MSE250

Principles of Engineering Materials

Introductory course to engineering materials. Properties (mechanical, thermal and electrical) of metals, polymers, ceramics, and electronic materials. Correlations of these properties with: (1) their internal structures (atomic, molecular, crystalline, micro-and macro); (2) service conditions (mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical, magnetic and radiation); and (3) processing.

Level Undergraduate
Terms Offered Fall, Winter
Textbook William Callister,Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction,9th Ed.
Instructor(s)
Abdon Pena-Francesch

Course Objectives


  1. To teach students the elementary relationships between structure, properties, processing and performance of materials that are essential for understanding the role of materials in the design of engineering systems.

  2. To introduce students to the various classes of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, composites) and their fundamental chemical and structural nature

  3. To illustrate application of thermodynamics (through phase diagrams) and kinetics (through diffusion) to the design of materials and their properties.

  4. To introduce students to the functional properties of materials and the roles of microstructure, defects and environment play in typical engineering applications.

  5. To stimulate student interest in and appreciation of Materials Science and Engineering by critical examination of engineering case studies, such as the materials design of hip prostheses, shuttle tiles, bicycles and electronic devices.

Course Outcomes


  1. To teach students the elementary relationships between structure, properties, processing and performance of materials that are essential for understanding the role of materials in the design of engineering systems.

  2. To introduce students to the various classes of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, composites) and their fundamental chemical and structural nature

  3. To illustrate application of thermodynamics (through phase diagrams) and kinetics (through diffusion) to the design of materials and their properties.

  4. To introduce students to the functional properties of materials and the roles of microstructure, defects and environment play in typical engineering applications.

  5. To stimulate student interest in and appreciation of Materials Science and Engineering by critical examination of engineering case studies, such as the materials design of hip prostheses, shuttle tiles, bicycles and electronic devices.

Assessment Tools


  1. In-class closed book exams and quizzes test outcomes #1-11 for individual students.

  2. Weekly problem sets test outcomes #1-11 under less time pressure and with allowable student collaboration.

  3. Use of interactive and anonymous feedback on posed questions during class allows instructor information on student understanding of lectures.

  4. Mid-term written evaluations by students allow instructor mid-course corrective actions.

  5. End-of-term written evaluations by students allow instructor to improve the next offering of the course.

  6. Selected interviews by independent third parties (e.g. CRLT) at mid-term and end-of-term periods allow additional student input.

Course Topics


  1. Atomic bonding, crystallography, defects

  2. Diffusion

  3. Mechanical properties, strengthening mechanisms

  4. Failure of materials and engineering components

  5. Phase diagrams

  6. Microstructural design of materials

  7. Polymers

  8. Corrosion

  9. Electical, magnetic, optical properties

  10. Case studies

Scroll to Top