The faculty in the Department of Chemical, Bio, and Materials Engineering offer the B.S. degree in three exciting disciplines: chemical engineering, bioengineering, and materials science and engineering. Each of these majors builds on a broad base of knowledge within the basic and mathematical sciences and the engineering core. Each offers excellent career opportunities.
Chemical engineers design and operate processes that may include chemical change. They combine the science of chemistry with the discipline of engineering in order to solve complex problems in a wide variety of industries. Challenging job opportunities exist not only in the chemical and petroleum industries, but also in the plastics, electronics, computer, metals, space, food, drug, and health care industries. In these industries, chemical engineers practice in a wide variety of occupations including environmental control, surface treatments, energy and materials transformation, biomedical applications, fermentation, protein recovery, extractive metallurgy, and separations. In the environmental area, chemical engineers develop methods to reduce the pollution created in manufacturing processes, devise techniques to recover usable materials from wastes, design waste storage and treatment facilities, and design pollution control strategies.
Bioengineering (synonyms: biomedical engineering or medical engineering) is the discipline of engineering that applies principles and methods from engineering, the life sciences, and the medical sciences to understand, define, and solve problems in medicine, physiology, and biology. Bioengineering students typically pursue either a career in the medical-device/biotechnology industry or a career in bioengineering, medical or biotechnology research or enter a postgraduate program in clinical or veterinary medicine or dentistry. The practicing bioengineer uses engineering principles and technology to develop instrumentation, biomaterials, diagnostic and therapeutic devices, artificial organs, and other equipment needed in medicine and biology. They also discover new fundamental principles regarding the functioning and structure of living systems.
Materials science and engineering uses fundamental knowledge in chemistry and physics to correlate relationships between the structure and processing of materials and their properties. Students educated in this discipline decide how to optimize existing materials or how to develop new advanced materials and processing techniques. Students who major in materials science and engineering will find employment opportunities in a variety of industries and research facilities which include aerospace, electronics, energy conversion, manufacturing, medical devices, semiconductors, and transportation.
The following sections describe the curriculum requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in each of these disciplines. Faculty within the department also participate in the Engineering Special Studies program in premedical engineering which is described separately in “Programs in Engineering Special Studies.”
Chemical engineers are generally concerned with transfer within and between liquid, gas, and solid phases and the chemical changes that may also occur. They design and operate processes that accommodate such changes, including the chemical activation of materials. Typically this involves complex multicomponent systems wherein the interactions between species have to be considered and analyzed. The new challenge in chemical engineering is to apply the principles of fluid dynamics, mass transfer, solution thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and separation techniques to technological endeavors such as pollution control within manufacturing and the environment, integrated circuit design, solid-state surface treatments, and materials processing.
Consequently, in addition to the chemical and petroleum industries, chemical engineers find challenging opportunities in the plastics, solid-state, electronics, computer, metals, space, food, drug, and health care industries, where they practice in a wide variety of occupations, such as environmental control, surface treatments, energy and materials transformations, biomedical applications, fermentation, protein recovery, extractive metallurgy, and separations. While a large percentage of the industrial positions are filled by graduates with bachelor’s degrees, there are lucrative and creative opportunities in research and development for those who acquire postgraduate education.
Subspecializations have developed within the profession. However, the same broad body of knowledge is generally expected of all chemical engineers for maximum flexibility in industrial positions. The preparation for chemical engineering is accomplished by a blend of classroom instruction and laboratory experience.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of 128 semester hours is necessary for the B.S.E. degree in Chemical Engineering. A minimum of 50 upper-division semester hours is required.
