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Terry Alford

Periods of our civilization have names associated with materials – stone age, bronze age, iron age and the silicon age. Materials impact all aspects of your daily life and will continue to do so in the future. The more we understand materials, the more we imagine the future with fantastic devices and advancements enabled by materials. This initial specialization introduces a limited number of material science and engineering concepts. The topic presentations are at the concept level without being mired in heavy mathematics. Participation in each course is best done by initially having a firm sense of what MSE does and its impact on society. Topics in this specialization span from atom bonding and crystal structure to diffusion and phase diagrams. Some of the position titles that may benefit from this course include Materials Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer and Materials Quality Control. Others who want to explore the world of materials will find it helpful.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction
This course introduces students to the basic ideas of materials science and engineering. This course includes an introduction to the relationship between processing, properties, and structure. This course is different from many other courses in that it uses a rudimentary introduction of fundamental concepts materials selection. It also identifies the characteristics and properties of the different families of materials based on their interatomic bonding. Finally, we explore how materials properties vary across the periodic table.
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Module 1: Introduction to Specialization and Course
In this module, we will see a high-level overview of materials science and engineering and learn about materials selection, materials families, types of bonding and processing of materials.
Module 2: Atomic Structure and Interatomic Bonding I Property Relationships
In this module, we will learn about atomic structure, interatomic bonding and how the location of an element on the periodic table affects its chemical properties. Various examples are discussed.
Module 3: Atomic Structure
In this module, we learn about different kinds of atomic structures and the relationships between structure and properties of materials.
Module 4: Crystal Structures
In this module, we learn about different kinds of atomic structures, and the relationships between structure and properties of materials.
Module 5: Unit Cells
In this module, we discuss how to identify and locate positions in unit cells, and how to specify and identify directions in unit cells

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides foundational coverage of material science and engineering principles, which is standard in many engineering fields
Taught by Terry Alford, who has industry experience in Materials Engineering and has been teaching Materials Science for over 25 years
Introduces fundamental materials science and engineering concepts at a conceptual level, making it accessible to learners with no prior knowledge
Covers a range of topics, from atomic bonding and crystal structure to diffusion and phase diagrams, providing a comprehensive overview of the field
Explores the relationship between materials processing, properties, and structure, providing a holistic understanding of materials engineering
Suitable for learners with different backgrounds, including engineers, scientists, and those interested in exploring the field of materials science

