AMSEC Minor
Course Planning
The Materials Science minor consists of four core courses, two research courses, and one elective selected under advisement.
Students wishing to complete the Materials Science minor should review the course sequence below to plan their schedules.
MSCI 201 (co-listed with ENGR 170) is offered fall and winter quarters, so get started with this course in your sophomore year. All other MSCI courses are offered once per year, so plan accordingly.
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSCI 201 | X | X | |
| MSCI 321, 322, & 323 | X | ||
| MSCI 340 | X | ||
| MSCI 410 | X |
- Note: Students take MSCI 321, 322, and/or 323 based on their declared major -- these are one-credit courses that supplement students' foundation in Chemistry, Polymers & Composites, and Physics. See the chart below to learn which courses you should take.
| MSCI 321 | MSCI 322 | MSCI 323 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | X | X | |
| Engineering | X | X | |
| Geology | X | X | X |
| Mathematics | X | X | X |
| Physics | X | X |
Minor Requirements
Please refer to the Catalog for further information.
Please check course descriptions to determine the sequence in which you should fulfill the prerequisite courses.
- MATH 125 Calculus and Analytical Geometry (5) or MATH 135 Honors Calculus II (5)
- PHYS 161 Physics with Calculus I with Lab (5)
- PHYS 162 Physics with Calculus II with Lab (5)
- PHYS 163 Physics with Calculus III with Lab (5)
- CHEM 161 or 175 General Chemistry I (5)
- CHEM 162 or 176 General Chemistry II (5)
- CHEM 163 (4) or CHEM 225 (5) General Chemistry III
MSCI 201: Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (4)
Prerequisite: CHEM 161 or CHEM 175; (MATH 124 and PHYS 161, or concurrent) or (MATH 157 and PHYS 114, or concurrent)
Description: The relationship between the properties, structure and processes of engineering materials is discussed. Emphasis on the fundamentals of selecting materials based on engineering design criteria. Also offered as ENGR 170.
MSCI 321: Materials Science I: Materials Chemistry (1)
Prerequisite: CHEM 163 or CHEM 225; MSCI 201 or ENGR 170; PHYS 162 or concurrent; or instructor permission
• Required for these majors: ENGINEERING, PCE, MATH, PHYSICS, and GEOLOGY (Chemistry majors do not need this course.)
Description: This course is part of an interdisciplinary sequence designed to cover the fundamental concepts of materials science. Basic concepts behind the chemistry of organic and inorganic compounds, chemical bonding and structure, electron delocalization, properties of common functional groups and ligands, and structure-property relationships will be covered in this overview course.
MSCI 322: Materials Science I: Polymers & Composites (1)
Prerequisite: CHEM 163 or CHEM 225; MSCI 201 or ENGR 170; PHYS 162 or concurrent; or instructor permission
• Required for these majors: CHEMISTRY, ENGINEERING, MATH, PHYSICS, and GEOLOGY (PCE majors do not need this course.)
Description: This course is part of an interdisciplinary sequence designed to cover the fundamental concepts of materials science. Common synthetic routes for polymerization, common polymers and polymer classifications, mechanical properties of polymers and the relationship to polymer processing, classes of composite materials based on the composition and geometry of dispersed and continuous phases, properties and applications will be covered in this overview course.
MSCI 323: Materials Science I: Materials Physics (1)
Prerequisite: CHEM 163 or CHEM 225; MSCI 201 or ENGR 170; PHYS 162 or concurrent; or instructor permission
• Required for these majors: CHEMISTRY, ENGINEERING, PCE, MATH, and GEOLOGY (Physics majors do not need this course.)
Description: This course is part of an interdisciplinary sequence designed to cover the fundamental concepts required for further study of materials science. Basic principles of quantum mechanics including wave-particle duality and the probabilistic nature of matter, the Schrödinger equation and probability calculations, the quantum mechanical solutions for a particle in a box, a simple harmonic oscillator, and an electron in a hydrogen atom, basic classical and quantum statistical mechanical distributions, and basic physical principles of covalent bond formation will be covered in this overview course.
MSCI 340: Introduction to Materials Science II (3)
Prerequisite: MATH 125 or MATH 135 or MATH 138; PHYS 163; Depending upon advising, two or three
courses from: MSCI 321, MSCI 322, and MSCI 323; or instructor permission.
DESCRIPTON: Part of a multi-course interdisciplinary sequence designed to cover the fundamental concepts of materials science. Electronic, magnetic, thermal and optical properties of materials are emphasized in this second overview course.
