MSEG 4+1 BS/MMSE Degrees
QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS
The following are answers to commonly asked questions about the Materials Science and Engineering (MSEG) 4+1 Bachelor's – Masters (BSE/MMSE) Degrees at the University of Delaware.
Feel free to contact our Graduate Academic Support Coordinator, if you have additional questions.
Telephone: (302) 831-7183
Email: matsci@udel.edu
Materials Science and Engineering
The University of Delaware
201 DuPont Hall
Newark, DE 19716
GENERAL INFORMATION
What are MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE Degrees?
- Students in the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE program are allowed to satisfy some of the requirements for an MSEG MMSE (Masters in Materials Science and Engineering) degree while completing the requirements for the Bachelor's degree. The undergraduate degree will either be a Bachelors of Engineering (BE) or a Bachelor's of Science (BS), depending on whether the student is enrolled as an undergraduate student in the College of Engineering or the College of Arts & Sciences. A maximum of six hours of credit can be used for both the Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
What are the advantages of the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE program?
- Many employers now favor hiring more highly trained engineers at the entry level of the profession. Many in the academic community feel that a combined bachelor/master's program will soon become the accepted standard training for engineers. The MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE program is an integrated program that facilitates the completion of a master's degree with two semesters of study beyond that required for the bachelor's degree. Up to six hours of required course work can be double counted within the combined program. Thus, with proper planning and scheduling, a semester of study may be eliminated and students should be able to complete the B.S. and M.S. degrees with five years of study. Upon completion of the SGUS program students have all the job possibilities available with their traditional engineering or science degree as well as the additional possibilities created with a M.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering.
What are the disadvantages of the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE program?
- 4+1 BSE/MMSE status may impact negatively on the eligibility for undergraduate and graduate financial aid. The time-saving advantage of the 4+1 BSE/MMSE program may be lost if the student does not follow an efficient plan of study when they enter the program.
Why get a Master's degree?
- Engineering is fast becoming a field where a master's degree is of increasing importance for professional development. This degree is also a way to round out and enhance the knowledge gained by the undergraduate experience and to provide specific knowledge in a niche area of engineering. A master's degree is also a necessary first step toward a Ph.D. degree.
When is the best time to get a Master's degree?
- The best time will depend on personal goals and plans. There are several paths to the Master's degree including continuation immediately after the Bachelor's degree, part-time education in conjunction with employment, and a delayed return to the University after field experience. Students should choose the route that fits with their individual career goals and lifestyle choices.
Can I get Financial Support for MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE Degrees?
- Generally, no, at least not from the MSEG Department itself. It is not anticipated that Graduate students enrolled in the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE program will be awarded additional financial support by the MSEG Department. Students are however actively encouraged to explore the possibility of secure fellowships from such institutions as the NSF or DOD. Students are also encouraged to consider continuing on for a Ph.D., where financial assistance is often readily available.
What courses can I use to satisfy the requirements of both degrees?
- You may substitute any course that meets the requirements of both programs. In general, this will correspond to any senior level courses or above (courses numbered 400 or higher) taken in the undergraduate department. According to the 4+1 BSE/MMSE guidelines, courses that are required to taken as part of the core undergraduate program are not typically allowed to be double counted. However this can vary by department. In all cases students are advised to discuss their course selection with both the undergraduate and graduate advisors early and often.
Does this change the requirements for my undergraduate degree?
- No, you still need to take all of the classes required for the undergraduate degree. The double counted classes will be those that are technical electives for the undergraduate degree. Classes that are specifically required for the undergraduate degree itself are not appropriate for double counting.
Can I get an MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE degree if I am an undergraduate in the Arts & Sciences College?
- We expect that most of the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE students will come from undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering, and most likely these will be primarily from Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. However we also anticipate and hope that students from Electrical and Computer Engineering as well as Civil and Environmental Engineering will find this a valuable option. We are also expecting that there will be students who choose to pursue the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE degree after a degree from Arts & Sciences. This degree would likely make an excellent compliment to undergraduate students from Physics, Chemistry, and perhaps Biological Sciences.