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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 Introduction to Materials Science with these activities:
Review 'Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering'
This book is a great resource to review the fundamentals of materials science and engineering and will help students to build a strong foundation for the course.
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  • Read the book's introduction and first chapter to get an overview of the major topics covered in the course.
  • Identify the different types of materials covered in the book.
  • Summarize the key concepts discussed in each chapter.
  • Review the book's index to find specific topics that you may need more information on.
Find a mentor who can provide guidance and support on materials science and engineering topics
Finding a mentor can help students to connect with experienced professionals in the field and to get advice on their career and education.
Browse courses on Materials Science
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  • Network with people in the materials science and engineering field.
  • Ask people you know if they can recommend a mentor.
  • Contact potential mentors and ask if they are willing to mentor you.
Complete the 'Materials Science and Engineering' tutorial series on YouTube
This tutorial series will help students to learn the basics of materials science and engineering, including topics such as atomic structure, crystal structures, and mechanical properties.
Browse courses on Materials Science
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  • Watch the first video in the series to get an overview of the topics covered.
  • Follow along with the videos and take notes on the key concepts.
  • Pause the videos and try to solve the practice problems that are provided.
  • Review the videos and your notes after you have completed the series.
Five other activities
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Join a study group and discuss materials science and engineering concepts with other students
Joining a study group will help students to learn from each other and to get help with difficult concepts.
Browse courses on Materials Science
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  • Find a study group that meets regularly.
  • Attend the study group meetings and participate in the discussions.
  • Ask questions and share your knowledge with other students.
Create a compilation of resources on materials science and engineering
Creating a compilation of resources will help students to find and organize information on materials science and engineering topics.
Browse courses on Materials Science
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  • Search for online and print resources on materials science and engineering.
  • Organize the resources into a logical order.
  • Create a document or website to share the compilation with other students.
Solve practice problems on materials science and engineering concepts
Solving practice problems will help students to test their understanding of the concepts covered in the course and to identify areas where they need more practice.
Browse courses on Materials Science
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  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Start by solving the easier problems.
  • Work your way up to the more difficult problems.
  • Check your answers to make sure that you are understanding the concepts correctly.
Attend a materials science and engineering workshop or conference
Attending a workshop or conference will allow students to learn from experts in the field and to network with other professionals.
Browse courses on Materials Science
Show steps
  • Search for upcoming materials science and engineering workshops or conferences.
  • Register for the event.
  • Attend the sessions and participate in the discussions.
Create a presentation on a materials science and engineering topic
Creating a presentation will help students to organize their knowledge of a particular materials science and engineering topic and to communicate their understanding to others.
Browse courses on Materials Science
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in.
  • Research your topic and gather information from a variety of sources.
  • Organize your information into a logical order.
  • Create visuals to help illustrate your points.
  • Practice your presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Materials Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers design and develop materials for use in a variety of applications, such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical. They also work on improving the performance of existing materials. This course provides a foundation in the principles of materials science, including the relationship between processing, properties, and structure. This knowledge is essential for Materials Engineers, as it helps them design and develop new materials with specific properties.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials, such as metals, ceramics, and polymers. They also study how these materials behave under different conditions, such as extreme temperatures or pressures. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental concepts of materials science, including atomic structure, bonding, and crystallography. This knowledge is essential for Materials Scientists, as it helps them understand how materials behave and how to design new materials with specific properties.
Materials Quality Control Inspector
Materials Quality Control Inspectors inspect and test materials to ensure that they meet specifications. They also work on developing and implementing quality control procedures. This course provides a foundation in the principles of materials science, including the relationship between processing, properties, and structure. This knowledge is essential for Materials Quality Control Inspectors, as it helps them understand how materials behave and how to ensure that they meet specifications.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers design and develop manufacturing processes for a variety of products, such as cars, airplanes, and electronics. They also work on improving the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing processes. This course provides a foundation in the principles of materials science, including the relationship between processing, properties, and structure. This knowledge is essential for Manufacturing Engineers, as it helps them understand how materials behave and how to design manufacturing processes that efficiently produce the desired products.
Product Development Engineer
Product Development Engineers design and develop new products, such as cars, appliances, and electronics. They also work on improving the performance and functionality of existing products. This course provides a foundation in the principles of materials science, including the relationship between processing, properties, and structure. This knowledge is essential for Product Development Engineers, as it helps them understand how materials behave and how to design new products with specific properties.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants, which produce a variety of products, such as plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. They also work on developing new chemical processes and products. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic structure and bonding. This knowledge is essential for Chemical Engineers, as it helps them understand how chemical reactions occur and how to design chemical plants that efficiently produce the desired products.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They also work on developing new aerospace technologies. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental principles of aerodynamics and propulsion. This knowledge is essential for Aerospace Engineers, as it helps them understand how aircraft and spacecraft fly and how to design new aerospace technologies.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems, such as power plants, electrical motors, and computers. They also work on developing new electrical technologies. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism. This knowledge is essential for Electrical Engineers, as it helps them understand how electrical systems work and how to design new electrical technologies.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, such as chemistry, biology, and physics. They also work on developing new technologies and products. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental principles of science, including atomic structure and bonding. This knowledge is essential for Research Scientists, as it helps them understand how the world works and how to develop new technologies and products.
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They also work on developing and implementing science curricula. This course provides a foundation in the fundamental principles of science, including atomic structure and bonding. This knowledge is essential for Science Teachers, as it helps them understand how the world works and how to teach science to students.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers write technical documents, such as manuals, reports, and proposals. They also work on developing and implementing technical writing standards. This course provides a foundation in the principles of technical writing, including how to write clearly and concisely. This knowledge is essential for Technical Writers, as it helps them write technical documents that are easy to understand and use.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys help inventors protect their inventions by obtaining patents. They also work on drafting and prosecuting patent applications. This course provides a foundation in the principles of patent law, including how to write and prosecute patent applications. This knowledge is essential for Patent Attorneys, as it helps them protect the intellectual property of inventors.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers sell technical products and services to customers. They also work on developing and implementing sales strategies. This course provides a foundation in the principles of sales, including how to build relationships with customers and close deals. This knowledge is essential for Sales Engineers, as it helps them sell technical products and services effectively.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and develop solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. They also work on developing and implementing business strategies. This course provides a foundation in the principles of business analysis, including how to analyze business processes and develop solutions. This knowledge is essential for Business Analysts, as it helps them improve the efficiency and productivity of businesses.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns for products and services. They also work on developing and implementing marketing strategies. This course provides a foundation in the principles of marketing, including how to conduct market research and develop marketing campaigns. This knowledge is essential for Marketing Managers, as it helps them plan and execute marketing campaigns effectively.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Introduction to Materials Science .
Comprehensive and authoritative reference on the electronic properties of materials. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the subject in depth.
Comprehensive and authoritative reference on materials thermodynamics. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the subject in depth.
Classic textbook on crystallography and crystal defects. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the subject in depth.
Classic textbook on quantum mechanics for materials scientists. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the subject in depth.
Practical guide to materials selection for mechanical design. It good choice for students who want to learn how to select the right materials for their design projects.
Concise and accessible introduction to materials science and engineering. It good choice for students who want to learn the basics of the subject without getting too bogged down in the details.
Well-written and engaging introduction to materials science and engineering. It good choice for students who want to learn about the subject in a more informal and conversational style.

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