Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: The Menu of Materials & Solid State Diffusion
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Recognize the six categories of engineering materials
- Introduction to crystallography and atomic structure
- Identify atomic-level defects and their implications
- Apply the Arrhenius equation to diffusion processes
Module 2: Plastic Deformation & Mechanical Properties
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Analyze the role of dislocations in plastic deformation
- Evaluate stress-strain relationships
- Interpret elasticity, yield strength, and tensile strength
- Assess material toughness and ductility
Module 3: Creep & Ductile-to-Brittle Transition
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Understand time-dependent deformation and creep behavior
- Examine high-temperature effects on materials
- Explore the ductile-to-brittle transition phenomenon
Module 4: Fracture Toughness & Fatigue
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Understand fracture toughness and flaw tolerance
- Analyze crack propagation mechanisms
- Evaluate cyclic loading and fatigue failure
Module 5: Phase Diagrams & Semiconductors
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Interpret phase diagrams and phase transformations
- Understand the development of microstructures
- Explain intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors
- Describe the function of semiconductors in electronics
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of high school-level physics
- Familiarity with fundamental engineering concepts
- High school-level mathematics (algebra and exponents)
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Recognize the six categories of engineering materials and their applications
- Apply the principle of “structure leads to properties” in materials analysis
- Evaluate mechanical and thermal properties of materials
- Analyze failure mechanisms such as fatigue, creep, and fracture
- Understand the role of semiconductors in modern technology