The course work for the undergraduate degree can be classified into the following categories (in semester hours):
First-Year Composition
| ENG 101, 102 | First-Year Composition (6) |
| or ENG 105 Advanced First-Year Composition (3) | |
| or ENG 107, 108 English for Foreign Students (6) | |
| Total: 6 |
General Studies/School Requirements
Humanities and Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences
| ECN 111 | Macroeconomic Principles SB (3) |
| or ECN 112 Microeconomic Principles SB (3) | |
| SB, HU, and awareness area courses1 (13) | |
| Total: 16 | |
Literacy and Critical Inquiry
| CHE 352 | Transport Laboratories L2 (3) |
| ECE 300 | Intermediate Engineering Design L1 (3) |
| Total: 6 |
Natural Sciences/Basic Sciences
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| CHM 116 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| CHM 331 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 335 | General Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I: Mechanics S1/S22 (3) |
| PHY 122 | University Physics Laboratory S1/S22 (1) |
| Total: 16 |
Numeracy/Mathematics
| ECE 100 | Introduction to Engineering Design N3 (4) |
| ECE 384 | Numerical Analysis for Engineers I (2) |
| MAT 270 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I N1 (4) |
| MAT 271 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4) |
| MAT 272 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4) |
| MAT 274 | Elementary Differential Equations (3) |
| Total: 21 | |
| General Studies/school requirements tota: 59 |
Engineering Core
| CHE 342 | Applied Chemical Thermodynamics (4) |
| CHE 461 | Process Control N3 (4) |
| ECE 394 | ST: Conservation Principles (4) |
| ECE 394 | ST: Properties that Matter (4) |
| ECE 394 | ST: Engineering Systems (4) |
| Total: 20 |
Major
| CHE 311 | Introduction to Chemical Processing (3) |
| CHE 331 | Transport Phenomena I: Fluids (3) |
| CHE 332 | Transport Phenomena II: Energy Transfer (3) |
| CHE 333 | Transport Phenomena III: Mass Transfer (3) |
| CHE 432 | Principles of Chemical Engineering Design (3) |
| CHE 442 | Chemical Reactor Design (3) |
| CHE 451 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory (2) |
| CHE 462 | Process Design (3) |
| CHM 332 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| ECE 380 | Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving N2 (3) |
| ECE 385 | Numerical Analysis for Engineers II (2) |
| Technical electives (12) | |
| Total: 43 | |
| 1 | Engineering students may not use aerospace studies (AES) or military science (MIS) courses to fulfill HU or SB requirements. See the School of Engineering, “Selected nonengineering topics.” |
| 2 | Both PHY 121 and 122 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
Consult with your department academic advisor to ensure that all requirements are met.
The technical elective courses must be selected from upper-division courses with an advisor’s approval and must include the following: two three-semester-hour chemistry courses; a three-semester-hour natural science or materials course; and a three-semester-hour chemical engineering course.
To fulfill accreditation requirements and to prepare adequately for the advanced chemistry courses, Chemical Engineering majors are required to take the CHM 113 and 116 introductory chemistry sequence (CHM 117 and 118 are acceptable substitutes). Other freshman chemistry courses are not acceptable, and transfer students who have taken another chemistry course may be required to enroll in CHM 113 and 116.
The faculty in the Department of Chemical, Bio, and Materials Engineering also offer graduate programs leading to the M.S.E., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. These programs provide a blend of classroom instruction and research. A wide variety of topical and relevant research projects are available for thesis topics. Students interested in these programs should contact the department for up-to-date descriptive literature.
Chemical Engineering Areas of Emphasis
Students who wish to specialize may develop an area of interest through the use of technical electives and selective substitutions for required courses. Substitutions must be approved by the advisor and the Department Standards Committee and must be consistent with ABET accreditation criteria. No substitution of CHE 462 is allowed. The following are possible elective areas of emphasis with suggested courses. A student may choose electives within the general department guidelines and does not have to select one of the areas listed.
Biochemical. Students wishing to prepare for a career in biotechnology, fermentation, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other areas within biochemical engineering should select from the following:
Chemistry Electives
| CHM 361 | Principles of Biochemistry (3) |
| CHM 461 | General Biochemistry (3) |
| CHM 462 | General Biochemistry (3) |
Technical Electives
| AGB 423 | Food and Industrial Microbiology (3) |
| AGB 424 | Food and Industrial Fermentations (4) |
| AGB 425 | Food Safety (3) |
| AGB 426 | Food Chemistry (4) |
| CHE 475 | Biochemical Engineering (3) |
| CHE 476 | Bioreaction Engineering (3) |
| CHE 477 | Bioseparation Processes (3) |
Biomedical. Students who are interested in biomedical engineering but wish to maintain a strong, broad chemical engineering base should select from the following:
Chemistry Electives
| CHM 361 | Principles of Biochemistry (3) |
| CHM 461 | General Biochemistry (3) |
| CHM 462 | General Biochemistry (3) |
Technical Electives
| BME 318 | Biomaterials (3) |
| BME 411 | Biomedical Engineering I (3) |
| BME 412 | Biomedical Engineering II (3) |
| BME 413 | Biomedical Instrumentation L2 (3) |
| BME 435 | Physiology for Engineers (4) |
Environmental. ASU does not offer a B.S.E. degree in Environmental Engineering, but students with this interest are encouraged to pursue a B.S.E. degree in Chemical Engineering with this area of emphasis. Students interested in the management of hazardous wastes and air and water pollution should select from the following:
Chemistry Electives
| CHM 302 | Environmental Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 361 | Principles of Biochemistry (3) |
| CHM 461 | General Biochemistry (3) |
| CHM 481 | Geochemistry (3) |
Technical Electives
| CEE 361 | Introduction to Environmental Engineering (4) |
| CEE 362 | Environmental Engineering (3) |
| CEE 561 | Physical-Chemical Treatment of Water and Waste (3) |
| CEE 563 | Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (3) |
| CHE 474 | Chemical Engineering Design for the Environment (3) |
| CHE 478 | Industrial Water Quality Engineering (3) |
| CHE 479 | Air Quality Control (3) |
| CHE 533 | Transport Processes I (3) |
Materials. Students interested in the development and production of new materials such as alloys, ceramics, composites, polymers, semiconductors, and superconductors should select from the following:
Chemistry Electives
| CHM 441 | General Physical Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 442 | General Physical Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 453 | Inorganic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 471 | Solid-State Chemistry (3) |
Technical Electives
| BME 318 | Biomaterials (3) |
| CHE 458 | Semiconductor Material Processing (3) |
| ECE 352 | Properties of Electronic Materials (4) |
| MSE 353 | Introduction to Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 354 | Experiments in Materials Synthesis and Processing I (2) |
| MSE 431 | Corrosion and Corrosion Control (3) |
| MSE 453 | Experiments in Materials Synthesis and Processing II (2) |
| MSE 454 | Advanced Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 470 | Polymers and Composites (3) |
Premedical. Students planning to attend medical school should select courses from those listed under the biomedical emphasis. In addition, BIO 181, 182, and CHM 336 must be taken to satisfy medical-school requirements but are not counted toward the Chemical Engineering bachelor’s degree.