MSCI 410: Characterization of Materials (4)
Prerequisite: MSCI 340 or instructor permission
Description: The third course in a three course interdisciplinary sequence designed to cover the fundamental concepts of materials science. Theory and operating principals of external and internal characterization of materials such as: electron microscopy, x-ray chemical microanalysis, optical microscopy, thermal, magnetic and structural analysis, polymer processing and analysis, thin film preparation and characterization, and x-ray diffraction. Laboratory experience and projects are emphasized.
MSCI 491: Independent Research or Internship in Materials Science 1 (3)
Prerequisite: MSCI 340 or instructor permission
*400 Level research in your major may substitute for MSCI 491
Description: Undergraduate research in materials science or an undergraduate internship in materials science in industry under supervision.
MSCI 492: Independent Research or Internship in Materials Science 2 (3)
Prerequisite: MSCI 340 or instructor permission
*400 Level research in your major may substitute for MSCI 492
Description: Continued undergraduate research in materials science or an undergraduate internship in materials science in industry under supervision.
Materials Science Elective (4)
Prerequisite: As specified in elective course description and program permission. Download the pre-approved elective course list.
One elective course from the list below is required to complete the minor. Other courses may be approved as electives. Contact the program office for more information.
CHEM 308 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry (3)
Prereq: CHEM 121 or 125, 251, PCE 371. Types of polymers, methods of polymerization, and preparation of important commercial thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics. Addition and condensation polymers are prepared in the laboratory.
CHEM 425K Bioanalytical Instrumentation (3)
Prereq: CHEM 333 or instructor permission
CHEM 425R Surface Chemistry (3)
Prereq: CHEM 461 and permission of instructor and any additional prerequisites as listed. The analysis of biomolecules, substances of significant biological interest, and substances in biological matrices using advanced instrumental methods.
CHEM 425V Chemistry of Renewable Energy (3)
Prereq: A passing grade (C- or better) in each of the following courses: CHEM 163 and PHYS 163; and a passing grade in one of the following courses: MSCI 340, PCE 371, CHEM 351, or PHYS 335. The role of chemistry in energy production, distribution, storage and usage, with a focus on chemical, photochemical, and electrochemical transformations. Applications to existing and emerging energy technologies.
CHEM 426 Chemistry of Macromolecules (3)
Prereq: CHEM 343. This course will cover basic macromolecule and polymer structure and processing techniques. Emphasis will be placed on modern synthetic methods for producing and characterizing these materials. The design, synthesis and use of polymers in specialty applications will also be discussed.
GEOL 306 Mineralogy (4)
Prereq: GEOL 211 or GEOL 211A; CHEM 121; CHEM 122 or higher or concurrent. Introduction to crystal chemistry and crystallography. Origin, occurrence and classification of common minerals; physical and chemical properties of minerals used in identification. Basic petrographic microscopy techniques and identification of common rock-forming minerals in thin-section. (Note: GEOL 211 prereq is waived for MSCI minors)
GEOL 352 Introduction to Geophysics (4)
Prereq: GEOL 211 or 211A; PHYS 121 and PHYS 122, or PHYS 161 and PHYS 162. Basic elements of geomagnetism, seismology, gravity and heat flow with reference to the internal structure of the earth. (Note: GEOL 211 prereq is NOT waived for MSCI minors)
GEOL 454 Magnetic Fabrics and Geological Processes (4)
Prereq: GEOL 352. Theory and laboratory measurement of magnetic anisotropy in rocks, sediments, and minerals. Emphasis on the use of magnetic anistrophy techniques to understand various geological processes including deformation, sediment transport, and magma flow and emplacement. Laboratory project and writing project included.
GEOL 461 Analytical Geochemistry (2)
Prereq: GEOL 306, CHEM 123 or higher. Introduction to analysis of rocks, soil and water. Methods include atomic absorption spectrophotometry, ion chromatography, gas chromatography and quadrapole mass spectrometry as well as gravimetric, volumetric and colorimetric analysis.
MSCI 420 - Scanning Electron Microscopy (3)
Prereq: CHEM 163 or CHEM 176; MATH 125 or MATH 135 or MATH 138; PHYS 163; or instructor permission.
This course will explore fundamental concepts of scanning electron microscopy, including microscope functions and specimen- electron interactions. Students will apply these concepts to regular hands-on use of electron microscopes, including completion of a student-defined project using higher-end capabilities of Western’s microscopy facilities.
PCE 371 Introduction to Plastics Materials and Processes (5)
Prereq: ENGR 104; ENGR 170 recommended. Polymer science and analysis of basic plastics materials; experience in product design, tooling, and processing of thermoplastic.
