ductile in this course. This knowledge will help Ceramics Engineers find innovative ways to design ceramics for different applications in various industries.
Metallurgical Engineer
Metallurgical Engineer
This course will help future Metallurgical Engineers understand the microstructure of materials and how the processing of these materials determine their properties. This knowledge can help Metallurgical Engineers to design and develop new materials with improved properties.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
Material Scientists will learn how the microstructure of a material determines its characteristics as well as what types of materials are best suited for different products. This knowledge will be valuable to Materials Scientists as they work to create new materials.
Polymer Scientist
Polymer Scientist
Polymer Scientists may take this course to learn about the fundamentals of materials science, including noncrystalline materials such as polymers. This knowledge will help Polymer Scientists research and develop new polymers with improved properties.
Materials Science Teacher
Materials Science Teacher
Materials Science Teachers can use this course to enhance their knowledge of material science and how to teach it effectively. This knowledge will be vital for the development of the next generation of materials scientists and engineers.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers who are interested in the materials used in nuclear power plants may find this course useful as it covers the fundamentals of materials science, including the properties of different materials.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers who specialize in writing about materials science may find this course useful as it covers the fundamentals of materials science. This knowledge will help Technical Writers to write more accurate and informative content about this subject.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers who specialize in writing about materials science may find this course useful as it covers the fundamentals of materials science. This knowledge will help Science Writers to write more accurate and informative content about this subject.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys who specialize in materials science may find this course useful as it covers the fundamentals of materials science. This knowledge will help Patent Attorneys to better understand the patents they are working on.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
This course may be useful to Chemical Engineers who are interested in understanding the relationship between the properties of materials and their microstructure. This knowledge can help Chemical Engineers to design and develop new materials for use in chemical processes.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers who wish to specialize in material science may find this course useful as it covers the fundamentals of materials science and how a materials engineer might choose a suitable material for a simple application.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers who are interested in the materials used in construction may find this course useful as it covers the fundamentals of materials science, including the properties of different materials.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers who are interested in the materials used in electrical devices may find this course useful as it covers the fundamentals of materials science, including the properties of different materials.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers who are interested in the materials used in aircraft and spacecraft may find this course useful as it covers the fundamentals of materials science, including the properties of different materials.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qp3rm3/material
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
Material Behavior.
This comprehensive textbook provides a comprehensive overview of materials science and engineering is intended for undergraduate students and practitioners with limited background in materials science and engineering.
A comprehensive textbook that delves into the principles and applications of materials science. It covers topics like thermodynamics, kinetics, and the electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of materials.
An introductory textbook that covers topics like atomic bonding, crystal structures, phase diagrams, and mechanical properties of materials. It provides a broad overview and is commonly used in materials science and engineering courses.
An accessible textbook that emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of materials science and engineering. It is suitable for beginners and provides a strong foundation in the field.
A specialized book that provides an in-depth understanding of crystallography and crystal defects. It valuable resource for those interested in the structure and properties of crystalline materials.
Save
A textbook that focuses on the chemical principles behind the synthesis and properties of materials. It provides a strong foundation in the fundamental concepts and applications of materials chemistry.
A practical book that covers various techniques used to characterize materials. It provides a comprehensive overview of characterization methods and their applications in materials science and engineering.
A timely book that explores the role of materials in sustainable development. It provides insights into the environmental and social implications of materials use and discusses strategies for sustainable materials management.
A specialized book that focuses on the phase transformations that occur in metals and alloys. It valuable resource for understanding the microstructure and properties of these materials.
A comprehensive textbook that covers the synthesis, properties, and applications of polymers. It provides a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles and practical aspects of polymer science.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qp3rm3/material
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