Discover Materials Science and Engineering at UC Berkeley
Are you fascinated by the materials that shape our world, from the smallest microchips to towering skyscrapers? The Bachelor of Science program in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at UC Berkeley offers a comprehensive academic guide for students eager to explore this dynamic field. This program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in cutting-edge industries and advanced research.
Why Choose Materials Science and Engineering at UC Berkeley?
Materials Scientists and Engineers are at the forefront of innovation, impacting every aspect of modern technology. From designing materials for biomedical implants to developing sustainable energy solutions and constructing resilient infrastructure, the field is incredibly broad and vital.
Upon graduating from UC Berkeley’s MSE program, you will be well-equipped for numerous exciting careers. Many alumni pursue graduate studies at top universities, while others directly enter the workforce as engineers in leading companies across Silicon Valley, the biotechnology sector, and aerospace. Companies like Agilent, Applied Materials, Genentech, and Boeing frequently recruit UC Berkeley MSE graduates.
The undergraduate Materials Science and Engineering program at UC Berkeley aims to cultivate graduates who possess:
- Fundamental Knowledge: A strong understanding of the scientific and engineering principles essential for materials design, development, and application.
- Structure-Property Relationships: Deep insight into the connection between a material’s nano/microstructure, its properties, how it’s characterized and processed, and its overall design.
- Practical Skills: Proficiency in experimental and computational techniques necessary for professional engineering roles or advanced graduate studies in materials science.
- Research Acumen and Lifelong Learning: An appreciation for the significance of research, the importance of continuous learning, and the environmental and societal implications of materials science.
- Effective Communication and Teamwork: The ability to communicate effectively, collaborate within teams, and take on leadership roles.
This rigorous major program culminates in a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Materials Science and Engineering.
Admission to the MSE Major at UC Berkeley
If you are a prospective undergraduate applying to the College of Engineering at UC Berkeley, you will apply directly to the Materials Science and Engineering program. Detailed information about the application process and requirements can be found on the College of Engineering’s website.
It is important to note that admission to the College of Engineering through a Change of College application for current UC Berkeley students is extremely competitive and rarely successful. Spaces within the College are limited, making it challenging for students admitted to other UC Berkeley colleges to transfer into Engineering. For students already at UC Berkeley considering this path, please consult the College’s website for comprehensive details.
Accelerated Path: Five-Year BS/MS Program
For highly motivated students, UC Berkeley offers a combined five-year Bachelor of Science/Master of Science program in Materials Science and Engineering. This program builds upon the four-year undergraduate curriculum with an additional year of graduate-level study, focusing on professional development. It’s designed to prepare students for advanced careers in engineering, engineering management, business, government, or industry.
In this integrated program, students first earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a Master of Science degree (Plan II, non-thesis) from the Academic Senate. The five-year program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning through a required independent project alongside advanced coursework. This program is exclusively available to undergraduate Materials Science and Engineering majors (both single and joint majors). Further details are available on the department’s website.
Broaden Your Expertise: Minor in Materials Science and Engineering
For students majoring in other disciplines who are interested in materials science, the department offers a Minor in Materials Science and Engineering. This minor program is accessible to all UC Berkeley undergraduates outside of the MSE major, provided they have completed the necessary prerequisite courses.
To be eligible for the minor, students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses. Information regarding specific prerequisites can be found under the Minor Requirements tab on this page.
To apply for the minor, you will need to submit the Petition for Admission to the Undergraduate Minor to the undergraduate advisor after completing the prerequisite coursework. Upon completion of all minor requirements, submit a Petition for Completion of the Undergraduate Minor to the undergraduate advisor to officially finalize your minor.
Interdisciplinary Studies: Joint Major Programs
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UC Berkeley also collaborates with other departments to offer five distinct joint major programs. These interdisciplinary programs combine MSE with related engineering and science fields:
- Chemical Engineering/Materials Science and Engineering: (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Chemistry)
- Bioengineering/Materials Science and Engineering: (Bioengineering Department)
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences/Materials Science and Engineering: (Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences Department)
- Materials Science and Engineering/Mechanical Engineering: (Mechanical Engineering Department)
- Materials Science and Engineering/Nuclear Engineering: (Nuclear Engineering Department)
For more detailed information about each joint major program, please follow the links provided.
For further exploration of the department and its offerings, please Visit Department Website.