Will my undergraduate degree be a BS (Bachelor of Science) or a BE?
- The type of undergraduate degree awarded will depend upon the department. The specific course requirements for these degrees are all determined by the corresponding departments, and are not changed in any way by this degree. The other departments of engineering at Delaware offer undergraduate degrees that are Bachelors of Engineering (specifically, Bachelors of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering). We expect that MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE students from the College of Arts & Sciences would typically be those obtaining Bachelors of Science degrees in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or Physics.
Will I need to pick a MSEG concentration option?
- Yes. Each graduate student in MSEG is required to choose a particular technical option that determines the specific course requirements. Currently, the approved options include Soft Materials, Hard Materials, and Composites. The specific course requirements vary depending on the particular option, as described in detail later in this document and on the MSEG web pages. An individualized option is also available with the permission of the MSEG Chair and the MSEG Graduate Program Director.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Who can apply?
- To officially enter the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE program a student must:
- Have obtained senior standing (85+ hours) by the time of entry
- Have a GPA of 3.2 or above
- Be enrolled in one of the following undergraduate programs: In the College of Engineering: Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Civil Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. In the College of Arts and Sciences: Chemistry, Physics, or Biological Sciences.
How does one apply?
- First, make an appointment with the MSEG Graduate Chair Kristi Kiick, to discuss this program and ensure that it is a good fit with your career goals and plans.
- Then, for fill out an application for the Graduate School, writing '4+1' in the upper right hand corner. The application is submitted to the UDel Graduate School. The statement of purpose, transcripts (needed for courses taken at other universities) and three recommendation letters should be submitted directly to the MSEG Department. General Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required. The graduate school application fee must be submitted as well.
When should one apply?
- The application deadlines are:
- To begin MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE in fall term- U.S. & Canadian students apply by August 1, International students apply by June 1
- To begin MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE in spring term- U.S. & Canadian students apply by Nov. 1, International students apply by October 1
- In the Winter and Summer terms, very few course offerings are available. Most students will be better served by entering the program in the Fall or Spring terms.
Is my admission automatic if I meet the basic criteria (GPA and senior standing)?
- Admission is not automatic. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the MSEG faculty. Your statement of purpose and letters of recommendation are important parts of the admission decision.
Are GRE's required for 4+1 BSE/MMSE?
- GRE scores are not required for admission to the 4+1 BSE/MMSE program, but are required for admission to the regular MSEG Masters and Ph.D. programs. If a student is seriously considering pursuing a Ph.D., the GRE test should be taken during the senior year. This also facilitates applications for major national graduate fellowships from the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, the Department of Energy, and others.
Must international students retake the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for admission to the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE?
- The TOEFL is waived for students who have already taken it.
How can I become involved in the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE program before I reach senior standing?
- Students who are interested in the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE program can begin to follow the recommended curriculum for their particular area of study as early as their sophomore year. There are also seminar courses and a research symposium that a student can become involved in before they are officially in the program. Students are also welcome to join in other department events such as the annual picnic and holiday gatherings.
May an MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE student continue for a Ph.D.?
- Yes, the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE program academic selections are oriented toward a well-rounded preparation for professional life in engineering or continuing their academic career in medical school. Doctoral students must apply for admission to the Ph.D. program by submitting an application for change of field. The appropriate GRE test scores must also be submitted as well as a revised statement of purpose. MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE students are admitted only for a Master's degree. Admission to the Ph.D. program is not guaranteed.
CURRICULUM AND GRADUATION
How many undergraduate courses or credits can I count towards the M.S. degree?
- You may count six credits toward the M.S. degree. These will usually be courses taken as undergraduate technical electives that are also appropriate for fulfilling the requirements of the MSEG MS degree. Courses that are specifically required for the undergraduate degree are not appropriate for double counting.
When are the concurrent courses taken?