Process Engineering.The engineering core and required chemical engineering courses serve as a suitable background for students intending to enter the traditional petrochemical and chemical process industries. Students can build on this background by selecting courses with the approval of their advisor. Examples of these courses are as follows:
Energy Conversion and Conservation
| CHE 528 | Process Optimization Techniques (3) |
| CHE 554 | New Energy Technology (3) |
| CHE 556 | Separation Processes (3) |
| MAE 436 | Combustion (3) |
| MAE 437 | Direct Energy Conversion (3) |
Plant Administration and Management
| CHE 479 | Air Quality Control (3) |
| CHE 528 | Process Optimization Techniques (3) |
| IEE 300 | Economic Analysis for Engineers (3) |
| IEE 431 | Engineering Administration (3) |
Simulation, Control, and Design
| CHE 494 | Special Topics (1–4) |
| CHE 527 | Advanced Applied Mathematical Analysis in Chemical Engineering (3) |
| CHE 528 | Process Optimization Techniques (3) |
| CHE 556 | Separation Processes (3) |
| CHE 563 | Chemical Engineering Design (3) |
Semiconductor Processing. Students who are interested in the development and manufacturing of semiconductor and other electronic devices should select from the following:
Chemistry Elective
| CHM 441 | General Physical Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 442 | General Physical Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 453 | Inorganic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 471 | Solid-State Chemistry (3) |
Technical Electives
| CHE 458 | Semiconductor Material Processing (3) |
| CHE 494 | Special Topics (1–4) |
| ECE 352 | Properties of Electronic Materials (4) |
| EEE 435 | Microelectronics (3) |
| EEE 436 | Fundamentals of Solid-State Devices (3) |
| EEE 439 | Semiconductor Facilities and Cleanroom Practices (3) |
| MSE 353 | Introduction to Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 354 | Experiments in Materials Synthesis and Processing I (2) |
| MSE 453 | Experiments in Materials Synthesis and Processing II (2) |
| MSE 454 | Advanced Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 472 | Integrated Circuit Materials Science (3) |
First Semester
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| ECE 100 | Introduction to Engineering Design N3 (4) |
| ENG 101 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 270 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I N3 (4) |
| Total: 15 |
Second Semester
| CHM 116 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| ENG 102 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 271 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4) |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I: Mechanics S1/S2* (3) |
| PHY 122 | University Physics Laboratory I S1/S2* (1) |
| Total: 15 |
First Semester
| CHE 311 | Introduction to Chemical Processing (3) |
| ECE 380 | Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving N2 (3) |
| ECE 394 | ST: Conservation Principles (4) |
| ECN 111 | Macroeconomic Principles SB (3) |
| or ECN 112 Microeconomic Principles SB (3) | |
| MAT 274 | Elementary Differential Equations (3) |
| Total: 16 |
Second Semester
| CHE 331 | Transport Phenomena I: Fluids (3) |
| ECE 384 | Numerical Analysis for Engineers I (2) |
| ECE 394 | ST: Properties that Matter (4) |
| MAT 272 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4) |
| HU or SB elective (4) | |
| Total: 17 | |
First Semester
| CHE 332 | Transport Phenomena II: Energy Transfer (3) |
| CHE 342 | Applied Chemical Thermodynamics (4) |
| CHM 331 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 335 | General Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) |
| ECE 300 | Intermediate Engineering Design L1 (3) |
| HU or SB elective (3) | |
| Total: 17 | |
Second Semester
| CHE 333 | Transport Phenomena III: Mass Transfer (3) |
| CHE 352 | Transport Laboratories L2 (3) |
| CHE 432 | Principles of Chemical Engineering Design (3) |
| CHM 332 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| ECE 385 | Numerical Analysis for Engineers II (2) |
| ECE 394 | ST: Engineering Systems (4) |
| Total: 18 |
First Semester
| CHE 442 | Chemical Reactor Design (3) |
| CHE 451 | Chemical Engineering Laboratory (2) |
| CHE 461 | Process Control N3 (4) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area courses (3) | |
| Technical elective (3) | |
| Total: 15 | |
Second Semester
| CHE 462 | Process Design (3) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area courses (3) | |
| Technical elective (9) | |
| Total: 15 | |
| Total degree requirements: 128 | |
| * | Both PHY 121 and 122 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