In-Depth Look: Major Requirements for the BS in MSE
In addition to the general University, campus, and College of Engineering requirements, students pursuing a BS in Materials Science and Engineering must satisfy specific major requirements outlined below.
Key Guidelines for Major Requirements
- Letter Grades Required: All technical courses fulfilling major requirements must be taken for a letter grade to ensure academic rigor.
- Limited Course Overlap with Minors: A maximum of one upper-division course can simultaneously count towards both a major and a minor program, promoting breadth in academic pursuits.
- Minimum Overall GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is necessary for all coursework completed at UC Berkeley, reflecting overall academic standing.
- Minimum Technical GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required specifically for all technical courses that satisfy major requirements, emphasizing proficiency in core subject areas.
For detailed information regarding residency and unit requirements, please refer to the College Requirements tab. A comprehensive semester-by-semester plan of study is available under the Plan of Study tab.
Lower Division Course Requirements
The lower division coursework provides a foundational base in mathematics, science, and engineering principles.
| Course Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 51/1A | Calculus I (MATH 51 as of Fall 2025) | 4 |
| MATH 52/1B | Calculus II (MATH 52 as of Fall 2025) | 4 |
| MATH 53 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| PHYSICS 89 | Introduction to Mathematical Physics | 4 |
| CHEM 1A & 1AL | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Laboratory 1 | 5 |
| or CHEM 4A | General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis | |
| CHEM 1B | General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| or CHEM 4B | General Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis | |
| PHYSICS 7A | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
| PHYSICS 7B | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
| PHYSICS 7C | Physics for Scientists and Engineers | 4 |
| ENGIN 7 | Introduction to Computer Programming and Numerical Methods | 4 |
| ENGIN 40 | Engineering Thermodynamics | 4 |
| MAT SCI 45 & 45L | Properties of Materials and Properties of Materials Laboratory | 4 |
| MEC ENG C85/CIV ENG C30 | Introduction to Solid Mechanics | 3 |
Note: CHEM 4A and CHEM 4B are specifically designed for students majoring in chemistry or related fields.
Upper Division Course Requirements
Building upon the foundational knowledge, upper division courses delve into specialized areas within Materials Science and Engineering.
| Course Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Math/Stat/Data Elective 1 | 3-4 | |
| MAT SCI 102 | Bonding, Crystallography, and Crystal Defects | 3 |
| MAT SCI 103 | Phase Transformations and Kinetics | 3 |
| MAT SCI 104 & 104L | Materials Characterization and Materials Characterization Laboratory | 4 |
| MAT SCI 111 | Properties of Electronic Materials | 4 |
| MAT SCI 112 | Corrosion (Chemical Properties) | 3 |
| MAT SCI 113 | Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials | 3 |
| MAT SCI 151 | Polymeric Materials | 3 |
| MAT SCI 131 | Additive Manufacturing Processes and Systems for Advanced Materials | 3 |
| MAT SCI 120 series course | 3-4 | |
| Upper Division Engineering Elective 2 | 3-4 |
*Notes:
- Math/Stat/Data Elective: Choose one course from a specified list including upper division MATH, STAT, IND ENG 172, COMPSCI C100/DATA C100/STAT C100, or ENGIN 117.
- Upper Division Engineering Elective: Chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor, with options including research project units in MAT SCI H194. Certain courses are excluded as electives.*
Minor Requirements in Materials Science and Engineering
Minor programs offer focused study in a specific area with fewer course requirements than a major. While optional, a minor in MSE can enrich your UC Berkeley education. Engineering minors can typically be completed within the standard undergraduate timeframe with careful planning and advisor consultation.
General Guidelines for Minors
- Declaration Deadline: Minors must be declared no later than one semester before your Expected Graduation Term (EGT), with specific deadlines based on semester timing.
- Graded Credit: All courses for the minor must be taken for a letter grade unless only offered Pass/No Pass.
- GPA for Admission: A minimum GPA of 2.5 overall and 2.5 in prerequisite courses is required for minor admission.
- GPA for Minor Completion: A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required in courses used to fulfill minor requirements.
- Limited Course Overlap: Similar to majors, only one upper-division course can count towards both a major and a minor.
- No Graduation延期: Minor completion cannot delay graduation.
Note: Course substitutions for ENGIN 40 are available for Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering majors, and specific course requirements apply to Chemical Engineering majors.