- Most students will take the concurrent courses during the last two final terms of undergraduate study. Some may prefer to take one course in one term and the second in the subsequent term.
How do I know which graduate courses to take?
- Curriculum listings are available on the MSEG website for each of the concentrations (http://www.mseg.udel.edu), or you may pick up a copy from the MSEG office.
Does enrollment in the MSEG 4+1 BSE/MMSE affect when I receive my Bachelor's degree?
- You should graduate with your Bachelor of Science degree at the end of the term in which your degree requirements are met. You must complete a diploma application and your final academic audit with your undergraduate department. You must complete the Bachelor's degree within one year of enrolling in the 4+1 BSE/MMSE program. You may participate in the appropriate graduate ceremony for your Bachelor's degree and again when you receive your Master's degree.
What happens after the Bachelor's degree is complete?
- Your university standing will be changed to the Master's degree level.
What are the MSEG Degree requirements?
- 30 credits hours of lecture work are typically required for an MSEG MS degree. However the MSEG 4+1 degree program allows for 6 credits of double counting, so only 24 additional credits are necessary beyond the BS degree. The specific degree requirements are kept current on our web pages (http://www.mseg.udel.edu). There are three separate curricula tracks: (1) Soft Materials, (2) Hard Materials, and (3) Composite Materials. Some courses are required for all students, and some are required only for students in a particular track. The specific course requirements are:
- (0) MSEG courses required for all students:
- Structure and Properties of Materials I MSEG 608 (Fall)
Equilibria in Materials Systems MSEG 803 (Fall)
Structure and Properties of Materials II MSEG 609 (Spring)
Kinetics in Materials Systems MSEG 804 (Spring)
MSEG Seminar Series
- Structure and Properties of Materials I MSEG 608 (Fall)
- (1) MSEG courses required for Soft Materials students:
- Polymer Synthesis MSEG 632 (Fall)
Polymer Physics MSEG 635 (Spring)
Polymer Synthesis Lab MSEG 633 (Spring)
- Polymer Synthesis MSEG 632 (Fall)
- (2) MSEG courses required for Hard Materials students:
- Quantum Mechanics MSEG 640 (Fall)
Solid State Materials I MSEG 841 (Fall)
Solid State Materials II MSEG 842 (Spring)
- Quantum Mechanics MSEG 640 (Fall)
- (3) MSEG courses required for Composite Materials students:
- Polymer Synthesis MSEG 632 (Fall)
Composite Materials MSEG 6YY (Spring)
- Polymer Synthesis MSEG 632 (Fall)
- Other courses in MSEG and other departments can be taken as electives.
- Note: the specific course titles and numbers are subject to change, students should always consult with the MSEG department to insure that these are accurate. Some MSEG courses require others as prerequisites, this also needs to be confirmed before registering to avoid delays.
- Detailed course descriptions:
- MSEG 302 Materials Science for Engineers - 3 credits
Crystal binding and structure; energetics and structure of lattice defects; elasticity, plasticity, and fracture; phase equilibria and transformations; relations of structure and treatment to properties; structures of inorganic and organic polymers; and electronic and magnetic properties. - MSEG 442/642 Semiconductors for Micro- and Nano-Technology - 3 credits (fall)
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to some of the main themes of the physics of semiconductors, emphasizing the unique properties at the micro- and nanometer scale. - MSEG 601 Structure and Properties of Polymer Materials - 3 credits
Measurement and control of the microstructure and properties of solidpolymers. Structure generation, structure-property models and effects ofprocessing on properties. May be cross-listed with CHEG601.
PREREQ: MSEG302. - MSEG 602 Structure of Materials - 3 credits
Fundamentals of crystallography. Crystal structure analysis by X-ray and electron diffraction. Characterization of materials by optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Simplified approach to image theory and diffraction theory.
PREREQ: MSEG302. - MSEG 603 Analytical Techniques in Materials Science - 3 credits
Laboratory course in optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction. X-ray fluorescense and microanalysis. Auger analysis and other spectroscopic techniques.
