Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization (MSEC)

MSEC 5390. Project in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization.

This course consists of a supervised project conducted under the guidance of a faculty member in the Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization program. The project involves an independent investigation in materials science or engineering, incorporating established research methods, data analysis techniques, and professional standards for documentation and presentation. Emphasis is placed on problem definition, methodological rigor, and interpretation of results. The experience supports integration of prior coursework and development of research skills relevant to academic, industrial, and applied materials science contexts. Prerequisite: Department approval.

MSEC 7100. Doctoral Assistant Development.

This course examines the roles, responsibilities, and professional practices associated with serving as a doctoral teaching assistant. Course focus rotates among three core themes: (1) classroom management and instructional support practices, (2) research‑informed teaching methods, learning objectives, and assessment strategies, and (3) teaching and research integrity, including the responsible conduct of research as defined by federal agencies such as NSF, NIH, and USDA. The course also addresses institutional policies, ethical considerations, and professional expectations relevant to supporting instruction in undergraduate and graduate settings. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

MSEC 7101. Commercialization Forum.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of innovation translation, intellectual property management, technology transfer, and business development in science and engineering. Students engage with entrepreneurs, licensing professionals, and commercialization experts to explore how discoveries move from the laboratory to real-world applications. Topics include patenting strategies, startup formation, licensing agreements, funding mechanisms, and market assessment. Emphasis is placed on integrating technical knowledge with entrepreneurial and managerial decision-making to evaluate and advance emerging technologies in academic, industrial, and commercial settings. Repeatable two times for credit.

MSEC 7102. MSEC Seminar.

This course exposes students to current research topics and technical challenges in materials science and engineering through a weekly seminar series featuring speakers from academia, industry, and government. Students critically examine emerging research, analyze scientific methodologies, and discuss implications for materials science practice and innovation. The course emphasizes the development of professional skills, including scientific communication, research critique, and engagement with experts, preparing students to integrate insights from cutting-edge research into their dissertation work, interdisciplinary collaborations, and future careers in science and engineering. Repeatable two times for credit.

MSEC 7103. Research in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization.

This course provides doctoral students in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization with structured research experience prior to advancement to candidacy. Under the supervision of a PhD research advisor, students examine research problems relevant to their field and engage in scholarly inquiry supporting the development of a dissertation research agenda. The course emphasizes research planning, literature analysis, methodological development, and preliminary data collection and interpretation. Students evaluate research progress and refine research questions in preparation for the doctoral candidacy examination. This course is repeatable for doctoral credit across MSEC 7103, 7203, and 7303 for a total of up to six credit hours.

MSEC 7199. Dissertation.

This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.

MSEC 7203. Research in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization.

This course provides doctoral students in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization with structured research experience prior to advancement to candidacy. Under the supervision of a PhD research advisor, students examine research problems relevant to their field and engage in scholarly inquiry supporting the development of a dissertation research agenda. The course emphasizes research planning, literature analysis, methodological development, and preliminary data collection and interpretation. Students evaluate research progress and refine research questions in preparation for the doctoral candidacy examination. This course is repeatable for doctoral credit across MSEC 7103, 7203, and 7303 for a total of up to six credit hours.

MSEC 7299. Dissertation.

This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.

MSEC 7301. Practical Skills in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship.

This course analyzes core principles underlying the commercialization of innovation as the first component of a two-part series. Students evaluate intellectual property regimes, technology transfer mechanisms, licensing approaches, capital formation strategies, governance structures, project management systems, and statistical process control methodologies. Using business plan development as an integrative analytical tool, participants examine strategic alignment, financial feasibility, and operational scalability. The course prioritizes systematic inquiry, application of quantitative and qualitative frameworks, and critical evaluation of commercialization pathways across institutional and entrepreneurial environments.

MSEC 7302. Leadership Skills in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship.

This course analyzes the processes involved in commercializing technology-driven ventures within a structured business planning framework. Students evaluate intellectual property regimes, licensing mechanisms, capital formation strategies, governance models, project management methodologies, and statistical approaches to quality and process control. Using applied exercises and comparative case studies, participants examine how legal, financial, and operational variables influence venture design and scalability. The course emphasizes critical assessment of commercialization strategies and the integration of multidisciplinary tools to support evidence-based business decision-making. Prerequisite: MSEC 7301 with a grade of "B" or better.

MSEC 7303. Research in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization.

This course provides doctoral students in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization with structured research experience prior to advancement to candidacy. Under the supervision of a PhD research advisor, students examine research problems relevant to their field and engage in scholarly inquiry supporting the development of a dissertation research agenda. The course emphasizes research planning, literature analysis, methodological development, and preliminary data collection and interpretation. Students evaluate research progress and refine research questions in preparation for the doctoral candidacy examination. This course is repeatable for doctoral credit across MSEC 7103, 7203, and 7303 for a total of up to six credit hours.