Specific Minor Requirements
| Course Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | ||
| MAT SCI 45 | Properties of Materials | 3 |
| MAT SCI 45L | Properties of Materials Laboratory | 1 |
| ENGIN 40 | Engineering Thermodynamics | 4 |
| Upper Division Requirements | ||
| MAT SCI 102 | Bonding, Crystallography, and Crystal Defects | 3 |
| MAT SCI 103 | Phase Transformations and Kinetics | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| MAT SCI 104 & 104L | Materials Characterization and Materials Characterization Laboratory | |
| MAT SCI 111 | Properties of Electronic Materials [4] | |
| MAT SCI 112 | Corrosion (Chemical Properties) [3] | |
| MAT SCI 113 | Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials [3] | |
| MAT SCI 117 | Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials [3] | |
| MAT SCI C118 | Biological Performance of Materials [4] | |
| MAT SCI 120 | Materials Production [3] | |
| MAT SCI 121 | Metals Processing [3] | |
| MAT SCI 122 | Ceramic Processing [3] | |
| MAT SCI 125 | Thin-Film Materials Science [3] | |
| MAT SCI 123 | ELECTRONIC MATERIALS PROCESSING [4] | |
| MAT SCI 151 | Polymeric Materials [3] |
College of Engineering Requirements: Essential Academic Guidelines
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering, students must adhere to the following requirements, ensuring a comprehensive and rigorous academic experience.
Core Requirements for Engineering Degrees
Students in the College of Engineering must complete a minimum of 120 semester units, adhering to these key provisions:
- Major Program Completion: Fulfillment of all requirements for one engineering major program of study.
- GPA Standards: Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.00 and a minimum 2.00 GPA in upper division technical coursework required for the major.
- Residency Requirement: The final 30 units and last two semesters must be completed in residence within the College of Engineering at the Berkeley campus, fostering a strong connection to the academic community.
- Letter Grades for Technical Courses: All technical courses (math, science, and engineering) applicable to the major must be taken for a letter grade, promoting academic commitment (unless a course is exclusively offered Pass/No Pass).
- Time to Degree: Entering freshmen are allowed a maximum of eight semesters, and entering junior transfers a maximum of five semesters to complete their degree requirements, encouraging efficient degree planning. Summer terms are optional and do not count towards the maximum semester limit.
- College Policies and Procedures: Adherence to all college policies and procedures throughout degree completion.
- Lower Division Prerequisite: Completion of lower division technical courses before enrolling in upper division technical courses, ensuring a solid academic foundation.
Humanities and Social Sciences (H/SS) Breadth
To ensure a well-rounded education, the College of Engineering requires six courses in Humanities and Social Sciences, broadening perspectives beyond technical disciplines. This requirement includes:
- Reading and Composition (R&C): Two courses to develop critical reading and writing skills.
- Additional H/SS Courses: Four additional courses meeting specific conditions, detailed in the humanities and social sciences section of the College website.
Class Schedule and Academic Progress
- Minimum Semester Units: 12.0 units per semester to maintain full-time student status.
- Maximum Semester Units: 20.5 units per semester to manage workload effectively.
- Minimum Technical Courses: Enrollment in at least two letter-graded technical courses (of 3 units or more each) per semester is required for normal progress in the major. Normal progress is defined by the Engineering Student Services Advisor and typically involves 3-4 technical courses in the declared major each semester. Non-compliance may result in registration blocks.
- Letter Grades for Technical Courses: All technical courses satisfying major requirements must be taken for a letter grade (unless only offered P/NP).
Minimum Academic Standards
- GPA Requirement: Maintain a minimum overall and semester GPA of 2.00. Students falling below this standard may face suspension or dismissal.
- Upper Division Technical GPA: Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 in upper division technical courses required for the major each semester.
- Overall GPA for Degree: A minimum overall GPA of 2.00 and a minimum 2.00 GPA in upper division technical coursework are required to earn the BS degree.
- Normal Degree Progress: Students must demonstrate normal progress towards degree completion and their declared major to remain in good academic standing.
Unit Requirements for Graduation
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, students must complete at least 120 semester units under the following guidelines:
- Major Program Units: Completion of all unit requirements for the chosen engineering major program.
- Special Studies Coursework Limit: A maximum of 16 units of special studies courses (numbered 97, 98, 99, 197, 198, or 199) can count towards the BS degree, with a limit of 4 units per term.