PREREQ: MSEG302 and MSEG602.
COREQ: MSEG602. - MSEG 604 Phase Transformations - 3 credits
Introduction to thermodynamic functions: enthalpy, entropy and free energy. Fick's first and second laws of diffusion. Liquid/solid and solid/solid phase equilibria and transformations. Nucleation and growth. Massive and martensitic transformations. Phase transformations in polymers, ceramics and electronic materials.
PREREQ: MSEG302 - MSEG 606 Corrosion and Protection - 3 credits
Degradation of structural materials through interaction with their environment. High temperature oxidation and sulfidation. Electrochemical attack on alloys and its relation to metallurgical structure. Stress corrosion cracking. Testing and control methods. Localized corrosion. Deterioration of advanced materials.
PREREQ: MSEG302. - MSEG 607 Physical Properties of Materials I - 3 credits
Basic models of electrical, magnetic optical and thermal properties of solid materials. Introduction to quantum physics to describe electronic structure of atoms, atomic bonds and crystals. Electronic, magnetic and optical effects in metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers and amorphous materials. Operation of basic electronic devices and semiconductor.
PREREQ: MSEG302 and PHYS208. - MSEG 614 Fracture of Materials - 3 credits
Fracture mechanics, micromechanisms, nucleation and propagation of cracks, fracture toughness, ductile-brittle transitions, fatigue, stress, corrosion, irradiation effects and nonmetallic materials. May be cross-listed with MEEG614.
PREREQ: MSEG302.
RESTRICTIONS: Graduate standing acceptable in lieu of Prerequisite. - MSEG 615 Mechanical Properties of Materials - 3 credits
Stress, strain, tensor notation and elementary elasticity. Plasticity and ductility based upon continuum mechanics. Ideal strength of crystalline, polymer and amorphous materials. Real materials: amorphous, polymers, ceramics, metals and composites. Dislocations, strengthening of solids. Mechanisms of fracture, fracture mechanics, fatigue, creep and stress rupture. May be cross-listed with MEEG615.
RESTRICTIONS: Requires graduate status. - MSEG 616 Chemistry and Physics of Surfaces and Interfaces - 3 credits
See CHEG616 for course description. - MSEG 623 Electrical Properties of Matter I - 3 credits
See ELEG623 for course description. - MSEG 667-013- Research Methods and Intellectual Properties
The Objective of this course is to familiarize students with basic US Intellectual Property (IP) principles, as well as how to generate and properly protect IP. Appropriate use of notebook and other documentation during research and development will also be covered. The use of case histories will be used to illustrate basic principles. Text: Alan L. Durham, pPatent Law Essentials, A Concise Guide, Quorum Books, 1999. [ISBN:1-56720-242-X]. - MSEG 667-011 - Entrepreneurship and Risk: Meeting the Challenges of a Startup Enterprise - 3 credits
This course is designed to deal with the critical financial, legal, scientific and engineering issues that must be confronted during the initial planning stages of a start-up enterprise. A range of speakers from finance, marketing, engineering, law and the Delaware's Technology Park provide a perspective on the challenges of launching a new business venture. Students from engineering, marketing and finance will work in teams to develop an R&D strategic and a business plan for a new product offering. Lectures will cover the following topics: developing a successful business model, business and professional ethics, safeguarding intellectual property, financial options for funding a new business, e-Commerce issues, legal proprietorship (LLC, S-corporation, etc.), new product innovation and IP issues. - MSEG 803 Equilibria in Material Systems - credits 3
Classical thermodynamics of condensed systems (macroscopic description). Fundamental laws. Functions and equations of state. Equilibrium and stability criteria. Single component phase equilibrium, multi-component mixtures. Partialmolar properties, non-ideal mixtures. Equilibrium in multi-phase, multi-component systems. Phase Rule.
PREREQ: MSEG302. - MSEG 804 - Kinetics in Material Systems - credits 3
Theory of reaction kinetics. Transport mechanisms in solids. Nucleation and spinodal decomposition. Interfacial attachment and migration. Transition state theory applied to diffusion and phase transformation. Elementary non-equilibrium thermodynamics and phenomenological equations in material transport and phase transformation.
