Engineering

The course covers advanced topics which are not ordinarily covered in detail in the general curriculum; but are either current areas of faculty research or areas of current or future industrial interest.

This course discusses the microscopic origins of the physical properties of solids. The focus is on the atomic lattice and associated mechanical; thermal and dielectric properties; energy band structure; the electronic properties of metals; semiconductors and insulators; magnetic properties; optical properties; superconductivity; and the dielectric; ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of insulators.

This course presents Schrodinger's theory of quantum mechanics with applications to atomic systems. Includes origin of the quantum theory; wave-particle duality; approximation methods; and time-dependent problems. Emphasis is placed upon a thorough grounding in the concepts and techniques; which is then applied to diverse phenomena of importance to ceramics and to solid-state chemical physics.

This course seeks to advance the students' understanding of classical and statistical thermodynamics as applied to materials systems as well as to expand students' ability to solve advanced thermodynamic problems. This course will cover classical and statistical thermodynamics as related to solution theory; phase equilibria; phase transformations; surface thermodynamics; and defects.

This course seeks to provide students with an advanced understanding of kinetics and non-equilibrium processes in materials. Topics will include the phenomenological and atomic theory of diffusion; kinetics of solid-state reactions; and diffusional and diffusionless phase transformations. Applications of the course materials to materials research problems will also be discussed.

This course discusses the nature and behavior of defects (including point; line and planar; etc.) in ceramics. The relationship of defect properties to such basic processes as mass transport diffusion and conductivity is considered. The discussion will largely be at an atomistic level and will cover non-stoichiometry; and the role of impurities in phenomena such as grain-growth and sintering.

The classical partial differential equations of physics; the heat equation; the wave equation (vibrating strings and membranes); Laplace's equation. Includes orthogonal sets of functions; Fourier series; separation of variables; Sturm-Liouville problems boundary value problems and the Fourier integral.

Continuation of Quantum Mechanics I. Focuses on the applications of quantum mechanics postulates to real systems. Time independent perturbation theory is developed as are nonperturbative techniques such as variational theory. These ideas are applied to real atoms; molecules; metals; etc. Time dependent perturbation is also constructed and applied to electrodynamics. Non relativistic quantum electrodynamics is then applied to realistic systems.

This class is a rigorous introduction to the physical principles and concepts behind glass. After developing the statistical mechanics required for the study of glass; the role of the structure function and the pair distribution function in determining the structure of glass is examined in detail. Several glass networks are selected as representative systems. Viscoelastic theory and relaxation behavior are studied as are the traditional methods for measuring the viscosity of glass forming systems. The thermodynamics of glass transition are examined using energy and enthalpy landscapes. Temperature dependent constraint theory is applied to several systems.

This course provides a review of all relevant issues concerning the processing and sintering of advanced ceramic materials - discussing powder preparation and characterization; colloidal and sol-gel techniques; powder consolidation and forming; sintering theory and practice; and microstructure evolution. The course shows the importance of each step; and the critical interconnections among the steps; in the overall fabrication of ceramics; focuses on the formation of ceramics by firing consolidated powders; reveals which ceramic manufacturing methods are easier to employ and why; covers the properties of colloidal suspension; elucidates the liquid-phase sintering and vitrification; describes the role of solid solution additives in the sintering of ceramics; considers the densification of amorphous materials that can crystallize during firing; and more.

The science and technology of whitewares (i.e. primarily stonewares and porcelains) covering mineralogy; raw material characterization; mixing; rheology and plasticity; forming processes; drying; firing; phase equilibria; thermal stress evolution; microstructural characterization; physical properties; and glazing. Special emphasis will be given to colloidal science and its application to clay materials; the impact of particle-particle interactions on suspension rheology; plasticity; and particle packing; and to the application of phase equilibria to the microstructural evolution in whiteware bodies.

This course introduces the student to a wide variety of diffusion-controlled phenomena in solids and liquids. Solids covered include inorganic and organic glasses; glass-ceramic; ceramics; metals; and porous materials. Liquids covered include oxide and non-oxide glass forming melts; halides; and liquid metals. Both atomistic and mathematical approaches to diffusion processes will be emphasized. The course will include extensive discussion of measurement techniques and will deal with diffusion of both ionic and gaseous species. Diffusion under stress; thermal and electrical field gradients will be discussed in addition to diffusion under concentration of gradients.