- Physical Education Unit Limit: A maximum of 4 physical education units from any institution can be counted towards the 120-unit total.
- Pass/No Pass Unit Limit: Passed (P) grades may constitute no more than one-third of the total units completed at UC Berkeley (including FPF, UCEAP, UCDC), excluding transfer credit.
Normal Progress Expectations
Students in the College of Engineering are expected to enroll full-time and make normal progress each semester towards their degree. Failure to meet normal progress standards may lead to academic probation, suspension, or dismissal. Exceptions may be considered for students with documented accommodations, health issues, or other valid reasons, upon petition to the dean.
UC and Campus-Wide Requirements
University of California Requirements
All UC Berkeley undergraduates must satisfy system-wide requirements in addition to college and major requirements.
Entry Level Writing Requirement
All incoming freshmen must demonstrate English language proficiency by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR). Details on how to satisfy this requirement are available on the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement website.
American History and Institutions
All UC graduates must demonstrate an understanding of American History and Institutions (AH&I), reflecting the principle that graduates should have knowledge of US history and government.
Campus Requirement
American Cultures
The American Cultures requirement is specific to UC Berkeley, requiring all undergraduates to pass an American Cultures course with a grade of C- or better (or P). This requirement, introduced in 1991, aims to familiarize students with the diverse cultures of the United States through comparative study. Courses are offered across various departments and disciplines at both lower and upper division levels.
Four-Year Plan of Study: A Typical Path to Graduation
The following plan of study provides a typical semester-by-semester roadmap for completing the BS in Materials Science and Engineering in four years. Course sequencing and elective choices should be made in consultation with an academic advisor.
| Freshman | Units | Spring | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | ||
| CHEM 4A or 1A & 1AL1 | 5 | MATH 1B | 4 |
| MATH 1A | 4 | PHYSICS 7A | 4 |
| MAT SCI 452 | 3 | CHEM 1B or 4B1 | 4-5 |
| MAT SCI 45L2 | 1 | Humanities/Social Sciences course3 | 3-4 |
| Reading & Composition Part A Course3 | 4 | ||
| Total Units | 17 | Total Units | 15-17 |
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| MATH 53 | 4 | PHYSICS 894 | 4 |
| PHYSICS 7B | 4 | PHYSICS 7C | 4 |
| ENGIN 7 | 4 | MAT SCI 151 | 3 |
| Reading & Composition Part B Course3 | 4 | Humanities/Social Sciences course3 | 3-4 |
| Total Units | 16 | Total Units | 14-15 |
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| ENGIN 40 | 4 | MAT SCI 103 | 3 |
| MEC ENG C85 | 3 | MAT SCI 104 & 104L | 4 |
| MAT SCI 102 | 3 | MAT SCI 111 | 4 |
| Math/Stat/Data Elective5 | 3-4 | MAT SCI 112 | 3 |
| Free Elective6 | 4 | ||
| Total Units | 17-18 | Total Units | 14 |
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Spring | ||
| MAT SCI 113 | 3 | Upper Division Engineering Elective7 | 3-4 |
| MAT SCI 120 Series Course | 3-4 | Humanities/Social Science Course4 | 3-4 |
| MAT SCI 131 | 3 | Free Electives6 | 6-8 |
| Humanities/Social Science Course4 | 3-4 | ||
| Free Elective6 | 3 | ||
| Total Units | 15-17 | Total Units | 12-16 |
| Total Units for Degree: 120-130 |
*Notes:
- CHEM 4A and CHEM 4B are intended for Chemistry majors and related fields.
- MAT SCI 45/MAT SCI 45L can be taken in either fall or spring of freshman year, with slight variations in examples used.
- Humanities/Social Sciences (H/SS) requirement details and approved course lists are available at engineering.berkeley.edu/hss.
- PHYSICS 89 replaces MATH 54.
- Math/Stat/Data Elective options include upper division MATH, STAT, ENGIN 117, IND ENG 172, COMPSCI C100/DATA C100/STAT C100.
- Free electives can be any course of interest, technical or non-technical, with no restrictions.
- Upper division engineering elective must be chosen in consultation with advisor and excludes certain courses listed in the original document.
