OVERVIEW

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California equips its students for successful careers in the field of Materials Science and Engineering. Whether your goal is to join the workforce with a Bachelor’s degree, or to further your education in graduate school, our program is ideal. The curriculum consists of courses taught by a world-renowned faculty decorated both for their teaching skill and their research prowess. The courses are designed to teach timeless fundamentals underlying the discipline, while preparing the students to apply modern day approaches to materials problems. In addition to coursework, there is ample opportunity to become involved in cutting edge Materials Science and Engineering research by joining one of the many faculty led research groups.

The curriculum consists of a carefully chosen set of core courses, accompanied by a set of electives enabling the student to excel in a sub-discipline of their choosing either tailored especially for them (through discussions with their academic advisor) or by following one of five previously developed emphases (Biomaterials, Electronic Materials, Structural Materials, Materials Physics and Chemistry, Energy Technology and Nanomaterials).

STUDENT OUTCOMES

The Materials Science and Engineering (B.S.) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Materials, Metallurgical, Ceramics, and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The program is designed around a set of curricular outcomes. Specifically, upon completion of our ABET accredited program in Materials Science and Engineering, the graduate will:

HOW STUDENT OUTCOMES CONNECT TO CURRICULUM

The courses within the Materials Science and Engineering meet the desired outcomes according to the grid below. In this grid, items colored dark blue are addressed in detail within the given course. Light blue items are addressed partially, yet still significantly, by the course in question. White items are addressed only modestly in the specified courses. All courses listed only by number are courses taught within the Materials Science and Engineering Department, those beginning with the letter “E” are taught within the setting of the entire College of Engineering.

ABET-OutcomeMapping

ASSESSMENT OF OUTCOMES

The extent to which students are achieving these outcomes is measured for each course offering using two methods. First, we conduct an extensive exit survey of the students enrolled in the course probing the specific outcomes for that course. (For specific course outcomes, see the on-line course descriptions.) Second, each course is designed with specific, graded assignments (often the final exam) designed to measure, explicitly and objectively, the students’ attainment of pertinent outcomes. The results of the surveys and measurements are considered in detail by the Departmental Undergraduate Program Committee, which, when necessary, provides written feedback to each course instructor.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR GRADUATES

Stated succinctly, Graduates from our program will:

• Use the fundamental science and engineering principles relevant to materials that include the relationships between nano/microstructure, characterization, properties, processing, performance and design of materials.
• Use their knowledge of the significance of research, the value of continued learning and environmental/social issues surrounding materials.
• Use the technical and communication skills developed in the program as a foundation for careers in engineering, research and development, the pursuit of advanced education and other professional careers.
• Use lifelong learning skills to develop knowledge and skills, to pursue new areas of expertise and careers, and to take advantage of professional development opportunities.
• Become leaders in their fields who will contribute to bettering society.

Achievement of these goals will enable our students to pursue vigorously their careers as Materials Scientists and Materials Engineers, whether the student prefers continuing study within top-ranked graduate programs or to join directly the workforce.

JOINT MAJORS

Materials Science and Engineering also has four ABET accredited joint major programs, with Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering. All of these MSE joint majors meet the same MSE program objectives and student outcomes as the MSE single major, listed above. In addition, each of these MSE joint majors meets the program objectives and outcomes of their other respective single major programs. While all joint major programs are designed to meet the respective objectives and outcomes of the programs the joint majors with Chemical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are not ABET accredited and joint majors with Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering are ABET accredited until Sept. 30 2019.

The MSE/ChemE joint major also meets the Chemical Engineering program objectives and student outcomes. NOT ABET ACCREDITED.

The MSE/EECS joint major also meets the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science program objectives and student outcomes. NOT ABET ACCREDITED.

The MSE/ME joint major also meets the Mechanical Engineering program objectives and student outcomes. NOT ABET ACCREDITED.

The MSE/NE joint major also meets the Nuclear Engineering program objectives and student outcomes. NOT ABET ACCREDITED.