Graduate

Term Schedule

Spring 2025

Number	Title	Instructor	Time
MSC 409-1 Mechanical Prop of Solids Niaz Abdolrahim TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM
The mechanical response of crystalline (metals, ceramics, semiconductors)and amorphous solids (glasses, polymers) and their composites in terms of the relationships between stress, strain, damage, fracture, strain-rate, temperature, and microstructure. Topics include: (1) Material structure and property overview. (2) Isotropic and anisotropic elasticity and viscoelasticity. (3) Properties of composites. (4) Plasticity. (5) Point and line defects. (6) Interfacial and volumetric defects. (7) Yield surfaces and flow rules in plasticity of polycrystals and single crystals. (8) Macro and micro aspects of fractures in metals, ceramics and polymers.(9) Creep and superplasticity. (10) Deformation and fracture mechanism maps. (11) Fatigue damage and failure; fracture and failure in composites (If time permits). Location (TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM)
MSC 416-3 X-Ray Crystallography Ellen Matson Hicks; William Brennessel MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM
2 credit hour course- Students will learn the basic principles of X-ray diffraction, symmetry, and space groups. Students will also experience the single crystal diffraction experiment, which includes crystal mounting, data collection, structure solution and refinement, and the reporting of crystallographic data. Weekly assignments: problem sets, simple lab work, or computer work. (Spring, 2nd half of semester.) Location (MW 9:00AM - 10:15AM)
MSC 418-1 Statistical Mechanics Stephen Teitel MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
Review of thermodynamics; general principles of statistical mechanics; micro-canonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles; ideal quantum gases; applications to magnetic phenomena, heat capacities, black-body radiation; introduction to phase transitions. Location (MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)
MSC 424-01 Intro to Robust Dsgn&Qual Eng Paul Funkenbusch TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM
Definition and pursuit of 'quality' as a design criterion. The concept of robust design. Selection of the quality characteristic, incorporation of noise, and experimental design to improve robustness. Analysis and interpretation of results. Location (TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)
MSC 432-1 Opto-Mechanical Victor Genberg MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM
The mechanical design and analysis of optical components and systems will be studied. Topics will include kinematic mounting of optical elements, the analysis of adhesive bonds, and the influence of environmental effects such as gravity, temperature, and vibration on the performance of optical systems. Additional topics include analysis of adaptive optics, the design of lightweight mirrors, thermo-optic and stress-optic (stress birefringence) effects. Emphasis will be placed on integrated analysis which includes the data transfer between optical design codes and mechanical FEA codes. A term project is required for MSC 432. Location (MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM)
MSC 442-1 Microbiomechanics Jim McGrath MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM
his course covers the application of mechanical principles to biotechnology and to understanding life at its smallest scales. Topics will vary with each course offering. Sample topics include force generation by protein polymerization, the mechanisms of bacterial motion, and the separation of biological molecules in porous media. Permission of Instructor required. Location (MW 2:00PM - 3:15PM)
MSC 450-1 Introduction to Quantum Theory of Materials Sobhit Kumar Singh MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
An introduction to the fascinating world of quantum materials in bulk and 2D. This course aims to unveil the quantum origin of materials-specific properties from the atomic level. Topics covered include: crystal structure and symmetries, fundamentals of electronic structure, phonons and vibrational spectroscopies, optical properties of materials, electronic and thermal transport elastic and mechanical properties of solids, superconductivity, magnetism and a brief discussion of ab-initio prediction of materials properties and molecular dynamics. Location (MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)
MSC 451-1 Biomedical Ultrasound Diane Dalecki TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
The course presents the physical basis for the use of high-frequency sound in medicine. Topics include acoustic properties of tissue, sound propagation (both linear and nonlinear) in tissues, interaction of ultrasound with gas bodies (acoustic cavitation and contrast agents), thermal and non-thermal biological effects of utrasound, ultrasonography, dosimetry, hyperthermia and lithotripsy. Location (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)
MSC 456-1 CHEM Bonds:From Molcls to Mat Michael Ruggiero MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM
An introduction to the electronic structure of extended materials systems from both a chemical bonding and a condensed matter physics perspective. The course will discuss materials of all length scales from individual molecules to macroscopic three-dimensional crystals, but will focus on zero, one, and two dimensional inorganic materials at the nanometer scale. Specific topics include semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum wires, carbon nanotubes, and conjugated polymers. Two weekly lectures of 75 minutes each. Location (MW 10:25AM - 11:40AM)
MSC 461-1 Advanced Chemical Kinetics Marc Porosoff MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM
This course will acquaint the student with advanced topics in chemical kinetics and reactor design. The first half of the course will focus on kinetics from a molecular point of view, including kinetic theory of gases, collision theory and activated complex theory. The second half of the course will transition into reactor design, with topics including surface reactions and catalysis, effects of transport limitations on reaction rate and non-ideal flow in reactors. The course will conclude with emphasis on current literature in the field including applications of heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. Location (MW 4:50PM - 6:05PM)