Bioengineering (synonyms: biomedical engineering, medical engineering) is the discipline of engineering that applies principles and methods from engineering, the physical sciences, the life sciences, and the medical sciences to understand, define, and solve problems in medicine, physiology, and biology. Bioengineering bridges the engineering, physical, life, and medical sciences. More specifically, the bioengineering program at ASU educates engineering students to use engineering principles and technology to develop instrumentation, materials, diagnostic and therapeutic devices, artificial organs, and other equipment needed in medicine and biology and to discover new fundamental principles regarding the functioning and structure of living systems. The multidisciplinary approach to solving problems in medicine and biology has evolved from exchanges of information between specialists in the concerned areas.
Because a depth of knowledge from at least two diverse disciplines is required in the practice of bioengineering, students desiring a career in bioengineering should plan for advanced study beyond the bachelor’s degree. The Bioengineering major at ASU is especially designed for students desiring graduate study in bioengineering, a career in the medical-device/biotechnology industry, a career in biomedical research, a career in biotechnology research, or entry into a medical college.
Graduate degree programs in Bioengineering are offered at ASU at both the master’s and doctoral levels. For more information concerning these degree programs, consult the Graduate Catalog.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 128 semester hours is necessary for the B.S.E. in Bioengineering degree. A minimum of 50 upper-division semester hours is required.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to fulfilling school and major requirements, majors must satisfy all university graduation requirements. See “University Graduation Requirements.”
Course Requirements
The course work, in semester hours, for the undergraduate degree can be classified into the following categories:
First-Year Composition
| ENG 101, 102 | First-Year Composition (6) |
| or ENG 105 Advanced First-Year Composition (3) | |
| or ENG 107, 108 English for Foreign Students (6) | |
| Total: 6 |
General Studies/School Requirements
Humanities and Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences
| ECN 111 | Macroeconomic Principles SB (3) |
| or ECN 112 Microeconomic Principles SB (3) | |
| SB, HU, and awareness area courses (13) | |
| Total: 16 | |
Literacy and Critical Inquiry
| BME 413 | Biomedical Instrumentation L2 (3) |
| BME 423 | Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory L2 (1) |
| ECE 300 | Intermediate Engineering Design L1 (3) |
| Total: 7 |
Natural Sciences/Basic Sciences
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| CHM 116 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I: Mechanics S1/S21 (3) |
| PHY 122 | University Physics Laboratory I S1/S21 (1) |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism S1/S22 (3) |
| PHY 132 | University Physics Laboratory II S1/S22 (1) |
| Total: 16 |
Numeracy/Mathematics
| ECE 100 | Introduction to Engineering Design N3 (4) |
| MAT 242 | Elementary Linear Algebra (2) |
| or ECE 384 Numerical Analysis for Engineers I (2) | |
| or ECE 386 Partial Differential Equations for Engineers I (2) | |
| MAT 270 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I N1 (4) |
| MAT 271 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4) |
| MAT 272 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4) |
| MAT 274 | Elementary Differential Equations (3) |
| Total: 21 | |
| General Studies/school requirements total: 60 |
Engineering Core
| ECE 210 | Engineering Mechanics I: Statics (3) |
| ECE 301 | Electrical Networks I (4) |
| ECE 334 | Electronic Devices and Instrumentation (4) |
| ECE 340 | Thermodynamics (3) |
| ECE 350 | Structure and Properties of Materials (3) |
| Total: 17 |
Major
| BIO 181 | General Biology S1/S2 (4) |
| BME 201 | Introduction to Bioengineering L1 (3) |
| BME 318 | Biomaterials (3) |
| BME 331 | Biomedical Engineering Transport I: Fluids (3) |
| BME 334 | Bioengineering Heat and Mass Transfer (3) |
| BME 416 | Biomechanics (3) |
| BME 417 | Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design I (3) |
| BME 435 | Physiology for Engineers (4) |
| BME 470 | Microcomputer Applications in Bioengineering (4) |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design II (1–5) |
| ECE 380 | Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving N2 (3) |
| Technical electives (9) | |
| Minimum total: 45 | |
| 1 | Both PHY 121 and 122 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
| 2 | Both PHY 131 and 132 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
The major BME courses require a grade of “C” or higher to advance in the program and to receive a baccalaureate degree.
