Materials Sciences (MS&E)

The module Material Sciences (MS&E) treats all areas of material sciences, ranging from the atomic structure and interatomic bonding, to the fundamentals of crystallography, imperfections in solids, diffusion processes, dislocations and strengthening mechanisms, failure, phase diagrams, phase transformations, and corrosion and degradation, as well as the fundamental mechanical, electronic, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties of important material classes. The latter comprise metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials.

After having participated the module MS&E, students understand the physical and chemical structure of materials at the atomic level and know methods to investigate these. Furthermore, they are able to identify the most common classes of materials, and they know how to characterize and define the various physical properties of the materials. The students can distinguish the different classes of substances in the materials sciences and their connections.

Basic knowledge on atomic, molecular & condensed matter physics or chemistry, as well as curiosity and openness for an interdisciplinary field is expected.

The module consists of a lecture and an accompanying exercise. The content of the lecture is taught in classes and presentations. The students are requested to work through a textbook, which can be supplemented by other literature to further deepen their understanding. The exercise highlights the contents of the lecture.

The media in the lecture consist of computer presentations, videos, and black board contributions. Moreover, students are encouraged to study the recommended literature.

Recommended textbook accompanying the lecture:

Callister, William D., Rethwisch, David G.: Materials science and engineering, 9th ed., Wiley Desktop Edition 2015.

There will be a written exam of 90 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using calculation problems and comprehension questions.

For example an assignment in the exam might be: Questions regarding fundamentals of crystallography, imperfections in solids, diffusion processes, dislocations and strengthening mechanisms, failure, phase diagrams, phase transformations, and corrosion and degradation, as well as the fundamental mechanical, electronic, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties of important material classes (such as semiconductors, metals, polymers, ceramics, and composite materials)..