MSC 462-1 Cell & Tissue Engineering Ruth Herrera Perez TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
This course teaches the principles of modern cell and tissue engineering with a focus on understanding and manipulating the interactions between cells and their environment. After a brief overview of Cell and Tissue Engineering, the course covers 5 areas of the field. These are: 1) Physiology for Tissue Engineering; 2) Bioreactors and Biomolecule Production; 3) Materials for Tissue Engineering; 4) Cell Cultures and Bioreactors and 5) Drug Delivery and Drug Discovery. Within each of these topics the emphasis is on analytical skills and instructors will assume knowledge of chemistry, mass transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and physiology consistent with the Cell and Tissue Engineering Track in BME. In a term project, students must present written and oral reports on a developing or existing application of Cell and Tissue Engineering. The reports must address the technology behind the application, the clinical need and any ethical implications. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR A RECITATION AND A LAB WHEN REGISTERING FOR THE MAIN COURSE. Prerequisites: BME 260, CHE225 (or ME123), CHE243 (or ME225), CHE244 and one of the following Cell Biology courses: BME211, BME411, BIO202 or BIO210; or permission of instructor. Location (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)
MSC 465-1 Principles of Lasers Pablo Postigo Resa TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM
Topics include quantum mechanical treatments to two-level atomic systems, optical gain, homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening, laser resonators, cavity design, pumping schemes, rate equations, Q-switching for various lasers. Location (TR 12:30PM - 1:45PM)
MSC 470-1 Opt Properties of Materials Gary Wicks TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
Interaction of light with materials electrons, phonons, plasmons, and polaritons. Optical reflection, refraction, absorption, scattering, Raman scattering (spontaneous and stimulated), light emission (spontaneous and stimulated). Electrooptic effects and optical nonlinearities in solids. Plasmonics. Semiconductors and their nanostructures are emphasized; metals and insulators also discussed. Location (TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)
MSC 476-2 Polymer Chemistry Wyatt Tenhaeff WF 2:00PM - 3:15PM
An introduction to polymerization reaction mechanisms. The kinetics of commercially relevant polymerizations are emphasized along with a discussion of important, contemporary polymerization schemes. Approaches to functionalize polymers and surface-initiated polymerizations will also be covered. An overview of polymer characterization techniques, emphasizing compositional analysis, will be presented. The course is intended for graduate students in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, and Biomedical Engineering, but advanced undergraduates are welcome. Location (WF 2:00PM - 3:15PM)
MSC 495-1 Master Research Bradley Nilsson 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Master student research Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 495-2 Master Research Anne Meyer 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Master student research Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 495-20 Masters Research Sobhit Kumar Singh 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 495-3 Masters Research Lisa DeLouise 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 495-4 Masters Research Xin Li 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 495-5 Masters Research Mark Buckley 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 495-6 Masters Research Wyatt Tenhaeff 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 495-7 Masters Research John Lambropoulos 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 495-8 Masters Research Alice Quillen 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 496-1 MSC Graduate Seminar Bradley Nilsson R 12:30PM - 1:45PM
Blank Description Location (R 12:30PM - 1:45PM)
MSC 497-1 Teaching Materials Science Jacob Jorne 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 507-1 Sem Practicum Nicholas Bigelow MW 2:00PM - 3:30PM
Overview of techniques for using the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and Scanning Probe (AFM, STM) and analyzing data. Students perform independent lab projects by semester's end. Location (MW 2:00PM - 3:30PM)
MSC 520-1 Spin Based Electronics Hanan Dery TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
Up until now CMOS scaling has given us a remarkable ride with little concern for fundamental limits. It has scaled multiple generations in feature size and in speed while keeping the same power densities. However,CMOS finally encounters fundamental limits. The course is intended for students interested in research frontiers of future electronics technologies. The course begins with introduction to the basic physics of magnetism and of quantum mechanical spin. Then it covers aspects of spin transport with emphasis on spin-diffusion in semiconductors. The second part of the course is comprised of student and lecturer presentations of selected spintronics topics which may include: spin transistors, magnetic random access memories, spin-based logic paradigms, spin-based lasers and light emitting diodes, magnetic semiconductors, spin-torque devices for memory applications and the spin Hall effect. Prerequisites: Familiarity of quantum mechanics (i.e., taking a course and getting a grade; not just auditing) or PHYS 407-Quantum Mechanics-I. (ECE 459) Location (TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)
