Traditionally, biomaterials encompass synthetic alternatives to the native materials found in our body. A central limitation in the performance of traditional materials used in medical device, biotechnological, and pharmaceutical industries is that they lack the ability to integrate with biological systems through either a molecular or cellular pathway, which has relegated biomaterials to a passive role dictated by the constituents of a particular environment, leading to unfavorable outcomes and device failure. The design and synthesis of materials that circumvent their passive behavior in complex mammalian cells is the focus of the work conducted within the MSE Department at Berkeley.

Biomimetic Surface Engineering:
Surface modification of medical implants to control wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Biologically-defined Microdevices:
Design and fabrication of surfaces, using advanced pattern techniques, to facilitate cell and molecular-based microarrays.

1. MSE 200A – Survey of Materials Science
2. MSE 201A – Thermodynamics of Solids
3. MSE 201B- Thermodynamics, Phase Behavior and Transport Phenomena in Materials
4. MSE 204 – Theory of Electronic Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction
5. MSE 208C – Biological Performance of Materials
6. MSE 216C – Macromolecular Science in Biotechnology and Medicine
7. MSE 251 – Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces
8. MSE 260 – Surface Properties of Materials

This area focuses on the relationships between the chemical and physical structure of materials and their properties and performance. Regardless of the material class metallic, ceramic, polymeric or composite, an understanding of the structure-property relationships provides a scientific basis for developing engineering materials for advanced applications. Fundamental and applied research in this field responds to an ever-increasing demand for improved or better-characterized materials.

1. MSE 200A – Survey of Materials Science
2. MSE 201A – Thermodynamics of Solids
3. MSE 204 – Theory of Electronic Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction
4. MSE 205 – Defects in Solids
5. MSE 211C – Mechanics of Solids
6. MSE 212C – Deformation, Fracture and Fatigue
7. MSE 213 – Environmental Effects on Materials Properties and Behavior
8. MSE 214C – Micromechanics
9. MSE 215 – Introduction to Computational Materials Science

This group of materials is defined by its functionality. Semiconductors, metals, and ceramics are used today to form highly complex systems, such as integrated electronic circuits, optoelectronic devices, and magnetic and optical mass storage media. In intimate contact, the various materials, with precisely controlled properties, perform numerous functions, including the acquisition, processing, transmission, storage, and display of information. Electronic, Magnetic and Optical materials research combines the fundamental principles of solid-state physics and chemistry, of electronic and chemical engineering, and of materials science. Nanoscale science and engineering is of increasing importance in this field.

1. MSE 200A – Survey of Materials Science
2. MSE 201A – Thermodynamics of Solids
3. MSE 201B- Thermodynamics, Phase Behavior and Transport Phenomena in Materials
4. MSE 202 – Crystal Structure and Bonding
5. MSE 205 – Defects in Solids
6. MSE 223 – Semiconductor Materials
7. MSE 224 – Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
8. MSE 215 – Introduction to Computational Materials Science
9. MSE C216 – Macromolecular Science in Biotechnology and Medicine
10. MSE 217 -  Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials
11. MSE 218 - Optical Materials and Devices
12. MSE 225 – Thin Film Science and Technology
13. MSE C226 – Photovoltaic Materials

Computational methods are increasingly important in all areas of science and engineering, Computational Materials Science capitalizes on advancements in these fields, which include high throughput approaches and machine learning. Materials Science and Engineering applications range from the theoretical prediction of the electronic and structural properties of materials to chemical kinetics and equilibria or modeling the chemical kinetics and equilibria in a materials processing operation, to now predicting the existence of new materials and their properties. These advances in computational techniques have yielded remarkable insight into materials behaviors, particularly at the nanoscale. Under favorable circumstances, it is now possible to predict in exquisite detail many properties of materials at the nanoscale (one nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter) by merely solving Schrodinger’s famous equation. These advancements have positioned researchers within the department to be very active in developing data for the Materials Project https://materialsproject.org, an effort to construct a database of all computable properties for all known materials.

1. MSE 200A – Survey of Materials Science
2. MSE 201A – Thermodynamics of Solids
3. MSE 201B- Thermodynamics, Phase Behavior and Transport Phenomena in Materials
4. MSE 202 – Crystal Structure and Bonding
5. MSE 205 – Defects in Solids
6. MSE C211 – Mechanics of Solids
7. MSE C212 – Deformation, Fracture and Fatigue
8. MSE C214 – Micromechanics
9. MSE 215 – Computational Materials Science
10. MSE C286 – Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes

Chemical and Electrochemical materials include both the chemical and electrochemical processing of materials, and the chemical and electrochemical behavior of materials. The former includes the scientific and engineering principles utilized in mineral processing, smelting, leaching, and refining materials, and many of the advanced techniques of processing microelectronic devices such as etching and deposition techniques. The latter includes the chemical synthesis of novel materials, environmental degradation of materials, the compatibility of materials with specific environments, along with materials used in advanced energy storage devices, and catalytic materials for energy and the environment.

1. MSE 200A – Survey of Materials Science
2. MSE 201A – Thermodynamics of Solids
3. MSE 201B- Thermodynamics, Phase Behavior and Transport Phenomena in Materials
4. MSE 204 – Theory of Electronic Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction
5. MSE 223 – Semiconductor Materials
6. MSE C226 – Photovoltaic Materials
7. MSE 205 – Defects in Solids
8. MSE 213 – Environmental Effects on Materials Properties and Behavior
9. MSE 221 – Fuel Cells, Batteries and Chemical Sensors
10. MSE C225 – Thin Film Science and Technology
11. MSE 260 – Surface Properties of Materials

MEng track on “Semiconductor technology”

Program Overview

All MSE MEng students should expect to complete 12 units within the MSE department at the graduate level, as well as a capstone project that will be hosted by the MSE department. This MEng track targets development of workforce and leadership skills specifically for the semiconductor industry, focusing on semiconductor materials and chips manufacturing, processing, optimization, and characterization.

Capstone Projects

The two-semester capstone experience will offer our MEng students a unique combination of technical and leadership training based on a variety of meticulously designed projects. You will work with a team of fellow students to engineer solutions using cutting-edge technology and methods to address crucial industry, market, or societal needs in the sector of semiconductor technologies. Capstone teams consist of three to five students depending on the scope of the projects and the skill sets of the team members. There are two major project types: faculty projects and partner projects. Capstone selection and assignment take place at the beginning of Fall semester. Projects vary from year to year, and a matching process will take place to pair each team with different projects.

Faculty Projects

Cutting edge research projects to be carried out in our Faculty Research Labs or teaching labs. Your team will be advised by PhD candidates, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty from the UC Berkeley College of Engineering.

Partner Projects

Highly industry relevant projects that are hosted by partnering organizations, for example, leading semiconductor companies in the silicon valley. Your team will be advised by a technical expert from that partnering organization.

Technical Courses

Typical MSE Course Offerings --

• MSE 200A, Survey of Materials Science (4 units)
• MSE 223, Semiconductor Materials (3 units)
• MSE 225, Thin Film Science and Technology (3 units)
• MSE 218, Optical Materials and Devices (3 units)
• MSE 228, Additive Fabrication Processes and Systems for Advanced Materials (3 units)
• MSE 298, Departmental Seminar Series (1 unit)

Note: The courses listed here are not guaranteed to be offered every year, and the course schedule may change without notice. Refer to the current UC Berkeley Course Schedule for further enrollment information.