FALL 2003
CSI 685: Fundamentals of Materials Science

Enterprice, Room 275, Friday, 16:30-19:10

Instructor: Y. Mishin
E-mail address: ymishin@gmu.edu

Course description: The course will introduce students to fundamentals of materials science, its role in modern technology, and its close relationships with other natural and engineering sciences. Fundamental concepts, methods, and applications of materials science will be introduced. Structure of advanced materials (metallic alloys and compounds, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, nanostructured materials) will be reviewed. Materials properties (mechanical, thermal, electric) and experimental methods of materials testing and characterization will be considered. Application of computers in materials science and elements of materials design will be included.

Course relationship to Graduate Program: This course is a component of the scientific core requirements for the concentration area "Computer Design of Materials" of the PhD program in CSI.

Prerequisites: undergraduate degree in physics, chemistry, materials, electrical or mechanical engineering or related sciences, or permission of the instructor.

Selected topics:

• Atomic structure and defects in materials
• Diffusion in materials
• Mechanical properties of materials
• Thermodynamics and kinetics of materials
• Metallic materials
• Ceramic materials
• Semiconductor materials
• Polymer materials
• Composite materials
• Elements of materials selection and design

Grades:

• Homework assignments (20%)
• Mid-term exam (20%)
• Term project including an oral presentation (20%)
• Final exam (30%)
• Class participation and discussion (10%)

Recommended references

• W. D. Callister, Materials Science and Engineering (Wiley, 1999)
• C. J. McMahon and C. D. Graham, Introduction to Materials Engineering: The Bicycle and the Walkman (Merion, 1992)
• Instructor's notes
• Other reading will be assigned from literature