Student Learning Goals: Developing Future Leaders in MSE
Core Learning Goals of the MSE Major
The Materials Science and Engineering program at UC Berkeley is designed around specific curricular outcomes, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their future endeavors. Upon completing this ABET-accredited program, graduates will demonstrate the following skills:
Measured Curricular Outcomes
- Problem Solving: Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering challenges by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- Engineering Design: Ability to apply engineering design principles to create solutions that meet specified needs, considering public health, safety, welfare, and broader global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- Effective Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, conveying technical information clearly and persuasively.
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility: Recognition of ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering contexts, enabling informed judgments that consider the global, economic, environmental, and societal impacts of engineering solutions.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to function effectively within a team, contributing to leadership, fostering collaboration and inclusivity, setting goals, planning tasks, and achieving objectives.
- Experimentation and Data Analysis: Ability to design and conduct appropriate experiments, analyze and interpret data, and apply engineering judgment to draw meaningful conclusions.
- Lifelong Learning: Ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, utilizing effective learning strategies for continuous professional development.
Educational Objectives for Graduates
In summary, graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering program will be equipped with the following skills and attributes:
- Materials Science Expertise: Apply fundamental science and engineering principles relevant to materials, understanding the interrelationships between nano/microstructure, characterization, properties, processing, performance, and design.
- Research and Societal Awareness: Utilize knowledge of research significance, value of lifelong learning, and awareness of environmental/social issues related to materials science.
- Career Readiness: Apply technical and communication skills developed in the program as a foundation for careers in engineering, research and development, advanced education, and other professional fields.
- Continuous Professional Growth: Employ lifelong learning skills to expand knowledge, pursue new areas of expertise and careers, and leverage professional development opportunities.
- Leadership and Societal Impact: Emerge as leaders in their respective fields, contributing positively to society and addressing global challenges.
Major Map: Charting Your Academic Journey
Major Maps are visual guides designed to assist undergraduate students in planning their academic path at UC Berkeley, tailored to their chosen major or field of interest. These maps highlight key opportunities and resources available within the College of Engineering, the Materials Science and Engineering department, and across the broader campus. Each map offers curated suggestions for academic planning, extracurricular engagement, and career development, all presented in a user-friendly timeline format.
Use the Materials Science and Engineering Major Map to explore potential pathways and customize your unique undergraduate experience:
View the Materials Science and Engineering Major Map
Academic Enrichment: Research and Student Organizations
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Materials are the tangible foundation of all engineering products, making materials science research a critical area of global importance. At UC Berkeley, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering boasts extensive research programs spanning new materials synthesis, processing, characterization, integration, and theoretical modeling. These initiatives are conducted within departmental laboratories and at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Undergraduate students are highly encouraged to connect with faculty members who sponsor student research projects and explore the diverse research opportunities available. Research experiences can range from shadowing senior graduate students to leading fully independent projects. Students can earn academic credit for research through MAT SCI 199 (Pass/No Pass) or MAT SCI H194 (graded Honors Thesis, can count as technical elective). Paid research positions are also available, particularly during the summer. Students are encouraged to proactively seek out and incorporate materials research into their undergraduate experience at Berkeley.
Student Groups and Organizations in MSE
The Materials Science & Engineering Association (MSEA) is a vibrant student organization serving a large community at UC Berkeley, including MSE majors and students from other disciplines interested in materials science careers. MSEA organizes scholarly and social events to enrich the undergraduate experience. Through its affiliation with Materials Advantage, students can join four national materials societies, providing early access to professional networks and career resources.
MSE undergraduates are also highly valued members of various engineering project teams, contributing materials expertise to initiatives like the Solar Car (CalSol), Formula SAE race car team, Human Powered Vehicle team, Supermileage Vehicle team, and others. These projects offer hands-on experience in engineering design and construction, providing valuable skills in areas like carbon-fiber composite fabrication and aluminum alloy welding.
Course Catalog: Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering Courses
MAT SCI 24. Freshman Seminar
Terms Offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Course Description: Freshman seminars explore diverse intellectual topics in a small seminar setting with faculty. Topics vary each semester. Enrollment limited to 20 freshmen.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 1 hour of lecture per week
Grading: Pass/Not Pass. Final exam status determined by instructor.
MAT SCI 45. Properties of Materials
Terms Offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Course Description: Application of physics and chemistry to material properties, focusing on structure-property-processing-performance relationships in metals, ceramics, and polymers. Fall editions emphasize metals, ceramics, and functional/electronic properties, while Spring editions focus on polymers and soft materials.