MSEC 7304. Collaborative Research/Commercialization Experience.

This course allows Ph.D. level graduate students to initiate, conduct, and participate in a collaborative research or commercialization experience with graduate faculty, either internally or externally, in addition to research conducted under MSEC 7103, MSEC 7303, MSEC 7199, and MSEC 7399. This course recognizes the collaborative nature of the scientific investigation and commercialization enterprise and is designed to support meaningful research engagement under the guidance of a dissertation chair and a collaborating mentor. Repeatable for doctoral credit up to 6 hours.

MSEC 7310. Nanoscale Systems and Devices.

This course provides an in-depth examination of physical phenomena governing nanoscale systems and their implications for device performance. Topics include electronic, photonic, and mechanical behavior in nanoscale structures, as well as transport, confinement, and surface effects unique to reduced dimensions. Applications span nanoelectronic devices, biomedical systems, micro- and nanoscale manipulation, adaptive optics, and microfluidic technologies. Emphasis is placed on linking fundamental nanoscale physics to device design, functionality, and performance, and on analyzing how material properties and structure influence behavior in advanced nanoscale systems.

MSEC 7311. Materials Characterization.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to advanced materials characterization techniques used to analyze structure, composition, and properties across multiple length scales. Topics include electron microscopy methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning probe techniques including scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and optical methods such as confocal microscopy. Diffraction-based techniques, including X-ray and neutron diffraction, are also covered, with emphasis on structure determination, phase identification, texture analysis, and small-angle scattering. Emphasis is placed on interpreting characterization data and relating measurements to material structure and performance.

MSEC 7315. Quantum Mechanics for Materials Scientists.

This course provides a quantum-mechanical foundation for the study of materials at the nanometer and atomic scales. Topics include core principles of quantum physics; stationary states of one-dimensional model potentials; symmetry considerations; interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation; scattering and reaction rate theory; spectroscopy; chemical bonding and molecular orbital theory; quantum descriptions of solids; perturbation theory; and nuclear magnetic resonance. Emphasis is placed on applying quantum-mechanical concepts to the analysis and interpretation of material structure, properties, and characterization techniques relevant to advanced materials research.

MSEC 7320. Nanocomposites.

This course examines the structure, processing, and properties of nanocomposite materials. Topics include the characteristics of nanoparticles used in nanocomposites; surface modification techniques; methods for nanoparticle dispersion and nanocomposite fabrication; major classes of nanocomposites; structure–property relationships; analytical methods for composite characterization; and representative engineering applications. Emphasis is placed on the scientific principles and theoretical models that explain the unique mechanical, thermal, electrical, and functional behaviors of nanocomposite systems. Students will evaluate processing–structure–property relationships and interpret characterization data relevant to research and development of advanced multifunctional materials.

MSEC 7325. Principles of Technical Project Management.

This course provides technical project management principles to effectively plan, lead, and manage a complex technical project. The content of the course includes understanding of project roles and responsibilities, project life cycles and processes, and project management planning, including scope, cost, quality, schedule, and risks. Students will develop a project management plan for an independent technical project. The course content is designed to prepare students for certification in project management from the Project Management Institute.

MSEC 7330. Computational Material Science.

This course introduces computational approaches used to model and predict the structure and properties of materials across multiple length scales. Topics include quantum-mechanical modeling and density functional theory; force-field-based atomistic simulations; energy minimization and molecular dynamics; mesoscale modeling methods; and prediction of thermodynamic, structural, vibrational, magnetic, and electrical properties. Students examine crystal structures, phase equilibria, and electronic structure using modern computational tools and interpret simulation results in the context of experimental observations. Emphasis is placed on applying computational methods to support materials design, characterization, and dissertation-level research.

MSEC 7340. Biomaterials and Biosensors.

This course provides an in depth examination of the design, function, and performance of biomaterials and biosensors used in biomedical applications. Students explore material properties, physiological responses, transduction mechanisms, and fabrication approaches involved in creating clinically relevant devices. The course integrates analysis of polymers, hydrogels, nanomaterials, and inorganic materials with applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, medical diagnostics, and sensing. Through lectures, discussions, and independent research activities, students will develop the ability to evaluate biomaterial systems, interpret performance criteria, and understand regulatory, ethical, and translational considerations in biomedical device development.

MSEC 7350. Frontiers of Nanoelectronics.