Bioengineering Areas of Emphasis
Students interested in a career in bioengineering may elect to emphasize either biochemical, bioelectrical, biomaterials engineering, biomechanical, bionuclear, biosystems, molecular and cellular bioengineering, or premedical engineering.
Biochemical Engineering. This emphasis is designed to strengthen the student’s knowledge of chemistry and transport phenomena and is particularly well suited for students interested in biotechnology. Technical electives must include: CHM 331, 332, and 361.
Bioelectrical Engineering. This emphasis is designed to strengthen the student’s knowledge of electrical systems, electronics, and signal processing. Students considering a career in bioelectrical phenomena, biocontrol systems, medical instrumentation, noninvasive imaging, neural engineering, and electrophysiology should consider this area of emphasis. Technical electives must include the following:
| BME 350 | Signals and Systems for Bioengineers (3) |
| or EEE 303 Signals and Systems (3) | |
| BME 419 | Biocontrol Systems (3) |
| EEE 302 | Electrical Networks II (3) |
| Total: 9 |
Biomaterials Engineering. This area of emphasis integrates the student’s knowledge of materials science and engineering with biomaterials science and engineering concepts for the design of materials intended to be used for the development of medical and diagnostic devices. It emphasizes structure-property relationships of engineering materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites) and biological materials, biomaterial-host response phenomena, technical and regulatory aspects of biomaterials testing and evaluation. Students interested in careers in the biomaterials, medical device, or biotechnology industries should consider this area of emphasis. Technical electives must include the following:
| MSE 353 | Introduction to Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 355 | Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (3) |
| MSE 470 | Polymers and Composites (3) |
| or MSE 471 Introduction to Ceramics (3) | |
| Total: 9 |
Biomechanical Engineering. This emphasis is designed to strengthen the student’s knowledge of mechanics and control theory. Students interested in careers related to biomechanical design, orthotic/prosthetic devices, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic implants should consider this area of emphasis. It also provides the fundamentals for the study of neuromuscular control and the study of human motion. The following course is a required selection in the engineering school requirements:
| ECE 384 | Numerical Analysis for Engineers I (2) |
| or MAT 242 Elementary Linear Algebra (2) |
Technical electives must include the following:
| BME 419 | Biocontrol Systems (3) |
| or BME 350 Signals and Systems for Bioengineers (3) | |
| or EEE 303 Signals and Systems (3) | |
| ECE 312 | Engineering Mechanics II: Dynamics (3) |
| ECE 313 | Introduction to Deformable Solids (3) |
| Total: 9 |
Biomedical Imaging Engineering. This emphasis is designed to strengthen the student’s knowledge of radiation interactions, health physics, medical diagnostic imaging (MRI, PET, X-ray, CT), radiation protection, and nuclear instrumentation. Students considering careers in medical engineering or health physics should consider this area of emphasis. Technical electives include the following:
| PHY 361 | Introductory Modern Physics (3) |
| Department-approved electives (6) | |
| Total: 9 | |
Biosystems Engineering. This emphasis is designed to strengthen the background of students interested in physiological systems modeling and analysis and design and evaluation of artificial organs and medical devices. Analyzing physiological systems and designing artificial organs requires knowledge in integrating electrical, mechanical, transport, and thermofluid systems. Students considering careers in medical device industries, clinical engineering, or artificial organs should consider this area of emphasis. Technical electives must include the following:
| BME 411 | Biomedical Engineering I (3) |
| or BME 412 Biomedical Engineering II (3) | |
| BME 415 | Biomedical Transport Processes (3) |
| BME 419 | Biocontrol Systems (3) |
| or BME 350 Signals and Systems for Bioengineers (3) | |
| Total: 9 |
Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering. This emphasis is designed to strengthen and integrate the student’s knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and biomaterials science and engineering for the design of biomolecular and cellular-based hybrid medical and diagnostic devices. It is particularly suited for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in molecular and cellular bioengineering and health-related biotechnology. Technical electives must include the following:
| BIO 353 | Cell Biology (3) |
| CHM 331 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 361 | Principles of Biochemistry (3) |
| Total: 9 |
Premedical Engineering. This emphasis is designed to meet the needs of students desiring entry into a medical, dental, or veterinary school. The course sequence provides an excellent background for advanced study leading to a career in research in the medical or life sciences. Technical electives must include the following:
| CHM 331 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 332 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 335 | General Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) |
| CHM 336 | General Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) |
| Total: 8 |
To fulfill medical school admission requirements, BIO 182 General Biology is also required in addition to the degree requirements.
