Material Behavior from Coursera

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.

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.

Atomic Structure and Bonding [Difficulty: Easy || Student Effort: 2hrs]

In this module, we will discuss the structure of the atom, how atoms interact with each other, and how those interactions affect material properties. We will explore how the types of atoms present in a material determine what kind of bonding occurs, what differentiates the three types of primary bonds - metallic, ionic, and covalent, and the implications of the type of bonding on the material microstructure. You will learn how atoms arrange themselves as a natural result of their size and bonding. This knowledge will provide you with a foundation for understanding the relationship between a material's microstructure and its properties.

Crystalline Structure [Level of Difficulty: Medium || Student Effort: 2hrs 30mins]

This module covers how atoms are arranged in crystalline materials. Many of the materials that we deal with on a daily basis are crystalline, meaning that they are made up of a regularly repeating array of atoms. The "building block" of a crystal, which is called the Bravais lattice, dtermines some of the physical properties of a material. An understanding of these crystallographic principles will be vital to discussions of defects and diffusion, which are covered in the next module.

Point Defects and Diffusion [Level of Difficulty: Medium || Student Effort: 2hrs 30mins]

In the previous module, we learned how the lattice structure of a crystalline material in part determines the properties of that material. In this module, we will begin to learn how defects - deviations from the expected microstructure - also have a large effect on properties. This module covers one-dimensional, or point, defects which can be missing atoms (vacancies) or excess atoms (interstitial solution) or the wrong type of atom at a lattice point (substitutional solution). Building on these concepts, part of this module will cover diffusion - the movement of atoms through the crystal structure.

Linear, Planar, and Volumetric Defects [Level of Difficulty: Medium || Student Effort: 2hrs 40mins]

This module covers two- and three-dimensional defects such as dislocations, grain boundaries, and precipitates. The discussion extends to explain how deformation of a material is accommodated at the microscopic level. We will finish by addressing how the presence and properties of defects can increase or decrease the strength of a material.

Noncrystalline and Semicrystalline Materials [Level of Difficulty: Medium || Student Effort: 2hrs 30mins]

In this module, we discuss materials that are not fully crystalline, such as polymers, rubbers, and glasses. You will learn how the absence of crystallinity affects the behavior of these materials and what factors affect their formation and properties. Lessons include discussions of the microstructure and defects in amorphous materials, partial cystallinity in polymers, and demonstrations of materials exhibiting ductile and brittle behavior at different temperatures.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Highly regarded material behavior course

Learners largely agree that this course is engaging and highly informative, well received by learners, and perfect for beginners in material science and engineering. The course delves into the basics of materials, including their structure and behavior, with a focus on metals. The professor receives high praise for explaining concepts clearly and enthusiastically. The course includes practical examples and diagrams to enhance understanding.

Several reviews (5+) suggest that this course is best suited for those who are new to material science.

"Overall it was a great course for me. The practical applications and diagrams were useful to increase understanding."

"However, in my opinion, I was not able to fully grasp some of the more difficult concepts, which require much more in-depth explanations."

"This course provides some interesting presentation of materials behavior. The level is more intermediate than introductory: taking UC Davis' introductory course "Materials science: 10 things every engineers should know" is probably useful if you don't have any background in the field."

Many learners (10+) appreciate the professor's teaching style and ability to explain concepts clearly.

"Mr. Sanders shows excellent understanding of the course material and is well capable of explaining it in great detail without losing my attention. I will gladly take a similar course with an equally proficient instructor such as him. "

"I have learnt various concepts of Material Science. I have thoroughly enjoyed this course."

"The teaching style was great. I loved the practical examples given by the teacher .had a great experience by completing this course. Thanks Georgia tech for publishing such a great course on course era platform so we as an international students can access it easily."

Crystallography is considered very important with many reviews (25+) mentioning it as a key part of understanding material behavior.

"This was very useful for me to understand the material behavior , crystal structure of various material , material type after that got the sufficient knowledge about material behavior."

"Learned various important concepts regarding the structure of a Material, How Defects affect the Properties of Materials, Application Based designing of a Material and so on Thanks a Lot for This Fantastic Course Coursera !!!"

"This course gave me clear insights about the microstructural influences and overall control on mechanical behavior of various material classes. I recommend a Material Science enthusiast to enroll to this course. I am very Thankful :)"

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

Career center

Learners who complete Material Behavior will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Metallurgical 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ceramics Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Polymer Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Science Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer