MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

(EG) {MSE}
099. Undergraduate Research and/or Independent Study. (C) Open to all students.
An opportunity for the student to become closely associated with a professor (1) in a research effort to develop research skills and
technique and/or (2) to develop a program of independent in-depth study in a subject area in which the professor and student have
a common interest. The challenge of the task undertaken must be consistent with the student's academic level. To register for
this course, the student and professor jointly submit a detailed proposal to the undergraduate curriculum chairman no later than
the end of the first week of the term. Note: a maximum of 2 c.u. of MSE 099 may be applied toward the B.A.S. or B.S.E. degree
requirements.
215. Introduction to Nanoscale Functional Materials. (B) Prerequisite(s): MSE 221.
The purpose of this first course in the major is to introduce the student to key concepts underlying the design, properties and
processing of nanoscale functional materials, and how they are employed in practical applications. Fundamental chemical and
physical principles underlying the properties of electronic, dielectric and magnetic materials will be developed in the context of
metals, semiconductors, insulators, crystals, glasses, polymers and ceramics. Miniaturization and the nanotechnology revolution
confronts materials science with limitations and opportunities; examples in which nanoscale materials are really different from
our macro world experience will be explored.
L/R 220. Structural Materials. (A) Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of basic calculus and chemistry.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of Materials Science through an examination of the structure,
property, performance relationship for synthetic and biologic structural materials with a focus on surgical implants and medical
devices. Consideration is given to issues of biocompatibility, degradation of materials by the biologic systems, and biologic
response to artificial materials. Particular attention will be given to the materials of total hip and knee prostheses and their
relationship to the long term outcomes in hip and knee arthroplasty.
221. Quantum Physics of Materials. (C) Prerequisite(s): PHYS 140, 141 concurrent and MATH 240. Meets Natural
Science Requirement.
The course is directed at the development of a background in basic physics required to understand the behavior of electrons in
atoms, molecules and solids. Examples to illustrate the application of these techniques will be centered in the free and nearly free
electron theory of solids. The application of modern physics to many state-of-the-art materials analysis techniques will be
demonstrated throughout the course.
L/L 250. Nano-scale Materials Lab. (B) Prerequisite(s): MSE 220.

The course provides an in-depth experimental introduction to key concepts in materials and the relationships between nanoscale
structure, the properties and performance. The use of laboratory methods to examine the structure of materials, to measure the
important properties, and to investigate the relationship between structure and properties is covered. Emphasis is placed on a
complete exposure of Nano and Materials science as a field. Most experiments require multiple laboratory sessions, with priority
given to experiments in which students explore the entire range of materials science, from the synthesis of materials and the
characterization of structure, thermodynamics and composition, to the measurement of properties and discussion of applications.
Students are able to realize working devices as an end product of the key laboratories in this course. Practice in oral and written
communication is realized through course assignments.
260. Energetics of Macro and Nano-scale Materials. (B) Prerequisite(s): CHEM 101 or 102.
Basic principles of chemical thermodynamics as applied to macro and nano-sized materials. This course will cover the
fundamentals of classical thermodynamics as applied to the calculation and prediction of phase stability, chemical reactivity and
synthesis of materials systems. The size-dependent properties of nano-sized systems will be explored through the incorporation
of the thermodynamic properties of surfaces. The prediction of the phase stability of two and three component systems will be
illustrated through the calculation and interpretation of phase diagrams for metallic, semiconductor, inorganic, polymeric and
surfactant systems.
330. (BE 330) Self Assembly of Soft Materials. (A) Prerequisite(s): CHEM 102 ; MSE 220 (Intro. to Materials) or
equivalent (Concurrent is OK).
Soft matter describes materials that are neither pure crystalline solids with long range atomic order or pure liquids characterized
by one simple viscosity. Many times soft materials display both solid and liquid like behavior depending on the timescale of the
applied stress. Colloids, polymers, amphiphiles, liquid crystals, and biomacromolecules are types of soft matter. The focus of
this course is on the characteristics common to soft materials namely their length scale, fragile binding energies or proximity to
phase transitions, dynamics and propensity to self-assemble.

360. Structure at the Nanoscale. (A)

Basic principles of material structure and organization from nano to macro sizes. This course will cover the fundamentals of
materials structure including the crystalline, liquid crystalline and glassy states as well as 1-D, 2-D and 3-D structure and defects.
Examples will be used from the different classes of materials - metallic, semiconductor, inorganic, polymeric - with particular
emphasis on important components of structure on the nanoscale including particles, surfaces, interfaces and defects.
393. Materials Selection. (B) Prerequisite(s): MSE 220, Junior or Senior Standing.
Throughout mankind's history, materials have played a critical role in civilization and technology. The selection of materials has
been based on availability and functionality. The rapid advances of materials technologies in the last 150 years, however, have
made nearly all classes and forms of materials available, at a cost. Therefore, in theory at least, materials selection can now
proceed on a rational basis as an optimization process. In this course, we will focus on structural applications where mechanical
design is central. By the end of the course, the students can expect to acquire a level of engineering familiarity with a broad
range of materials, and be prepared to undertake material design projects in the future.
405. (MEAM405, MEAM505, MSE 505) Mechanical Behavior of Macro/Nanoscale Materials. (A)
The application of continuum and microstructural concepts to consideration of the mechanics and mechanisms of flow and
fracture in metals, polymers and ceramics. The course includes a review of tensors and elasticity with special emphasis on the
effects of symmetry on tensor properties. Then deformation, fracture and degradation (fatique and wear) are treated, including
mapping strategies for understanding the ranges of material properties.
430. (CBE 430, CBE 510, MSE 580) Polymers and Biomaterials. (A) Prerequisite(s): MSE 260 or equivalent course in
thermodynamics or physical chemistry (such as BE 223, CHE 231, CHEM 221, MEAM 203).
Polymer is one of the most widely used materials in our daily life, from the rubber tires to clothes, from photoresists in chip
manufacturing to flexible electronics and smart sensors, from Scotch tapes to artificial tissues. This course teaches entry-level
knowledge in polymer synthesis, characterization, thermodynamics, and structure-property relationship. Emphasis will be on
understanding both chemical and physical aspects and polymer chain size/dimension that drive the molecular, microscopic and
macroscopic structures and the resulting properties. We will discuss how to apply polymer designs to advance nanotechnology,
electronics, energy and biotechnology. Case studies include thermodynamics of block copolymer thin films and their applications
in nanolithography, shape memory polymers, hydrogels, and elastomeric deformation and applications.
440. Phase Transformations. (B)
The state of matter is dependent upon temperature, thermal history, and other variables. In this course the science of structural
transitions is treated, with the purpose in mind of utilizing them for producing materials with superior properties. The subjects
covered include the methods of structural analysis, solidification, solid state transformation, and order-disorder transition.
460. Computational Materials Science. (C) Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior Standing. Ability to write simple computer
codes would be an advantage.
This course will cover fundamentals of atomic level modeling of the structure and properties of materials. Specifically it will
cover metals, semiconductors, oxides and other ionic crystals. First, the description of atomic interactions will be introduced.
This will include both basics of the density functional theory and approximations in terms of pair potentials, embedded atom
method and tight-binding. The methods of computer modeling include molecular statics, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo and
lattice dynamics (phonons). Interpretations of results of such modeling in terms of structures, for example using the radial
distribution function, thermodynamic and statistical physics analyses will be an important component of the course.
465. (MSE 565) Fabrication and Characterization of Micro and Nanostructured Devices. (C)
This course surveys various processes that are used to produce materials structured at the micron and nanometer scales for
electronic, optical and chemical applications. Basic principles of chemistry, physics, thermodynamics and kinetics are applied to
solid state, liquid, and colloidal approaches to making materials. The newest approaches to nanofabrication: microcontact
printing, self-assembly, and Nanolithography, are covered. The course is heavily lab based, with 25% of class time and 30% of
the homework devoted to hands on experiences. Lab assignments are a series of structured group projects. Evaluation is based
on 3-4 lab reports, 4-5 problem sets, and 4-5 journal paper summaries.
495. Senior Design. (A)
Independent student or team research on the design and construction of an original experimental or theoretical project related to
materials science. The results of this project are presented at the end of the year in the form of a thesis and in an oral presentation
to peers and faculty.
496. Senior Design. (B)
Independent student or team research on the design and construction of an original experimental or theoretical project related to
materials science. The results of this project are presented at the end of the year in the form of a thesis and in an oral presentation
to peers and faculty.