Prerequisites: High school AP or honors chemistry and physics recommended.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 45L. Properties of Materials Laboratory
Terms Offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Course Description: Laboratory applications of principles from MSE45, Properties of Materials.
Credit Restrictions: No credit after taking E45L.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of laboratory per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
MAT SCI 102. Bonding, Crystallography, and Crystal Defects
Terms Offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Course Description: Bonding in solids, classification of materials, crystal systems, defects, and their relation to material properties.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 103. Phase Transformations and Kinetics
Terms Offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Course Description: Nature, mechanisms, and kinetics of phase transformations and microstructural changes in solids.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 102 and ENGIN 40
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
MAT SCI 104. Materials Characterization
Terms Offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Course Description: Basic principles and techniques for characterizing engineering materials, including X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 102. Basic knowledge of structure, bonding and crystallography assumed.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 104L. Materials Characterization Laboratory
Terms Offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Course Description: Hands-on lab course covering X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 102; and concurrent enrollment in MAT SCI 104.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 1.5 hours of laboratory and 1 hour of discussion per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
MAT SCI 111. Properties of Electronic Materials
Terms Offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Course Description: Physical principles of electric properties of solids, semiconductors, devices, and superconductors.
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B, and PHYSICS 7C; or consent of instructor.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 112. Corrosion (Chemical Properties)
Terms Offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Course Description: Electrochemical theory of corrosion, mechanisms, rates, and protection methods.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45 and ENGIN 40
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 113. Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials
Terms Offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Course Description: Elastic and plastic deformation, failure prediction, material selection, and case studies of engineering failures.
Prerequisites: CIV ENG C30/MEC ENG C85 and MAT SCI 45
Credit Restrictions: No credit after taking C113 or Mechanical Engineering C124.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 117. Properties of Dielectric and Magnetic Materials
Terms Offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2017, Spring 2011
Course Description: Physical principles of dielectric and magnetic properties of solids, processing-microstructure-property relationships.
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A, PHYSICS 7B, and PHYSICS 7C; or consent of instructor. MAT SCI 111 recommended.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI C118. Biological Performance of Materials
Terms Offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Course Description: Biomedical materials selection and design, structure-property relationships, and interactions with biological systems.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45 and BIO ENG 103 required. BIO ENG 102 and BIO ENG 104 strongly recommended.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Cross-listed: BIO ENG C118
MAT SCI 120. Materials Production
Terms Offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
Course Description: Economic and technological significance of materials, mining, mineral processing, thermodynamics, kinetics, and process engineering.
Prerequisites: ENGIN 40, MEC ENG 40, CHM ENG 141, CHEM 120B, or equivalent thermodynamics course.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 121. Metals Processing
Terms Offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Course Description: Principles of metals processing, microstructure development, solidification, thermal and mechanical processing, powder processing, welding, and surface treatments.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 122. Ceramic Processing
Terms Offered: Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2010
Course Description: Powder fabrication, rheology, forming methods, drying, sintering, and grain growth in ceramic processing.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45 and ENGIN 40
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 123. ELECTRONIC MATERIALS PROCESSING
Terms Offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
Course Description: Solid-state physics, semiconductor crystal growth, doping, thin film deposition, and materials characterization.
Objectives & Outcomes: Prepare students for semiconductor processing work or graduate studies.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 111, PHYSICS 7C, or consent of instructor.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 4 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 125. Thin-Film Materials Science
Terms Offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Course Description: Deposition, processing, characterization, and applications of thin films.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering; and MAT SCI 45. PHYSICS 111A or PHYSICS 141A recommended.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 131. Additive Manufacturing Processes and Systems for Advanced Materials
Terms Offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Course Description: Engineering principles and frontiers of additive manufacturing systems and applications.
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7A (recommended), MAT SCI 45, MEC ENG C85/CIV ENG C30, or consent of instructor.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
MAT SCI 132. Experimental Materials Science of Thin Films and Coatings
Terms Offered: Spring 2022
Course Description: Experimental materials science and processing of thin films and coatings.
Objectives & Outcomes: Data collection protocols, scholarly report writing, experimental methods in materials growth.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45, MAT SCI 104, and MAT SCI 125; or consent of instructor.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Grading: Letter grade. Alternative to final exam.