PCE 372 Reinforced Plastics/Composites (5)
Prereq: PCE 371. Polymer and reinforcement systems; material testing; mold design and development; laboratory involvement in reinforced plastics production processes.
PHYS 475 Physics of Solids and Materials 1 (3)
Prereq: PHYS 255 or permission of instructor. Structure and properties of materials including crystallography, symmetry, bonding-related properties, electronic structure, phase diagrams, surfaces, semiconductors, metals.
PHYS 476 Physics of Solids and Materials 2 (3)
Prereq: PHYS 475. Application and investigation of materials including amorphous, liquid crystal, magnetic, porous and novel materials, lasers, photo detectors, optical fibers, microscopy, spectroscopy.
Research Project Approval
A total of six (6) 400-level, materials-related research credits are required for the Materials Science minor. Students whose major(s) require research credits may use those courses to fulfill the minor’s research requirement. Students should register for MSCI 491 and 492 (override required) if major-specific research is not required or does not focus on materials.
Research projects must be pre-approved prior to registration for MSCI 340. This will allow for time to help you secure a research advisor/PI if you are having difficulty finding a research group.
Request project approval at least two weeks prior to winter quarter early registration.
Advising Guides by Major
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CHEM 161* MATH 124 |
CHEM 162* MATH 125* |
CHEM 163* MATH 224 |
| Year 2 | CHEM 351 CHEM 333 PHYS 161* |
CHEM 352 CHEM 354 PHYS 162* |
CHEM 353 CHEM 355 PHYS 163* |
| Year 3 | CHEM 461 MATH 204 MSCI 201** |
CHEM 462 CHEM 441 (MSCI 201**) |
CHEM 375 CHEM 463 |
| Year 4 | CHEM 434 CHEM 436 MSCI 322 MSCI 323 |
CHEM 464 MSCI 340 MSCI 491 |
CHEM 465 MSCI 410 MSCI 492 Elective |
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CHEM 161* MATH 124 |
CHEM 162* MATH 125 |
CHEM 163* MATH 224 |
| Year 2 | CHEM 333 CHEM 351 PHYS 161* |
CHEM 352 CHEM 354 PHYS 162* |
CHEM 353 CHEM 355 PHYS 163* |
| Year 3 | CHEM 434 CHEM 436 CHEM 461 MSCI 201** |
CHEM 462 CHEM 441 (MSCI 201**) |
CHEM 375 CHEM 463 |
| Year 4 | MSCI 322 MSCI 323 Elective |
MSCI 340 MSCI 491 |
MSCI 410 MSCI 492 |
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CHEM 161* MATH 124 |
CHEM 162* MATH 125* |
BIOL 204 CHEM 163* MATH 224 |
| Year 2 | BIOL 205 CHEM 351 PHYS 161* |
CHEM 333 CHEM 352 PHYS 162* |
CHEM 353 CHEM 354 PHYS 163* |
| Year 3 | BIOL 321 or 323 CHEM 471 MSCI 201** |
BIOL 321 or 323 CHEM 472 (MSCI 201**) |
BIOL 324 CHEM 473 |
| Year 4 | CHEM 466 CHEM 474 MSCI 322 MSCI 323 |
CHEM 467 MSCI 340 MSCI 491 |
CHEM 468 MSCI 410 MSCI 492 Elective |
* Materials Science minor course prerequisite
** MSCI 201 is offered every quarter and should be taken as soon as the prerequisite courses are completed
Refer to the Chemistry Department’s planning documents for further information about the majors, and work with your major advisor to ensure that you fulfill GUR distributions.
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CHEM 161* ENGR 197C MATH 124 |
CHEM 162* ENGR 104 MATH 125* PHYS 161* |
CHEM 163* ENGR 197D PHYS 162 GUR |
| Year 2 | ENGR 170(1) ENGR 214 PHYS 163* GUR |
CSCI 140 or 141 ENGR 225 MATH 345 GUR |
MFGE 261 PCE 371(2) GURs |
| Year 3 | CHEM 251 MFGE 231 MFGE 341 GUR |
MFGE 342 PCE 372 GURs |
CHEM 308 MFGE 362 PCE 331 GUR |
| Year 4 | MSCI 321(3) MSCI 323(3) PCE 471 PCE 472 PCE 491 Elective |
MSCI 340 (3) |
EE 351 MSCI 410(3) PCE 461 PCE 493(4a) Elective^ |
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CHEM 161* ENGR 197C MATH 124 PHYS 161* |
ENGR 197D MATH 125* PHYS 162* GUR |
MATH 124 PHYS 163* GUR |
| Year 2 | ENGR 214 MATH 204 PHYS 163* ENGR 170(1) GUR |
CHEM 162* ENGR 225 MATH 331 MATH 345 |
CHEM 163* MFGE 231 MFGE 261 MFGE 250 |
| Year 3 | EE 351 MFGE 332 PCE 371(2) GUR |
MFGE 333 MFGE 340 MFGE 341 MFGE 362 |
EE 352 MFGE 342 MFGE 381 PCE 372 |
| Year 4 | MFGE 463 MFGE 465 MFGE 491 MSCI 322 MSCI 323 |
MFGE 434** MFGE 453** MFGE 492(4b) MSCI 340 |
MFGE 493(4b) MSCI 410 OPS 460 Elective^ GUR |
Materials Science courses are shown in bold
*Materials Science minor course prerequisite
**Manufacturing Engineering students are required to complete one of MFGE 434, 454, or 462. If more than one, then count as tech elective.