The theoretical background necessary for the understanding; prediction and modification of surface properties is provided. Non-crystalline materials are stressed. The course includes use of thermodynamic principles to predict the general chemical and mechanical behavior of glass under a wide variety of environments. Mathematical models provide quantitative descriptions of the performance of these materials in various applications. Individual topics include chemical durability; mechanical properties including environmental effects; friction; wear; grinding and polishing; and surface modification processes such as ion-exchange and de-alkalization processes.

Numerical Methods are an essential element of any modern physics curriculum. This course is concerned with developing the most frequently employed numerical methods for solving differential equations carrying out complex integrations. Special emphasis will be given to problems associated with quantum mechanics.

Advanced structure-property correlation of complex glass systems; especially for optical applications will be covered. A special focus are transition metal and rare earth element dopants and ligand field theory and optical spectroscopy.

This course will focus on the basic science of electrochemistry; the measurement methods; and data interpretation with a strong emphasis on redox chemistry; corrosion; electrode processes; kinetics; and applications like batteries and anti-corrosion coatings/additives.

Following a review and extension of ANOVA and regression; experimental design is introduced as an extension of statistical methods. Various standard designs and their analysis are introduced and applied to research and quality control situations. Factorials; fractional factorials; response surface designs and mixture designs are covered. Statistical process control; control charts; and optimization are introduced. Computer methods will involve some standard packages such as SPSS; JMP; IMSL on the mainframe; or software packages on computers in the College micro-computer labs.

This course will give a practical overview of the theory; applications; and limitations of the leading means of characterizing glass and ceramic surfaces.Prerequisites: CEMS 322 - Intro to Glass Science

This course covers the principles behind and practical uses of electron microscopy in materials research; including electron microscope-based analytical techniques. There is hands-on laboratory instruction in scanning electron microscope operation for ultimate application in students' thesis work.

This course provides a general review of techniques for the characterization of glasses and glass-ceramics. Characterization is taken to include atomic and molecular composition and distribution (intrinsic and extrinsic species); morphology; phase (vitreous and crystalline) identity and concentration; thermal history; and properties which are commonly used to establish reproducibility of glass compositions. Techniques considered will include microscopy; x-ray analysis; spectroscopy; qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis; thermal analysis; surface analysis and profiling; and property measurements. Discussions include the principles behind each measurement; the equipment used; and the possible sources of error. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis are included wherever applicable.

The course will provide the student with detailed knowledge of the interactions of electromagnetic radiation with matter. Particle probes used in materials characterization will also be considered. A theoretical approach to understanding the mechanisms of interaction will provide the foundation for understanding any of the plethora of materials characterization techniques; including capabilities and limitations.

Fundamental concepts concerning mechanical behavior are introduced and discussed with respect to their application to glasses and ceramics. Emphasis is placed on strength and fracture mechanics; and how processing and temperature affect mechanical properties. Testing procedures; including non-destructive evaluation techniques; and problems associated with them are treated in detail. Part of the semester is devoted to a discussion of recent developments in the area of mechanical properties.

This course focuses on aspects of human biology that are more directed towards engineering students needs for a career in the medical field. This course covers the principal aspects of cell biology; anatomy and physiology; infection and immunology; microbiology; pathology and restorative dentistry. Human systems and the associated biology will be discussed with respect to the prevalence in surgical treatment and repair. Students will learn to understand the complex systems in biology that are highly interconnected; and how these biological systems respond to changes on both short-term and long-term time scales

In this course students learn what makes up the immune system; and how it works in keeping us healthy. We'll also look at some of the more complex issues surrounding the immune system such as vaccination; autoimmune disease and transplantation. Upon completion of the course students will be able to name and describe the cells and organs of the immune system and understand the function of each. Students will also be able to describe the normal processes of immunity and regulatory controls; explain the results of immune component deficiencies and understand how normal immune function can cause disease.

Properties; biosynthetic pathways; and metabolism of carbohydrates; lipids; and nitrogenous compounds with related units on physical biochemistry; protein structure; bioenergetics and enzyme kinetics. Laboratories reinforce theoretical concepts and provide hands-on experience with modern biochemistry techniques and instrumentation. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory.

This course surveys the molecular biology of the gene. Discussions of the latest paradigms for nucleic acid structure and function are presented. Topics include: regulation of DNA replication and transcription; post-transcriptional modification of RNA; chromatin structure; recombinant DNA techniques; functional genomics; and the latest genetic engineering methods. Four lectures with one reserved for discussion of current research publications.

