Materials Science and Engineering - Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Main Campus

Materials Science and Engineering from Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Main Campus is a Campus Bachelor Materials Science degree that prepares you for a Science career. The future can be appropriately termed the age of materials . In addition to the traditional engineering applications of metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers, new materials and composites must be developed by materials scientists to aid progress in communications, computing, electronics, biomedicine, transportation, aerospace, defense, and the production and efficient use of energy. Our curriculum is structured to support our Department mission of providing students with a well-rounded engineering education, with specific emphasis on materials science and engineering in order to meet the needs of industry, academia, and government; to conduct research at the frontiers of the field; and to provide an integrating and leadership role to the broad multi-disciplinary materials community. The general objective of the undergraduate program is embedded in our mission statement. The Department expects its graduates will apply their knowledge of materials science to the synthesis, design, characterization, and engineering of new materials , and devices comprised of them, in industrial and laboratory settings. Our graduates will have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in careers related to the entire life-cycle of materials, from raw materials production, to materials synthesis and processing, component design and development, manufacturing, use, reclamation, and recycling. We expect that our graduates will practice in a wide range of materials-related positions, such as process and manufacturing engineers, technical sales representatives, quality control engineers, research engineers, metallurgists, ceramists, production and plant managers, consultants, etc. In addition, we expect that a substantial portion of our graduates will pursue graduate studies in technical and business-related disciplines, as well as participate in continuing education activities such as technical symposia, workshops, and short courses. The educational objectives of the undergraduate program are embedded into our mission statement. We will provide and maintain a curriculum that will prepare our recent graduates to accomplish the following Program Educational Objectives: 1. Our graduates provide science and engineering leadership in international industrial, governmental, and academic settings, while serving both their profession and the public. 2. Our graduates are innovators in a wide variety of technical fields including, but not limited to, materials , energy, electronics, medicine, communications, transportation, and recreation. 3. Our graduates excel in careers related to the entire life cycle of materials, from synthesis and processing, through design and development, to manufacturing, performance, reclamation, and recycling. 4. Our graduates engage in lifelong learning activities which enhance their careers and provide flexibility to respond to changing professional and societal needs. To achieve these objectives, students in Materials Sciences and Engineering begin with a background in basic chemistry, mathematics, and physics, which are the foundation for broad-based materials properties, processing, and applications courses. Commencing with their junior year, students take courses in Materials Science and Engineering and specialized courses in one of four options: Ceramic Science and Engineering, Electronic and Photonic Materials, Metals Science and Engineering, or Polymer Science and Engineering. The curricula integrate classroom instruction and laboratory experience, and culminate in a capstone research and design experience which is documented in the form of a thesis in the senior year. The curricula for each of the options in Materials Science and Engineering are described in the following sections. CERAMIC SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING OPTION This option covers the manufacture and usage of a wide variety of inorganic materials that usually include high temperatures. The program helps prepare students for operating, research, and development positions in all sections of the ceramic industry and for graduate studies. Graduates also find employment in many other industries that use ceramic materials , such as iron and steel, electrical and electronic, energy generation, automotive, aeronautical, and aerospace. Many find employment in industries that manufacture composite materials such as glass-ceramics, metal-ceramics, or glass-metal structures. ELECTRONIC AND PHOTONIC MATERIALS OPTION This option provides specialized courses dealing with the processing, properties, and performance of semiconductor, optoelectronic, and optical materials and devices. The graduates contribute in the electronics, telecommunications, and computer industries or pursue advanced studies in materials science and engineering. METALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING OPTION The metals option provides an opportunity to explore a broad range of both scientific and engineering principles as applied to metals and alloys. A graduate of this option will thus typically apply basic concepts of chemistry, physics, or engineering science to problems concerning the processing or properties of metals. Although metallurgists are often employed by metals-producing industries, an increasingly large fraction are finding employment in a diverse group of industries that use metals, such as those in the electronics or aerospace fields. Many graduates pursue advanced studies. POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING OPTION This option allows the student to establish a firm foundation in the basic sciences and to apply this knowledge to a study of the synthesis, structure, and physical properties of synthetic and natural polymers. Polymers are a major class of materials consisting of macromolecules of very high molecular weight. Polymers are pervasive in today\\\'s technological society and find numerous applications in such diverse fields as plastics, elastomers (rubber), adhesives, surface coatings (paints), biomaterials, textiles, paper, packaging, and composite materials . This option helps prepare graduates for research, development, and technical sales positions in numerous materials and chemical industries that either produce or utilize polymers; or to proceed to advanced studies in polymer science or related technical fields. View more details on Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Materials Science courses.