First Semester
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| ECE 100 | Introduction to Engineering Design N3 (4) |
| ENG 101 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 270 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I N1 (4) |
| Total: 15 |
Second Semester
| CHM 116 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| ENG 102 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 271 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4) |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I: Mechanics S1/S21 (3) |
| PHY 122 | University Physics Laboratory I S1/S21 (1) |
| Total: 15 |
First Semester
| BIO 181 | General Biology S1/S2 (4) |
| BME 201 | Introduction to Bioengineering L1 (3) |
| ECE 210 | Engineering Mechanics I: Statics (3) |
| MAT 272 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4) |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism S1/S22 (3) |
| PHY 132 | University Physics Laboratory II S1/S22 (1) |
| Total: 18 |
Second Semester
| ECE 301 | Electrical Networks I (4) |
| ECE 350 | Structure and Properties of Materials (3) |
| MAT 274 | Elementary Differential Equations (3) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area courses3 (6) | |
| Total: 16 | |
First Semester
| BME 331 | Biomedical Engineering Transport I: Fluids (3) |
| BME 435 | Physiology for Engineers (4) |
| ECE 300 | Intermediate Engineering Design L1 (3) |
| ECE 340 | Thermodynamics (3) |
| ECN 111 | Macroeconomic Principles SB (3) |
| or ECN 112 Microeconomic Principles SB (3) | |
| MAT 242 | Elementary Linear Algebra (2) |
| or ECE 384 Numerical Analysis for Engineers I (2) | |
| or ECE 386 Partial Differential Equations for Engineers (2) | |
| Total: 18 |
Second Semester
| BME 318 | Biomaterials (3) |
| BME 334 | Bioengineering Heat and Mass Transfer (3) |
| ECE 334 | Electronic Devices and Instrumentation (4) |
| ECE 380 | Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving N2 (3) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area courses3 (4) | |
| Total: 17 | |
First Semester
| BME 413 | Biomedical Instrumentation L2 (3) |
| BME 416 | Biomechanics (3) |
| BME 417 | Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design I (3) |
| BME 423 | Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory L2 (1) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course3 (3) | |
| Technical electives (3) | |
| Total: 16 | |
Second Semester
| BME 470 | Microcomputer Applications in Bioengineering (4) |
| BME 490 | Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design II (3) |
| Technical electives (6) | |
| Total: 13 | |
| Total degree requirements: 128 | |
| 1 | Both PHY 121 and 122 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
| 2 | Both PHY 131 and 132 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
| 3 | Engineering students may not use aerospace studies (AES) or military science (MIS) courses to fulfill HU and SB requirements. See the School of Engineering, “Selected nonengineering topics.” |
Materials science and engineering is concerned with the study of fundamental relationships between the structure and processing of materials and their properties. The program develops a knowledge of materials that allows graduates to decide how to optimize design of engineering components with existing materials or how to develop new advanced materials and processing techniques.
All major industries and many research laboratories are involved with the selection, utilization, and development of materials used for designing and producing engineering systems. Students who major in materials science and engineering will find employment opportunities in a variety of industries and research facilities which include aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy conversion, manufacturing, medical devices, and semiconductors.
The responsibilities of a materials engineer include research and development of materials to meet new demands of advancing technologies, to select the best material for a specific application, and to devise novel processing methods to improve the performance or cost of a material in an engineering component.
In essence, a materials engineer uses the fundamental principles of chemistry and physics for the benefit of mankind in areas such as communication, computation, medicine, and transportation.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of 128 semester hours is necessary for the B.S.E. degree in Materials Science and Engineering. A minimum of 50 upper-division semester hours is required.
Graduation Requirements. In addition to fulfilling school and major requirements, majors must satisfy all university graduation requirements. See “University Graduation Requirements.”