MSC 595-1 Research in Materials Science Astrid Mueller 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-10 Research in Materials Science Wyatt Tenhaeff 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-11 Research in Materials Science Roman Sobolewski 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-12 Research in Materials Science David McCamant 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-14 Research in Materials Science Ben Miller 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-15 Research in Materials Science Matthew Yates 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-16 Research in Materials Science John Nichol 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-17 Research in Materials Science Jim McGrath 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-18 Research in Materials Science Niaz Abdolrahim 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-19 Research in Materials Science Bradley Nilsson 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-2 Research in Materials Sciences Kathryn Knowles 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-20 Research in Materials Science Sobhit Kumar Singh 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-21 Research in Materials Science Michael Ruggiero 7:00PM - 7:00PM
No description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-22 Research in Materials Science Hesam Askari 7:00PM - 7:00PM
No description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-3 Research in Materials Science Todd Krauss 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-4 Research in Materials Science Douglas Kelley 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-5 Research in Materials Science Danielle Benoit 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-6 Research in Materials Science Anne Meyer 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-8 Research in Materials Science Andrea Pickel 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 595-9 Research in Materials Science Lewis Rothberg 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 895-1 Cont of Master's Enrollment Bradley Nilsson 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 897-2 Master's Dissertation Bradley Nilsson 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 899-1 Master's Dissertation Bradley Nilsson 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 995-1 Cont of Doctoral Enrollment Bradley Nilsson 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)
MSC 999-2 Doctoral Dissertation Bradley Nilsson 7:00PM - 7:00PM
Blank Description Location ( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Number	Title	Instructor	Time
Monday and Wednesday
MSC 416-3 X-Ray Crystallography Ellen Matson Hicks; William Brennessel
2 credit hour course- Students will learn the basic principles of X-ray diffraction, symmetry, and space groups. Students will also experience the single crystal diffraction experiment, which includes crystal mounting, data collection, structure solution and refinement, and the reporting of crystallographic data. Weekly assignments: problem sets, simple lab work, or computer work. (Spring, 2nd half of semester.)
MSC 418-1 Statistical Mechanics Stephen Teitel
Review of thermodynamics; general principles of statistical mechanics; micro-canonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles; ideal quantum gases; applications to magnetic phenomena, heat capacities, black-body radiation; introduction to phase transitions.
MSC 450-1 Introduction to Quantum Theory of Materials Sobhit Kumar Singh
An introduction to the fascinating world of quantum materials in bulk and 2D. This course aims to unveil the quantum origin of materials-specific properties from the atomic level. Topics covered include: crystal structure and symmetries, fundamentals of electronic structure, phonons and vibrational spectroscopies, optical properties of materials, electronic and thermal transport elastic and mechanical properties of solids, superconductivity, magnetism and a brief discussion of ab-initio prediction of materials properties and molecular dynamics.
MSC 456-1 CHEM Bonds:From Molcls to Mat Michael Ruggiero
An introduction to the electronic structure of extended materials systems from both a chemical bonding and a condensed matter physics perspective. The course will discuss materials of all length scales from individual molecules to macroscopic three-dimensional crystals, but will focus on zero, one, and two dimensional inorganic materials at the nanometer scale. Specific topics include semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum wires, carbon nanotubes, and conjugated polymers. Two weekly lectures of 75 minutes each.
MSC 442-1 Microbiomechanics Jim McGrath
his course covers the application of mechanical principles to biotechnology and to understanding life at its smallest scales. Topics will vary with each course offering. Sample topics include force generation by protein polymerization, the mechanisms of bacterial motion, and the separation of biological molecules in porous media. Permission of Instructor required.
MSC 507-1 Sem Practicum Nicholas Bigelow
Overview of techniques for using the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and Scanning Probe (AFM, STM) and analyzing data. Students perform independent lab projects by semester's end.
MSC 432-1 Opto-Mechanical Victor Genberg
The mechanical design and analysis of optical components and systems will be studied. Topics will include kinematic mounting of optical elements, the analysis of adhesive bonds, and the influence of environmental effects such as gravity, temperature, and vibration on the performance of optical systems. Additional topics include analysis of adaptive optics, the design of lightweight mirrors, thermo-optic and stress-optic (stress birefringence) effects. Emphasis will be placed on integrated analysis which includes the data transfer between optical design codes and mechanical FEA codes. A term project is required for MSC 432.
MSC 461-1 Advanced Chemical Kinetics Marc Porosoff
This course will acquaint the student with advanced topics in chemical kinetics and reactor design. The first half of the course will focus on kinetics from a molecular point of view, including kinetic theory of gases, collision theory and activated complex theory. The second half of the course will transition into reactor design, with topics including surface reactions and catalysis, effects of transport limitations on reaction rate and non-ideal flow in reactors. The course will conclude with emphasis on current literature in the field including applications of heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis.
