Materials science and engineering involves the study of advanced materials, including metals and their composites, polymers, silicon and bio-materials, and their possible uses in various applications. The field is multidisciplinary in nature, combining elements of physics, chemistry and biology, in addition to engineering.
The program leading to the M.S. degree in materials science and engineering provides intensive preparation for professional practice in modern materials science by those engineers who wish to continue their education.
The objective of the doctoral program is to prepare individuals to perform original, cutting-edge research in the broad areas of materials science, including nano-structured materials, electronic, optical and magnetic materials, bio-mimetic materials, polymeric materials, MEMS materials and systems, organic electronics, and advanced processing of modern materials.
Because UTD’s materials science research is heavily focused on applications, virtually all students who enroll in the program will be involved in research and development work funded by industry or the government, making them attractive to potential employers upon graduation. They will have access to the university’s world-class research facilities and infrastructure, including the new $85 million Natural Science and Engineering Research Laboratory building.
The department also provides opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research.
Minor in Nanoscience and Technology
As the field of nanotechnology develops further, particularly in North Texas, UT Dallas has an important role to play in the education of knowledge workers for the industry. While the University’s Materials Science and Engineering program provides a means for the graduate population to pursue nanotechnology, the minor creates an avenue for undergraduate students to familiarize themselves with the concepts and principles of nanotechnology.
This minor has been designed around three core NANO-designated courses, the content of which is exclusively related to nanoscience and nanotechnology. The remaining nine hours of courses may be chosen from the list of courses below.
In addition, several lower-level electives have been included to provide streamlined access to the available upper-level electives.
Since the three core courses are all upper-level electives, only one of the remaining nine hours of courses must be an upper-level course, although students may choose to challenge themselves by pursuing all nine hours as upper-level electives.
Educational Objectives for the Minor in Nanoscience and Technology
Upon completion of the minor program, students will:
- Have a comprehensive general education background.
- Have a working knowledge of nanotechnology and nanoscience principles and industry applications.
- Be able to apply key concepts in materials science, chemistry, physics, biology and engineering to the field of nanotechnology.
- Understand the societal and technology issues that may impede the adoption of nanotechnology.
- Have the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively.
- Be able to become successful professionals and, if they desire, be able to pursue graduate study.
- Be able to identify career paths and requisite knowledge and skills for career change toward nanotechnology.
Minor in Nanoscience and Technology Requirements
I. Minor Requirements: 18 hours (including all three of the courses below)
NANO 3301: Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (3 semester hours)
NANO 3302: Microscopy, Spectroscopy and Nanotech Instrumentation (3 semester hours)
NANO 4V95: Undergraduate Research in Nanotechnology (3 semester hours)
II. Other Requirements: Students are also required to complete at least nine hours chosen from the following courses. At least one of the courses must be upper-level (3000 or 4000):
CHEM 2323: Organic Chemistry I (3 semester hours)
CHEM 2325: Organic Chemistry II (3 semester hours)
MATH 2451/2051: Multivariable Calculus with Problem Section (4 semester hours)
PHYS 2303: Contemporary Physics (3 semester hours)
CHEM 4355: Computational Modeling (3 semester hours)
EE 4V95 Topics: Electrical Engineering: Introduction to Materials Science (V hours)
NANO 4391/EE 4391: Technology of Plasma Class and Laboratory (3 semester hours)
NANO 4V95: Undergraduate Research in Nanotechnology (3 semester hours)
3-9 hours any upper-level NANO designated course
III. Elective Requirements: The contents of the following courses are similar enough that only one of these four courses may count toward the minor:
BIOL 4461: Biophysical Chemistry (4 semester hours)
CHEM 4461: Biophysical Chemistry (4 semester hours)
CHEM 3322: Physical Chemistry II (3 semester hours)
PHYS 4301: Quantum Mechanics I (3 semester hours)