This course introduces the operating principles of nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices, with emphasis on how reduced dimensions and quantum effects influence device behavior. Topics include quantum confinement in low-dimensional systems such as quantum wells, wires, and dots, as well as molecular and emerging nanoelectronic devices. The course examines how advanced nanofabrication techniques enable these technologies and explores their impact on device performance. Emphasis is placed on linking quantum mechanical phenomena, material properties, and fabrication approaches to the design and analysis of next-generation nanoelectronic systems.

MSEC 7355. Fluid Flow in Porous Media.

This course examines the theory and analysis of fluid transport in heterogeneous porous media. Governing equations for fluid flow and mass transport are developed and applied using analytical and numerical solution methods to predict flow behavior and transport processes. Applications include natural and engineered porous systems such as soils, rocks, concrete, and biological materials. Emphasis is placed on interpreting flow fields, permeability, and transport mechanisms and on using porous media principles to analyze, design, and optimize materials and systems relevant to materials science and engineering research.

MSEC 7360. Nanomaterials Processing.

This course examines the processing and fabrication of nanomaterials and semiconductor devices, with emphasis on nanoscale phenomena and manufacturing techniques. Topics include properties of electronic materials, thin film deposition methods, etching processes, lithography, and related device physics. Students are introduced to fabrication workflows and characterization techniques used in nanomanufacturing environments, including cleanroom practices. Emphasis is placed on understanding how processing conditions influence material structure, properties, and device performance, and on integrating fabrication and characterization approaches to support research and development of nanoscale systems. Prerequisite: MSEC 7401 with a grade of "C" or better.

MSEC 7370. Advanced Polymer Science.

This course examines advanced topics in polymer science with emphasis on polymer processing and characterization, testing, and applications. Topics include shape memory polymers, polymer lithography, nano and microfabrication, polymer additives, reactions of polymers, high-temperature polymers, polymers in biomedical applications, natural polymers, and electroactive polymers. Emphasis is placed on understanding the molecular and microstructural mechanisms that govern polymer performance and on analyzing structure–processing–property relationships relevant to advanced engineering applications.

MSEC 7375. Structure and Properties of Alloys.

This course provides an advanced examination of engineering alloys, focusing on their structures, properties, and strengthening mechanisms across ferrous, nonferrous, and emerging alloy systems. The course also examines how processing conditions influence microstructure, performance, and mechanical behavior. Emphasis is placed on the analytical evaluation of alloy systems through metallurgical principles, phase transformations, and application-driven examples. Topics include equilibrium and non-equilibrium transformation products, alloy design considerations, and relationships among composition, processing, microstructure, and material properties in advanced engineering applications.

MSEC 7380. Advanced Infrastructure Materials.

This course examines advanced infrastructure materials used in civil engineering, including cement concrete, asphalt concrete, wood, and steel. The course analyzes the composition of cement concrete with a focus on how raw ingredients influence fresh and hardened material properties. Additional infrastructure materials are evaluated through comparative discussion to highlight differences in behavior and application. Students apply analytical reasoning to infrastructure materials–related problems using advanced analytical and simulation tools. Emphasis is placed on understanding material behavior through data interpretation, modeling, and quantitative analysis.

MSEC 7395B. Thin Film Photovoltaic Devices.

This course examines the materials science and device physics underlying photovoltaic energy conversion, with emphasis on thin film solar cell technologies. Topics include the photovoltaic effect, photon absorption, carrier generation and recombination, electron and hole transport, pn-junction behavior, and charge separation mechanisms. Students study monocrystalline, thin film, and III–V photovoltaic materials and analyze performance losses and efficiency limitations. Emphasis is placed on connecting material structure and electronic properties to device performance and on interpreting experimental characterization and performance metrics relevant to modern photovoltaic research and development. Prerequisite: MSEC 7401 and MSEC 7402 with grades of "B" or better.

MSEC 7395D. Polymer Characterization and Processing.

This course examines polymeric materials which are widely used in structural, electronic, biomedical, and energy applications. Their performance depends strongly on molecular structure, processing conditions, and resulting microstructure. The course provides doctoral students with the fundamental knowledge and analytical tools required to characterize polymer structure and properties and to understand how processing methods influence material behavior. By integrating characterization techniques—such as molecular weight analysis, thermo-mechanical testing, X-ray scattering, and spectroscopy—with polymer rheology and processing methods, the course prepares students to analyze structure–processing–property relationships in polymer systems. The course supports dissertation research involving polymeric and composite materials and strengthens interdisciplinary training in advanced materials characterization and manufacturing. Prerequisite: MSEC 7370 with a grade of "B" or better.

MSEC 7395H. Environmental Chemistry.