L/L 500. Experimental Methods in Materials Science. (A) Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Undergraduate Curriculum

Chair and Instructor.

Laboratory course covering many of the experiemental techniques used in materials science: optical and electron microscopy,
mechanical testing, x-ray diffraction, electrical and optical measurements, superconducting and magnetic properties, solid-state
diffusion.
505. (MEAM405, MEAM505, MSE 405) Mechanical Properties of Macro/Nanoscale Materials. (A)
The application of continuum and microstructural concepts to consideration of the mechanics and mechanisms of flow and
fracture in metals, polymers and ceramics. The course includes a review of tensors and elasticity with special emphasis on the
effects of symmetry on tensor properties. Then deformation, fracture and degradation (fatique and wear) are treated, including
mapping strategies for understanding the ranges of material properties.
515. Mathematics for Materials Science. (A)
Covers mathematics encountered in various problems encountered in materials science: Complex analysis and Fourier and
Laplace transforms (used in diffraction and when solving differential equations). Linear transformations and tensors (continuum
analyses of elastic, electric, etc. properties of crystals). Sturm-Liouville theory of linear differential operators (mathematics of
quantum mechanics). Partial differential equations (wave, Laplace and diffusion equation).
520. Structure of Materials. (B) Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Undergraduate Curriculum Chair and Instructor.
Description of Crystal Structure-Symmetry, Point and Space Groups. Structures of different material types-glasses, polymers,
semiconductors, ceramics and metals. Relationship between bonding and structural types. Methods of structure determination.
Diffraction of x-rays and neutrons--x-ray methods. Microstructures of solids. Topology of granular structures. Grain boundary
structures. Fractal description of microstructures.
525. (ESE 525) Nanoscale Science and Engineering. (A) Prerequisite(s): ESE 218 or PHYS 240 or MSE 222 or
equivalent, or by permission.
Overview of existing device and manufacturing technologies in microelectronics, optoelectronics, magnetic storage,
Microsystems, and biotechnology. Overview of near- and long-term challenges facing those fields. Near- and long-term
prospects of nanoscience and related technologies for the evolutionary sustension of current approaches, and for the development
of revolutionary designs and applications.
530. Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria. (A) Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Undergraduate Curriculum Chair and
Instructor.
Review of fundamental thermodynamic laws and criteria for equilibrium. Reaction equilibria in multicomponent systems. Free
energies of mixing solutions, liquids, solids, and polymers. Binary and ternary phase diagrams. Surfaces and interfaces.
537. (MEAM537) Nanomechanics and Nanotribology at Interfaces. (C) Faculty. Prerequisite(s): Freshman physics;
MEAM 354 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Engineering is progressing to ever smaller scales, enabling new technologies, materials, devices, and applications. This course
will provide an introduction to nano-scale mechanics and tribology at interfaces, and the critical role these topics play in the
developing area of nanoscience and nanotechnology. We will discuss how mechanics and tribology at interfaces become
integrated with the fields of materials science, chemistry, physics, and biology at this scale. We will cover a variety of concepts
and applications, drawing connections to both established and new approaches. We will discuss the limits of continuum
mechanics and present newly developed theories and experiments tailored to describe micro- and nano-scale phenomena. We will
emphasize specific applications throughout the course. Literature reviews, critical peer discussion, individual and team problem
assignments, a laboratory project, and student presentations will be assigned as part of the course.
540. Phase Transformations. (B) Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Undergraduate Curriculum Chair and Instructor.
The atomic structure of condensed matter is dependent upon temperature, pressure, thermal history and other variables. In this
course, the science of such structural transitions is treated. The topics discussed include introduction to statistical mechanics,
theory of nucleation and growth kinetics, solidification, diffusionless solid state transformations, and microscopic theory of phase
transition.
545. Materials for Energy Storage and Generation. (A)
This course provides an understanding of the major materials issues for current and emerging energy technologies. It includes a
classification of materials for energy applications involving generation, transmission and storage of electricity; current and future
uses of fossil fuels, with emphasis on higher efficiency uses of fossil fuels and "all electric" applications (e.g. transportation and
power generation) and new materials as technology enablers for future energy sources: nuclear, fuel cells, solar, wind.

