Materials Science Engineering Educational Mission and Goals

Educational Mission of the Materials Science Engineering Program

The educational mission of the Materials Science Engineering program is to provide students with a unique interdisciplinary academic foundation on which to continue developing intellectual capacity, and the scholarly training needed to address complex problems in materials science with emphasis on advances in nanotechnology, electronic materials, biomaterials, novel alloys, and the selection of materials to meet design goals.

Undergraduate Major in Materials Science Engineering

Program Educational Objectives: (1) utilize a solid background and broad knowledge in the application of the four primary elements of Materials Science and Engineering (structure, properties, processing and performance) to engineering systems; (2) apply, whenever appropriate, design concepts and constraints that relate to materials (electronic, atomistic, molecular, microstructural, mesoscopic, macroscopic) as well as the design of engineering processes and systems (safety, economic, manufacturability, environmental, ethical, and social); (3) show a sense of community, ethical responsibility, and professionalism in handling duties and performing tasks; (4) demonstrate independence and critical thinking in seeking optimum solutions for problems related to materials selections and designs; (5) communicate effectively with others (orally, in writing, and by listening); (6) work efficiently as a team player to solve open-ended problems that deal with materials selections and designs; (7) exhibit a commitment to continue the process of education and self-learning not only in the field of Materials Science and Engineering but also in other related fields. (Program educational objectives are those aspects of engineering that help shape the curriculum; achievement of these objectives is a shared responsibility between the student and UCI.)

Program Outcomes for undergraduate students in Materials Science Engineering:

  1. An ability to apply science (basic and advanced), mathematics, and engineering fundamentals in the context of materials science engineering.
  2. An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as analyze and interpret data.
  3. An ability to process and select a material to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economics, environmental, social, and ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
  4. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
  5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve materials science engineering problems using experimental, statistical and computational techniques, and modern engineering tools essential for engineering practice.
  6. An ability to understand professional and ethical responsibility.
  7. An ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  8. An ability to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
  9. An ability to recognize the need for life-long learning.
  10. An ability to understand contemporary issues influencing the society and the materials profession.
  11. An ability to apply and integrate knowledge from each of the four primary elements of Materials Science and Engineering (structure, properties, processing and performance) to solve problems related to materials selection and design.