^Take major electives these quarters.
(1)ENGR 170 fulfills the Materials Science minor MSCI 201 requirement.
(2)PCE 371 fulfills the Materials Science minor elective requirement.
(3)MSCI 321,323, 340 & 410are approved PCE major electives.
(4a)PCE 492 & 493 fulfills the Materials Science minor MSCI 491 & 492 requirement if research is materials focused. Contact AMSEC for approval.
(4b)MFGE492 & 493 fulfills the Materials Science minor MSCI 491 & 492 requirement if research is materials focused. Contact AMSEC for approval.
Refer to the Engineering & Design Department's planning documents for further information about majors, and work with your major advisor to ensure that you fulfill GUR distributions.
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CHEM 161* MATH 124 GURs |
CHEM 162* GEOL 211 MATH 125* |
CHEM 163* GEOL 212 GURs |
| Year 2 | PHYS 161* GEOL 213 GURs |
PHYS 162* GEOL 306(1) MSCI 201* |
PHYS 163* GEOL 310 MATH(2) |
| Year 3 | GEOL 314 or 316 GEOL 352 GUR |
GEOL 318 GEOL 406 |
GEOL(2) GUR |
| Year 4 | GEOL 415 GEOL(3) MSCI 322 MSCI 323 Elective^ |
MSCI 340 MSCI 491 Elective^ GUR |
GEOL 409 |
Materials Science courses are shown in bold
*Materials Science minor course prerequisite.
^Take major electives these quarters.
(1)GEOL 306 is a Materials Science minor elective.
(2)Major requirement –see catalog for courses list.
(3)Major requirement –one course from GEOL 407, 452, 473.
MSCI 201 is offered every quarter and should be taken as soon as the prerequisite courses are completed.
Refer to the Geology Department's planning documents for further information about the Geology major.
| Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | PHYS 161* MATH 124 GURs |
PHYS 162* CSCI 140 or 141 MATH 125* GURs |
PHYS 190** PHYS 163* MATH 224 GURs |
| Year 2 | CHEM 161* MATH 204 PHYS 220 |
CHEM 162* MATH 331 PHYS 224 PHYS 326 |
CHEM 163* MATH 304 PHYS 225 PHYS 322 |
| Year 3 | PHYS 363 PHYS 365 PHYS or ASTR MSCI 201* |
PHYS 368 PHYS 361(1) PHYS 475(2) Elective^ (MSCI 201*) |
PHYS 339 PHYS 369 Elective^ |
| Year 4 | PHYS 335 PHYS 455 MSCI 322 MSCI 323 |
PHYS 419 PHYS 456 MSCI 340 MSCI 491 |
PHYS 486 MSCI 410 MSCI 492 |
Materials Science courses are shown in bold
*Materials Science minor course prerequisite.
**Optional –See Physics Dept.
^Take major electives these quarters.
(1)PHYS 391 can be taken either winter or spring quarter during year 3.
(2)PHYS 475fulfills the Materials Science minor elective requirement.
The Physics Department will allow you to postpone PHYS 161 until winter quarter in order to complete the prerequisite for Math 124. Note that this will result in taking PHYS 162 & 163 concurrently during year 1.
MSCI 201 is offered every fall and winter quarters and should be taken as soon as the prerequisite courses are completed.
Refer to the Physics Department’s planning documents for further information about the Physics major.
Student Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes are statements that describe significant and essential learning that have been achieved and can be reliably demonstrated at the end of a course. Materials Science courses offered by AMSEC have established these learning outcomes:
- Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to solve problems related to materials science and engineering.
- Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data using statistical, computational, or mathematical methods.
- Ability to collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats.
- Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering and scientific solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.