555. Environmental Degradation of Materials. (B)

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the corrosion principles and the engineering methods used to minimize
and prevent corrosion. Metals and alloys are emphasized because these are the materials in which corrosion is the most prevalent.
Aqueous environments are also emphasized these are the common corrosion conditions.
In the first half of the course, the impact and electrochemical nature of the corrosion are described, and then the corrosion
fundamentals (electrochemical reactions, phase (pourbaix) diagrams, aqueous corrosion kinetics, passivity, and high-temperature
oxidation) are emphasized. The forms of corrosion (galvanic, pitting and crevice, environmentally induced cracking) and
corrosion in the human body (for example, surgical implants and prosthetic devices) and in other selective environments
(concrete, seawater, and water solutions containing dissolved salts, sulfur, and bacteria) are also described in the second half.
561. (MEAM553) Atomic Modeling in Materials Science. (B)
This course covers two major aspects of atomic level computer modeling in materials. 1. Methods: Molecular statics, Molecular
dynamics, Monte Carlo, Kinetic Monte Carlo as well as methods of analysis such as correlations, radial distribution function, etc.
2. Semi-empirical descriptions of atomic interactions: pair potentials, embedded atom method, covalent bonding, ionic bonding,
tight-binding. Basics of the density functional theory. Needed mechanics, condensed matter physics, thermodynamics and
statistical mechanics are briefly explained.
565. (MSE 465) Fabrication and Characterization of Nanostructured Devices. (C) Prerequisite(s): MSE 360 or
permission of the instructor.
The course will focus on the various approaches to make nanostructures including nanotubes, wires, quantum dots, patterned
devices. The lab component of the course includes synthesis of nanoparticles and tubes, sintering and mass transport, colloidal
stabilization and hybrid tunneling devices and nanolithography. For each case fundamental concepts are presented, lab results
are discussed and compared to prevailing theories. Measurement tools utilized are chemical synthesis, chemical vapor deposition,
e-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and electronic transport probes.
570. (ESE 514) Physics of Materials I. (A) Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate physics and math through modern physics and
differential equations.
Failures of classical physics and the historical basis for quantum theory. Postulates of wave mechanics; uncertainty principle,
wave packets and wave-particle duality. Schrodinger equation and operators; eigenvalue problems in 1 and 3 dimensions
(barriers, wells, hydrogen, atom). Perturbation theory; scattering of particles and light. Free electron theory of metals; Drude and
Sommerfeld models, dispersion relations and optical properties of solids. Extensive use of computer-aided self-study will be
made.
571. (ESE 515) Physics of Materials II. (M) Prerequisite(s): MSE 570 or equivalent.
Failures of free electron theory. Crystals and the reciprocal lattice wave propagation in periodic media; Bloch's theorem. Oneelectron band structure models: nearly free electrons, tight binding. Semiclassical dynamics and transport. Cohesive energy,
lattice dynamic and phonons. Dielectric properties of insulators. Homogeneous semiconductors and p-n junctions. Experimental
probes of solid state phenomena; photoemission, energy loss spectroscopy, neutron scattering. As time permits, special topics
selected from the following: correlation effects, semiconductor alloys and heterostructures, amorphous semiconductors, electroactive polymers.
575. Statistical Mechanics. (B)
This course will provide an overview of select topics in equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. The emphasis
will be on elucidating the basic postulates of statistical mechanics, explaining its fundamental laws and introducing the
methodology of non-equilibrium processes via select applications in diverse fields. Statistical Mechanics is a unique branch of
physics that permeates our understanding of matter at all length scales, from nanometers to stellar dimensions, and ranging in
temperatures from nano-Kelvin to billions of degrees Kelvin. The techniques of Statistical Mechanics have been employed in
condensed matter physics and materials science when studying solids, liquids, and gases as well as in other disciplines such as
biology, zoology, molecular biology, physiology, economics, signal transmission and large scale networks such as the worldwide web. It is envisaged that students at Penn and especially in MSE/SEAS will benefit by getting a perspective of this
fascinating subject and appreciate how its principles govern phenomena as diverse as semiconductor devices, greenhouse effect,
biological pattern formation and instabilities on material surfaces.
580. (MSE 430) Polymers and Biomaterials. (A) Prerequisite(s): MSE 260 or equivalent course in thermodynamics or
physical chemistry (such as BE 223, CHE 231, MEAM 203).
Polymer is one of the most widely used materials in our daily life, from the rubber tires to clothes, from photoresists in chip
manufacturing to flexible electronics and smart sensors, from Scotch tapes to artificial tissues. This course teaches entry-level
knowledge in polymer synthesis, characterization, thermodynamics, and structure-property relationship. Emphasis will be on
understanding both chemical and physical aspects and polymer chain size/dimension that drive the molecular, microscopic and
macroscopic structures and the resulting properties. We will discuss how to apply polymer designs to advance nanotechnology,