This course introduces the fundamental concepts and theories behind the choice of material for biological applications. Metals; polymers; ceramics and composites are covered. It brings together biology and materials science to get a better understanding of fundamental interactions that control the applicability of materials. Case studies of present material applications are used to illustrate the principles taught.

Fundamentals of battery chemistry and the degradation mechanisms; battery degradation data acquisition in lab; essential data science skills for analyzing battery data and application of machine learning modeling in the prediction of battery degradation.

This course focuses on the application of materials to restoring human anatomy which has been compromised due to disease or trauma. This lecture series looks at how synthetic and natural materials restore body function and how they interact with host tissues; including materials science; surface interactions; and medical procedures.

Computers have the capability of solving problems in ways that the human mind cannot and as a result they have the capability of radically speeding up the process of materials discovery. In this course we will cover simulation and artificial intelligence techniques for discovering new materials.

Off-site internships with industrial; government or academic research laboratories are required for a minimum of 2 months. Funding will be provided by either the collaborating institution or the School. Examples of current contacts include Affymetrix; Arrow International; Cambridge Scientific; Food and Drug Administration; Orthovita; Owens Corning Fiberglass; U.S. Biomaterials; U.S. Surgical; Wilson Greatbatch; and Zimmer. We also have strong ties with international universities and companies; for example; we currently have internships available at the University of Modena in Italy.

Special topics in electrical engineering which vary from year to year.

The primary objective of this course is to gain an elementary familiarity with wind energy. After a brief review of power and energy; wind energy is introduced. Topics of discussion include history and evolution of wind energy technology; power in the wind; wind turbines; components and operation of typical wind systems; small scale hybrid energy systems; markets; demand; and resources. The course also includes a class project.

Genetic Algorithms; GA; is a collection of search and optimization techniques that function according to the evolutionary processes. Simple GA; classifier systems; GA with variable population size; and GA in machine learning context are introduced. Also; selected applications in optimization techniques and prediction methods are discussed. This is a project-oriented course. Students should have knowledge of C++; MATLAB; or a similar programming language.

Engineering electromagnetic theories; in particular magnetic theory and circuits; three phase circuits; electro-mechanics; electric energy to mechanical energy conversion; applications of phasors; transformers; motors; generators; power electronics devices and controls.

The course covers advanced topics which are not covered in detail in the general curriculum.

Fundamentals of battery chemistry and the degradation mechanisms; battery degradation data acquisition in lab; essential data science skills for analyzing battery data and application of machine learning modeling in the prediction of battery degradation.

In this course we study optimization as an engineering design tool. Topics covered include nonlinear programming; computational techniques for unconstrained and constrained problems; conjugate gradient; feasible directions methods; and design applications.

Students choose thesis areas and prepare literature surveys as part of the course. Required of all new graduate students.

Weekly lectures and discussions with visiting lecturers; faculty members; and graduate students. Required of all graduate students throughout their residence.

The course covers advanced topics which are not ordinarily covered in detail in the general curriculum; but are either current areas of faculty research or areas of current or future industrial interest.

Harmonic oscillator; response of damped linear systems; multi-degree of freedom systems; introduction to vibrations of continuous systems.

Use of the finite element method to solve problems in the areas of stress analysis; heat conduction; and fluid flow. Weighted residual and variational approaches; shape functions; numerical integration; and the patch test.

This course deals with the various aspects of macroscopic thermodynamics and describes these statistically in terms of microstates of systems.

Linear feedback control system modeling; analysis; and controller design. Design of state variable systems: controllability and observability; and pole placement using state feedback. Robust control systems: system sensitivity; analysis of robustness; and system with uncertain parameters.

The course is designed for students with Fluid Mechanics/Heat Transfer knowledge who want to learn CFD applications. It introduces finite difference methods to solve differential equations that arise in Fluid Mechanics/ Heat transfer. It will teach the use of CFD package Fluent.

Applied engineering thermodynamics; psychometrics; humidification and dehumidification processes; air cooling processes; heating processes; heat vapor transmission; fluid flow and pressure losses; air conveying and distribution.

Design of mechanical engineering systems with topics including interaction of materials; processing and design; analysis; prediction and prevention of principle modes of mechanical failures. Emphasis placed on analytical; experimental and judgmental techniques to develop the ability to work on unstructured systems.