Course Requirements. The undergraduate curriculum requires that students take a series of interdisciplinary courses of fundamental importance to an understanding of all engineering materials. Following these are additional courses that may be taken as technical electives to develop an area of emphasis. The courses for the undergraduate degree can be classified into the following categories (in semester hours):
First-Year Composition
| ENG 101, 102 | First-Year Composition (6) |
| or ENG 105 Advanced First-Year Composition (3) | |
| or ENG 107, 108 English for Foreign Students (6) | |
| Total: 6 |
General Studies/School Requirements
Humanities and Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences
| ECN 111 | Macroeconomic Principles SB (3) |
| or ECN 112 Microeconomic Principles SB (3) | |
| HU, SB, and awareness area courses (13) | |
| Total: 16 | |
Literacy and Critical Inquiry
| ECE 300 | Intermediate Engineering Design L1 (3) |
| ECE 400 | Engineering Communications L2 (3) |
| Total: 6 |
Natural Sciences/Basic Sciences
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| CHM 116 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I: Mechanics S1/S21 (3) |
| PHY 122 | University Physics Laboratory S1/S21 (1) |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism S1/S22 (3) |
| PHY 132 | University Physics Laboratory II S1/S22 (1) |
| Total: 16 |
Numeracy/Mathematics
| ECE 100 | Introduction to Engineering Design N3 (4) |
| MAT 242 | Elementary Linear Algebra (2) |
| MAT 270 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I N1 (4) |
| MAT 271 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4) |
| MAT 272 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4) |
| MAT 274 | Elementary Differential Equations (3) |
| Total: 21 | |
| General Studies/school requirements total: 59 |
Engineering Core
| ECE 210 | Engineering Mechanics: Statics (3) |
| ECE 301 | Electrical Networks I (4) |
| ECE 313 | Introduction to Deformable Solids (3) |
| ECE 350 | Structure and Properties of Materials (3) |
| MSE 430 | Thermodynamics of Materials (3) |
| Total: 16 |
Major
| ECE 380 | Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving N2 (3) |
| MSE 353 | Introduction to Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 354 | Experiments in Materials Synthesis and Processing I (2) |
| MSE 355 | Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (3) |
| MSE 420 | Physical Metallurgy (3) |
| MSE 421 | Physical Metallurgy Laboratory (1) |
| MSE 430 | Thermodynamics of Materials (3) |
| MSE 440 | Mechanical Properties of Solids (3) |
| MSE 450 | X-ray and Electron Diffraction (3) |
| MSE 470 | Polymers and Composites (3) |
| MSE 471 | Introduction to Ceramics (3) |
| MSE 482 | Materials Engineering Design (3) |
| MSE 490 | Capstone Design Project (3) |
| Select two of the following four courses3 (6) | |
| CHM 325 Analytical Chemistry (3) | |
| CHM 331 General Organic Chemistry (3) | |
| CHM 341 Elementary Physical Chemistry (3) | |
| PHY 361 Introductory Modern Physics (3) | |
| Technical electives4 (8) | |
| Total: 50 | |
| 1 | Both PHY 121 and 122 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
| 2 | Both PHY 131 and 132 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
| 3 | In order to take CHM 341 Elementary Physical Chemistry, CHM 331 Organic Chemistry must be taken as the prerequisite. |
| 4 | Three of the eight hours must be a non-MSE upper-division engineering elective course. |
Materials Science and Engineering Areas of Emphasis
Technical electives may be selected from one or more of the following areas. A student may, with prior approval of the department, select a general area or a set of courses that would support a career objective not covered by the following categories.
Biomaterials. Students interested in the materials used in the body and other living systems to improve or replace body components should choose from the following technical electives:
| BME 318 | Biomaterials (3) |
| BME 411 | Biomedical Engineering I (3) |
| BME 412 | Biomedical Engineering II (3) |
| BME 413 | Biomedical Instrumentation (3) |
| BME 416 | Biomechanics (3) |
Ceramic Materials. Students who want to develop an understanding of the chemistry and processing that control the structure and properties of ceramics and their application should select from these technical electives:
| CHM 331 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 332 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 471 | Solid-State Chemistry (3) |
| EEE 435 | Microelectronics (3) |
| EEE 436 | Fundamentals of Solid-State Devices (3) |
| EEE 439 | Semiconductor Facilities and Cleanroom Practices (3) |
| MSE 453 | Experiments in Materials Synthesis and Processing II (2) |
| MSE 454 | Advanced Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 472 | Integrated Circuit Materials Science (3) |
Energy Systems. Students interested in the materials used in energy conversion systems such as solar energy or nuclear energy should choose from the following technical electives:
| MAE 441 | Principles of Design (3) |
| MAE 442 | Mechanical Systems Design (3) |
| MSE 431 | Corrosion and Corrosion Control (3) |
| MSE 441 | Analysis of Material Failures (3) |
Integrated Circuit Materials. Students interested in the materials used in the semiconductor industry and in how they are processed to achieve the desired properties should choose from the following technical electives:
| CHE 458 | Semiconductor Material Processing (3) |
| EEE 435 | Microelectronics (3) |
| EEE 436 | Fundamentals of Solid-State Devices (3) |
| EEE 439 | Semiconductor Facilities and Cleanroom Practices (3) |
| MSE 453 | Experiments in Materials Synthesis and Processing II (2) |
| MSE 454 | Advanced Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 471 | Introduction to Ceramics (3) |
Manufacturing and Materials Processing. Students interested in the manufacturing and processing of materials for a broad base of applications should choose from the following technical electives:
| CHE 458 | Semiconductor Material Processing (3) |
| MAE 422 | Mechanics of Materials (4) |
| MAE 441 | Principles of Design (3) |
| MAE 442 | Mechanical Systems Design (3) |
| MSE 431 | Corrosion and Corrosion Control (3) |
| MSE 441 | Analysis of Material Failures (3) |
| MSE 453 | Experiments in Materials Synthesis and Processing II (2) |
| MSE 454 | Advanced Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 472 | Integrated Circuit Materials Science (3) |
Mechanical Metallurgy. Students interested in the materials used in the semiconductor industry and in how they are processed to achieve the desired properties should choose from the following technical electives:
| MAE 415 | Vibration Analysis (4) |
| MAE 422 | Mechanics of Materials (4) |
| MAE 441 | Principles of Design (3) |
| MAE 442 | Mechanical Systems Design (3) |
| MSE 431 | Corrosion and Corrosion Control (3) |
| MSE 441 | Analysis of Materials Failures (3) |
Metallic Materials Systems. Students interested in building an understanding of the basis for the design and processing of metals and alloys should choose from the following technical electives:
| MAE 351 | Manufacturing Processes (3) |
| MSE 431 | Corrosion and Corrosion Control (3) |
| MSE 441 | Analysis of Material Failures (3) |
| MSE 472 | Integrated Circuit Materials Science (3) |
Polymers and Composites. Students who desire to build an understanding of the chemical and processing basis for the properties of polymers and their applications, including composite systems, should select from the following technical electives:
| CHM 331 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 332 | General Organic Chemistry (3) |
| CHM 471 | Solid-State Chemistry (3) |
| MSE 441 | Analysis of Material Failures (3) |
| MSE 472 | Integrated Circuit Materials Science (3) |
First Semester
| CHM 113 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| ECE 100 | Introduction to Engineering Design N3 (4) |
| ENG 101 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 270 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I N1 (4) |
| Total: 15 |
Second Semester
| CHM 116 | General Chemistry S1/S2 (4) |
| ENG 102 | First-Year Composition (3) |
| MAT 271 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4) |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I: Mechanics S1/S2 1 (3) |
| PHY 122 | University Physics Laboratory I S1/S21 (1) |
| Total: 15 |
First Semester
| ECE 210 | Engineering Mechanics I: Statics (3) |
| ECN 111 | Macroeconomic Principles SB (3) |
| MAT 242 | Elementary Linear Algebra (2) |
| MAT 272 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4) |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism S1/S22 (3) |
| PHY 132 | University Physics Laboratory II S1/S22 (1) |
| Total: 16 |
Second Semester
| ECE 301 | Electrical Networks I (4) |
| ECE 313 | Introduction to Deformable Solids (3) |
| ECE 350 | Structure and Properties of Materials (3) |
| ECE 380 | Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving N2 (3) |
| MAT 274 | Elementary Differential Equations (3) |
| Total: 16 |
First Semester
| ECE 300 | Intermediate Engineering Design L1 (3) |
| MSE 353 | Introduction to Materials Processing and Synthesis (3) |
| MSE 355 | Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (3) |
| Advanced science course4 (3) | |
| HU, SB, and awareness area courses3 (4) | |
| Total: 16 | |
Second Semester
| MSE 354 | Experiments in Materials Synthesis and Processing I (2) |
| MSE 420 | Physical Metallurgy (3) |
| MSE 421 | Physical Metallurgy Laboratory (1) |
| MSE 430 | Thermodynamics of Materials (3) |
| MSE 450 | X-ray and Electron Diffraction (3) |
| HU, SB, and awareness area courses3 (6) | |
| Total: 18 | |
First Semester
| MSE 440 | Mechanical Properties of Solids (3) |
| MSE 470 | Polymers and Composites (3) |
| MSE 471 | Introduction to Ceramics (3) |
| MSE 482 | Materials Engineering Design (3) |
| Technical elective (4) | |
| Total: 16 | |
Second Semester
| ECE 400 | Engineering Communications L2 (3) |
| MSE 490 | Capstone Design Project (3) |
| Advanced science course4 (3) | |
| HU, SB, and awareness area course3 (3) | |
| Technical electives (4) | |
| Total: 16 | |
| Degree requirements total: 128 | |
| 1 | Both PHY 121 and 122 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
| 2 | Both PHY 131 and 132 must be taken to secure S1 or S2 credit. |
| 3 | Engineering students may not use aerospace studies (AES) or military science (MIS) courses to fulfill HU and SB requirements. See the School of Engineering, “Selected nonengineering topics.” |
| 4 | In order to take CHM 341 Elementary Physical Chemistry, CHM 331 Organic Chemistry must be taken as the prerequisite. |
Omnibus Courses: See omnibus courses that may be offered.
1998–99 General Catalog Table of Contents
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