This course provides an advanced study of environmental chemistry with emphasis on aquatic systems and applications in materials science and engineering. Topics include principles of geochemistry and atmospheric chemistry as they relate to environmental processes, pollutant behavior, and monitoring and control strategies. The course also examines the principles and applications of green chemistry in the design of sustainable materials, products, and processes. Emphasis is placed on understanding chemical transformations in natural and engineered systems and applying this knowledge to address environmental challenges relevant to materials research and development.

MSEC 7395J. Advanced Concrete Materials and Durability.

This course examines Portland cement concrete materials and alternative material systems used in building and transportation infrastructure. Students analyze the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of cement, aggregates, and chemical and mineral admixtures. Topics include mixture proportioning, concrete microstructure, durability mechanisms, long-term performance, dimensional stability, and deterioration processes. The course evaluates durability prediction methods, modeling approaches, and multi-scale assessment techniques. Alternative cementitious systems are studied through comparative analysis of material behavior and performance under different exposure conditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding material selection, testing methodologies, and performance-based evaluation.

MSEC 7395M. Semiconductor Devices and Processing.

This course examines the principles and processes underlying semiconductor device fabrication, with emphasis on both silicon and compound semiconductor systems. Topics include carrier transport, doping mechanisms, and defect engineering, as well as fabrication techniques such as photolithography, etching, ion implantation, and epitaxial growth. Students study the formation of junctions and microstructures required for micro- and nanoscale devices, along with Ohmic contacts and device integration strategies. Laboratory projects and seminar presentations provide experience in applying fabrication concepts and interpreting device performance in conventional and emerging electronic and optoelectronic systems. Prerequisite: MSEC 7401 with a grade of "B" or better.

MSEC 7395O. Modern Concepts in Materials Science.

This course provides an overview of fundamental concepts used to describe and predict the structure and properties of engineering materials. Topics include atomic structure and bonding, crystallography, diffraction principles, defects, solid solutions, and phase equilibria. Emphasis is placed on understanding structure–property relationships across major classes of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, and composites. The course prepares students to apply core materials science principles to analyze material behavior and supports those without prior formal training in materials science in advancing to graduate-level coursework and research.

MSEC 7395P. Optical Properties of Solids.

This course examines the optical properties of solid materials, including electronic and vibrational transitions in inorganic and organic systems, thin films, and multilayer structures. Topics include interactions among electrons, phonons, and photons, and their influence on optical behavior. Students study optical characterization techniques such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ellipsometry, photoluminescence, and X-ray fluorescence. Emphasis is placed on interpreting optical spectra to determine material properties and on applying spectroscopic methods to analyze and optimize materials for electronic and optoelectronic applications.

MSEC 7395Q. Scanning Probe Microscopy and Nanoscience.

This course introduces fundamental topics in nanoscience, including nanomechanics, nanoelectronics, and nano-optics, using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) as a central analytical tool for studying materials at the nanoscale. Students examine the physical principles underlying major SPM techniques and explore how these methods are applied to measure structural, electrical, and optical properties of nanostructures. The course also covers instrumentation design, signal acquisition, and data interpretation, providing students with both theoretical understanding and practical familiarity with SPM operation relevant to research in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

MSEC 7399. Dissertation.

This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.

MSEC 7401. Fundamentals of Material Science and Engineering.

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental principles of materials science and engineering. Topics include atomic and electronic structure, crystallography, defects, thermodynamics and kinetics, phase diagrams, diffusion, and phase transformations. Additional topics include conservation laws, continuum mechanics, and statistical models relevant to materials behavior. Emphasis is placed on understanding the relationships among structure, processing, and properties in materials systems and on applying fundamental principles to analyze and predict material behavior in engineering applications.

MSEC 7402. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Concepts.

This course builds on fundamental materials science principles to examine advanced concepts governing the behavior of materials. Topics include quantum mechanical foundations of solids, electronic structure, lattice vibrations, magnetism, semiconductors, nanostructures, mesoscopic phenomena, and superconductivity. The course also explores recent advances in emerging materials systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding how quantum and solid-state physics principles influence material properties and functionality, particularly in electronic, photonic, and advanced materials applications. Prerequisite: MSEC 7401 with a grade of "C" or better.

MSEC 7599. Dissertation.

This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.

MSEC 7699. Dissertation.

This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.

MSEC 7999. Dissertation.

This course supports the completion of original, independent research in materials science, engineering, and commercialization under the direct supervision of the student’s PhD research advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of doctoral-level research that contributes new knowledge to the materials science, engineering, and commercialization discipline. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained scholarly progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the dissertation research and writing process. This course is a required component of the PhD with a major in materials science, engineering, and commercialization.