Materials Science Courses
MSCI 100 Introduction to Nanoscience and Materials
3 crs. F, Sp, GE-IIF; LS, P: High school chemistry and high school physics.Credit may not be earned in both MSCI 100 and MSCI 310.Lecture/Discussion Hours: 2 | Lab/Studio Hours: 2
This course establishes a foundation in materials science and nanoscience, and how these fields are related to modern materials, environmental issues, energy production, medicine and health, computing, communications, and ethical issues.
MSCI 234 Soft Materials
3 crs. F, P: CHEM 115 (or CHEM 103 and 104).
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3 | Lab/Studio Hours: 0
An introduction covering fundamentals of chemistry, physics, and engineering of soft materials. Topics include synthesis and processing of polymers and other soft materials, structure-property relationships of amorphous materials, and advanced materials. A brief primer on organic chemistry is covered.
MSCI 291 Special Topics in Materials Science
1-3 crs. V, Special Course Fee Required, May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits ? P: CHEM 104 or CHEM 115; PHYS 232; MSCI 100. InstructorConsent Required
Field trips optional. A total of no more than nine credits from MSCI 291 and MSCI 491 may be applied toward major or graduation. Lecture and possibly laboratory or field work in the study of current topics in Materials Science of special interest to students and faculty.
MSCI 300 Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials
4 crs. F, No S/U Grade Option, P: CHEM 218; PHYS 232; MSCI 100.
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3 | Lab/Studio Hours: 2
Explanation of thermodynamics of materials, including equilibrium concepts. Examines how interfaces and surfaces impact the kinetics of atom diffusion, as well as how defects influence bulk atom motion. Labs will model crystal and molecule behavior.
MSCI 310 Fundamentals of Nanoscience
3 crs. F, Wi, Sp, Su, GE-IIF P:
No credit toward the Materials Science comprehensivemajor.
Credit may not be earned in both MSCI 100 and MSCI 310.
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3 | Lab/Studio Hours: 0
Provides the fundamentals of nanoscience at an elementary level, i.e., how material behavior, properties, and function change due to small size. Addresses applications in science and industry and nanotechnology products, along with environmental, social, and ethical implications.
MSCI 338 Physics of Solids
4 crs. Sp, P: PHYS 332 or MSCI 300.
Lecture/Discusion Hours: 4 | Lab/Studio Hours: 0
Credit may not be earned in both MSCI 338 and PHYS 338.
Crystallography, diffraction, electron and phonon transport. Semiconductors and optical properties of crystalline materials, interaction of light with crystalline and non-crystalline matter, including photovoltaics, LEDS, nonlinear optics, solid-state lasing, and fiberoptic materials.
MSCI 355 Materials Characterization
4 crs. F, P: CHEM 104 or 115 and PHYS 211 or 231.
No credit if more than one credit has been earned in MSCI/PHYS 301 through 307. Lecture/Discussion Hours: 2 | Lab/Studio Hours: 4
A survey of commonly used materials characterization methods (XPS, SEM, AFM, XRD, XRF), including their theory of operation and hands-on experience. Includes a discussion of the measurement process and instrumental analysis of samples.
MSCI 362 Materials Processing
2 crs. F, A-F Grades Only, P: MSCI 234; MSCI 300; MSCI 355.
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 2 | Lab/Studio Hours: 0
This course discusses many of the materials processing methods used in the fabrication of microelectronic devices, including deposition, etching, metallization, insulation, doping, ion implantation, and photolithography. MSCI 363 provides the associated lab experience for this course.
MSCI 363 Materials Processing Lab
2 crs. F, A-F Grades Only, P: CHEM 115 or 104; MSCI 300 (or equivalent); MSCI 355.
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 0 | Lab/Studio Hours: 4
This course provides the lab component for MSCI 362, and focuses on hands-on experience in depositing thin films, patterning surfaces with hotolithography,etching surfaces, and doping materials. A variety of materials processing methods will be explored, with some characterization of prepared materials using various instruments.
MSCI 382 Advanced Materials Science and Nanoscience
4 crs. Sp, A-F Grades Only, P: MSCI 234; MSCI 300 or CHEM 433 or PHYS 445 (or equivalent).
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 4 | Lab/Studio Hours: 0
A survey of materials science, including in-depth discussions of metals, ceramics, polymers, and semiconductors. Contrasting views of the "molecular" nature of matter and the "band" nature will be discussed. Includes in-depth discussion of Nanoscience and Materials Science.
MSCI 391 Materials Science Seminar
1 cr. Sp, A-F Grades Only, P: MSCI 234 and MSCI 355.
Seminar Hours: 1 | Lab/Studio Hours: 0
Students will explore career pathways in Materials Science. The course will offer a mix of seminars by various speakers and discussions about issues relevant to Materials Science.
MSCI 395 Directed Studies
1-3 crs. F, Sp, Su, May be repeated, A-F Grades Only, P: Minimum 2.0 GPA in Materials Science. Department Consent Required
This course is designed to allow a single student or a group of students to pursue their educational goals and interests under the direction of a faculty member.
MSCI 399 Independent Study - Juniors
1-3 crs. F, Sp, May be repeated, A-F Grades Only, P: Minimum juniorstanding. Department Consent Required. This course provides junior-level students with research opportunities in Materials Science.
MSCI 480 Advanced Materials Science Lab I
1 cr. F, A-F Grades Only, P: MSCI 362, MSCI 363, MSCI 382, PHYS 338. Lecture/Discussion Hours: 0 | Lab/Studio Hours: 3
First of a two-course capstone sequence. Focuses on hands-on, project-based, research-inspired labs that emphasize diverse areas of Materials Science.
MSCI 481 Advanced Materials Science Lab II - Scientific Writing
1 cr. Sp, A-F Grades Only, P: MSCI 480, or consent of instructor. Instructor Consent Required
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 0 | Lab/Studio Hours: 3
Second of a two-course capstone sequence. Focuses on preparation of a scientific paper, including a Materials Science literature review and developing a manuscript for publication. Students will use experimental processes and results obtained from MSCI 480 in developing the manuscript.
MSCI 491 Special Topics in Advanced Materials Science
1-3 crs. V, Special Course Fee Required, May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits, P: MSCI 300. Limited to Materials Science majors. Instructor Consent Required
Field trips optional. A total of no more than nine credits from MSCI 291 and MSCI 491 may be applied toward major or graduation. Lecture and possibly laboratory or field work in the study of current topics of Materials Science of special interest to advanced students and faculty.
MSCI 499 Independent Study - Seniors
1-3 crs. F, Sp, May be repeated, A-F Grades Only, P: Minimum senior standing. Department Consent Required
This course provides senior-level students with research opportunities in Materials Science.
Course offerings for proposed MS&E major
The following documents describe the curriculum and student learning outcomes for the proposed MS&E major at UW-Eau Claire.
Course descriptions and student learning outcomes: View PDF
Technical electives: View PDF
Four-year course grid: View PDF
Course sequencing: View PDF
Course array for non-engineering Mat. Sci. major: View PDF