MAT SCI 140. Experimental Materials Science and Design
Terms Offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Course Description: Laboratory experiments in semiconductor materials, corrosion science, and materials selection in engineering design.
Prerequisites: Senior standing or consent of instructor.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 141. Additive Manufacturing Processes and Systems for Advanced Materials
Terms Offered: Fall 2024
Course Description: Engineering principles, system designs, process dynamics, and construction of advanced additive fabrication systems.
Prerequisites: ENGIN 29 (recommended); MAT SCI 45; MEC ENG C85; PHYSICS 7A (recommended); ENGIN 26 (optional); or instructor’s permission.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
MAT SCI 146. Materials in Energy Technologies
Terms Offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2019, Fall 2017
Course Description: Sustainable technologies and enabling materials properties in energy technologies.
Prerequisites: Junior or above standing in Materials Science and Engineering or related field.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Formerly known as: Materials Science and Engineering 126
MAT SCI 148. Nanomaterials for Scientists and Engineers
Terms Offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2015
Course Description: Behavior of materials at the nanoscale, classes of nanomaterials, synthesis, characterization, and properties.
Prerequisites: PHYSICS 7C and MAT SCI 45. MAT SCI 102 recommended.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI C150. Introduction to Materials Chemistry
Terms Offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Course Description: Application of chemical principles to materials discovery, design, and characterization.
Prerequisites: CHEM 104A. CHEM 104B recommended.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Cross-listed: CHEM C150
MAT SCI 151. Polymeric Materials
Terms Offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Course Description: Science of polymeric materials, chain conformations, thermodynamics, polymer networks, dynamics, and morphologies.
Prerequisites: CHEM 1A or MAT SCI 45. MAT SCI 103 is recommended.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI C157. Nanomaterials in Medicine
Terms Offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
Course Description: Nanoscale materials for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in nanomedicine.
Objectives & Outcomes: Clinical needs identification, nanomaterial design, literature critique, nanomaterial-biological system interactions.
Prerequisites: MAT SCI 45 or consent of instructor.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
Cross-listed: BIO ENG C157
MAT SCI 160. Introduction to Soft Matter
Terms Offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Course Description: Physics of soft matter systems including polymers, colloids, surfactants, membranes, and active matter.
Prerequisites: ENGIN 40, PHYSICS 5C, CHEM 120B, CHEM ENG 141, or MECH ENG 40.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 3 hours of lecture per week
Grading: Letter grade. Alternate method of final assessment.
MAT SCI H194. Honors Undergraduate Research
Terms Offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015
Course Description: Original research under faculty direction for students with GPA 3.3 or higher. Max 3 units can fulfill technical elective requirements. Final report required.
Prerequisites: Upper division technical GPA of 3.3 or higher and consent of instructor and adviser.
Repeat Rules: May be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format: Fall/spring/summer: Variable independent study hours.
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam not required.
MAT SCI 197. Special Topics for Advanced Undergraduates
Terms Offered: Spring 2012, Spring 2011, Spring 2010
Course Description: Group study of special topics in materials science and engineering.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing and good academic standing.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 1 hour of directed group study per week
Grading: Letter grade. Final exam required.
MAT SCI 198. Directed Group Studies for Advanced Undergraduates
Terms Offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2016
Course Description: Group studies of selected topics.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing in Engineering.
Hours & Format: Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks – 1-4 hours of directed group study per week
Grading: Pass/Not Pass. Final exam not required.
MAT SCI 199. Supervised Independent Study
Terms Offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022
Course Description: Supervised independent study. Enrollment restrictions apply.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and major adviser.
Credit Restrictions: Max 4 units per semester. May be repeated for credit.
Hours & Format: Fall/spring/summer: Variable independent study hours.
Grading: Pass/Not Pass. Final exam not required.
Contact Information: Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
210 Hearst Memorial Mining Building
Phone: 510-642-3801
Fax: 510-643-5792
Visit Department Website
Department Chair
Junqiao Wu
216 Hearst Memorial Mining Building
[email protected]
Graduate Student Services Advisor
Ariana Castro
210 Hearst Memorial Mining Building
Phone: 510-642-0716
[email protected]
Undergraduate Student Services Advisor
Medina Kohzad
210 Hearst Memorial Mining Building
[email protected]