electronics, energy and biotechnology. Case studies include thermodynamics of block copolymer thin films and their applications
in nanolithography, shape memory polymers, hydrogels, and elastomeric deformation and applications.
581. Advanced Polymer Physics. (M) Prerequisite(s): MSE 430 or equivalent.
Advanced polymer physics includes the topics of polymer chain statistics, thermodynamics, rubber elasticity, polymer
morphology, fracture, and chain relaxation. Rigorous derivations of select theories will be presented along with experimental
results for comparison. Special topics, such as liquid crystalline polymers, blends and copolymers, will be presented throughout
the course. Special topics, such as liquid crystallinity, nanostructures, and biopolymer diffusion, will be investigated by teams of
students using the current literature as a resource.
590. Surface and Thin Film Analysis Techniques. (M)
The objective of this course is to study the fundamental physics of the interaction of ions, electrons, photons, and neutrons with
matter. A second objective is to use the products of these interactions to characterize the atomic (or molecular) structure,
composition, and defects of a semiconductor, ceramic, polymer, composite, or metal. Ion beam techniques will include
Rutherford backscattering and forward recoil spectrometry, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. Electron probe techniques
will include x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Neutron techniques will include neutron reflectivity. The strengths and
weaknesses of each technique will be discussed. Examples will be drawn from metallurgy, electronic materials, polymer science,
ceramic science, archaeology, and biology.
597. Master's Thesis Research. (C)
599. Master's Indep Study. (C)
610. Electron Microscopy. (M)
Theoretical and practical aspects of conventional and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and related techniques.
Imaging theory; kinematical and dynamical diffraction theory. Diffraction contrast analysis of imperfect crystals; phase contrast
analysis of crystal lattice structures. With laboratory.
637. (MEAM637) Mesoscale Modeling and Simulation. (C)
This course is targeted at engineering, physical science, computational and mathematics Ph.D. students. The course focuses on
techniques for the simulation/modeling of materials on a time and/or length scale that is large compared with atomistic/molecular
but with structure that is fine on the scale of typical (homogenized) continuum theory. The course explores kinetic models,
defect dynamics, and statistical mechanics models and their implementation in computer simulation.
650. Mechanics of Nano and Biomaterials. (M)
This course is aimed to expose the students to a variety of topics in mechanic materials via discussion of "classic" problems that
have had the widest impact long period of time and have been applied to analyze the mechanical behavior a variety of biological
and engineering materials.
670. Statistical Mechanics of Solids. (M)
This course constitutes an introduction to statistical mechanics with an emphasis on application to crystalline solids. Ensemble
theory, time and ensemble averages and particle statistics are developed to give the basis of statistical thermodynamics. The
theory of the thermodynamic properties of solids is presented in the harmonic approximation anharmonic properties are treated
by the Mie-Gruneisen method. Free electron theory in metals and semiconductors is given in some detail, with the transport
properties being based on conditional transition probabilities and the Boltzmann transport equation. The theory of order-disorder
alloys is treated by the Bragg-Williams, Kirkwood and quasi-chemical methods.
790. Selected Topics in Materials Science and Engineering. (C) Staff. Both terms.
Students should check department office for special topics.
895. Teaching Practicum. (C)