Tuesday and Thursday
MSC 451-1 Biomedical Ultrasound Diane Dalecki
The course presents the physical basis for the use of high-frequency sound in medicine. Topics include acoustic properties of tissue, sound propagation (both linear and nonlinear) in tissues, interaction of ultrasound with gas bodies (acoustic cavitation and contrast agents), thermal and non-thermal biological effects of utrasound, ultrasonography, dosimetry, hyperthermia and lithotripsy.
MSC 462-1 Cell & Tissue Engineering Ruth Herrera Perez
This course teaches the principles of modern cell and tissue engineering with a focus on understanding and manipulating the interactions between cells and their environment. After a brief overview of Cell and Tissue Engineering, the course covers 5 areas of the field. These are: 1) Physiology for Tissue Engineering; 2) Bioreactors and Biomolecule Production; 3) Materials for Tissue Engineering; 4) Cell Cultures and Bioreactors and 5) Drug Delivery and Drug Discovery. Within each of these topics the emphasis is on analytical skills and instructors will assume knowledge of chemistry, mass transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and physiology consistent with the Cell and Tissue Engineering Track in BME. In a term project, students must present written and oral reports on a developing or existing application of Cell and Tissue Engineering. The reports must address the technology behind the application, the clinical need and any ethical implications. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR A RECITATION AND A LAB WHEN REGISTERING FOR THE MAIN COURSE. Prerequisites: BME 260, CHE225 (or ME123), CHE243 (or ME225), CHE244 and one of the following Cell Biology courses: BME211, BME411, BIO202 or BIO210; or permission of instructor.
MSC 470-1 Opt Properties of Materials Gary Wicks
Interaction of light with materials electrons, phonons, plasmons, and polaritons. Optical reflection, refraction, absorption, scattering, Raman scattering (spontaneous and stimulated), light emission (spontaneous and stimulated). Electrooptic effects and optical nonlinearities in solids. Plasmonics. Semiconductors and their nanostructures are emphasized; metals and insulators also discussed.
MSC 424-01 Intro to Robust Dsgn&Qual Eng Paul Funkenbusch
Definition and pursuit of 'quality' as a design criterion. The concept of robust design. Selection of the quality characteristic, incorporation of noise, and experimental design to improve robustness. Analysis and interpretation of results.
MSC 465-1 Principles of Lasers Pablo Postigo Resa
Topics include quantum mechanical treatments to two-level atomic systems, optical gain, homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening, laser resonators, cavity design, pumping schemes, rate equations, Q-switching for various lasers.
MSC 520-1 Spin Based Electronics Hanan Dery
Up until now CMOS scaling has given us a remarkable ride with little concern for fundamental limits. It has scaled multiple generations in feature size and in speed while keeping the same power densities. However,CMOS finally encounters fundamental limits. The course is intended for students interested in research frontiers of future electronics technologies. The course begins with introduction to the basic physics of magnetism and of quantum mechanical spin. Then it covers aspects of spin transport with emphasis on spin-diffusion in semiconductors. The second part of the course is comprised of student and lecturer presentations of selected spintronics topics which may include: spin transistors, magnetic random access memories, spin-based logic paradigms, spin-based lasers and light emitting diodes, magnetic semiconductors, spin-torque devices for memory applications and the spin Hall effect. Prerequisites: Familiarity of quantum mechanics (i.e., taking a course and getting a grade; not just auditing) or PHYS 407-Quantum Mechanics-I. (ECE 459)
MSC 409-1 Mechanical Prop of Solids Niaz Abdolrahim
The mechanical response of crystalline (metals, ceramics, semiconductors)and amorphous solids (glasses, polymers) and their composites in terms of the relationships between stress, strain, damage, fracture, strain-rate, temperature, and microstructure. Topics include: (1) Material structure and property overview. (2) Isotropic and anisotropic elasticity and viscoelasticity. (3) Properties of composites. (4) Plasticity. (5) Point and line defects. (6) Interfacial and volumetric defects. (7) Yield surfaces and flow rules in plasticity of polycrystals and single crystals. (8) Macro and micro aspects of fractures in metals, ceramics and polymers.(9) Creep and superplasticity. (10) Deformation and fracture mechanism maps. (11) Fatigue damage and failure; fracture and failure in composites (If time permits).
Wednesday and Friday
MSC 476-2 Polymer Chemistry Wyatt Tenhaeff
An introduction to polymerization reaction mechanisms. The kinetics of commercially relevant polymerizations are emphasized along with a discussion of important, contemporary polymerization schemes. Approaches to functionalize polymers and surface-initiated polymerizations will also be covered. An overview of polymer characterization techniques, emphasizing compositional analysis, will be presented. The course is intended for graduate students in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, and Biomedical Engineering, but advanced undergraduates are welcome.
Thursday
MSC 496-1 MSC Graduate Seminar Bradley Nilsson
Blank Description