MSEG 807 Physical Properties of Materials II - 3 credits (Spring)
Continuation of MSEG607, with emphasis on the electrical transport properties of materials. Topics include electronic structure and energy band diagrams of semiconductors, metals and insulators; Fermi surfaces; dynamics of electrons; semiconductor materials and devices; band structure and transport properties of selected semiconductors; band-gap engineering; novel materials systems; electron emission; particularly field emission.
- MSEG 608 (4 credits)
Structure and Properties of Materials I
Long Description: Introduces general principles of material structure and properties, including chemical and physical bonding, crystal structure, lattices, energy levels, and materials synthesis and chemistry. Introduces the fundamental structure and properties of polymer, solid state and composite materials. Includes a significant laboratory component.
Prerequisites: MSEG302
Justification: The Materials Science and Engineering department is revising its graduate curriculum to reflect broadening research interests, a growing faculty, and the need to balance a broad knowledge of materials science with deep knowledge in student's research areas. This course is part of the revised curriculum and will be required for all new graduate students. The course in intended to begin a comprehensive introduction to materials, emphasizing a common vocabulary for qualitative and quantitative analysis of structure and properties in a wide variety of polymer, organic, inorganic, and composite materials.
Impact: This course will provide a common introduction for all MSEG graduate students and be a prerequisite for advanced material-specific courses.
Change: MSEG 608-609 will replace MSEG 602 and 607, which will be phased out. MSEG 608 will include many topics previously covered in 602, including crystal structure and characterization methods. The new two-semester sequence will include new material on chemical and physical bonding, materials synthesis and chemistry, and introduce the broad classes of materials.
Undergraduate education goals: This course will develop students critical reasoning skills, develop their understanding of scientific search and discovery, and enhance their ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world materials.
Expected annual enrollment: 20-30 students
- MSEG 609 (4 credits)
Structure and Properties of Materials II
Long Description: Introduces mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, magnetic and biological properties of materials. Considers polymer, solid-state, and composite materials and discusses engineering of material properties via structure, composition, and processing. Includes a significant laboratory component.
Prerequisites: MSEG608
Justification: The Materials Science and Engineering department is revising its graduate curriculum to reflect broadening research interests, a growing faculty, and the need to balance a broad knowledge of materials science with deep knowledge in student's research areas. This course is part of the revised curriculum and will be required for all new graduate students. The course in intended to complete a comprehensive introduction to materials, emphasizing a common vocabulary for qualitative and quantitative analysis of structure and properties in a wide variety of polymer, organic, inorganic, and composite materials.
Impact: This course will provide a common introduction for all MSEG graduate students and be a prerequisite for advanced material-specific courses.
Change: MSEG 608-609 will replace MSEG 602 and 607, which will be phased out. Many topics covered in 607, including the electric, thermal, optical and magnetic properties of materials, will be covered in the new courses. The new two-semester sequence will include a unified introduction to material properties in a variety of different materials.
Undergraduate education goals: This course will develop students critical reasoning skills, develop their understanding of scientific search and discovery, and enhance their ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world materials.
Expected annual enrollment: 20-30 students - MSEG 640 (3 credits)
Applied Quantum Mechanics
Long Description: Quantum mechanics for scientists and engineers working with electronic materials. Introduce fundamentals: Schroedinger's equation, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, operators, Dirac notation, tunneling, harmonic oscillators, perturbation theory and approximation methods. Focus on practical applications in devices and developing techniques that can be applied to research problems.
Prerequisite: MSEG608 to be taken as prerequisite or corequisite.
Justification: The Materials Science and Engineering department is revising its graduate curriculum to reflect broadening research interests, a growing faculty, and the need to balance a broad knowledge of materials science with deep knowledge in student's research areas. This course is part of the revised curriculum and will be required for all new graduate students studying solid-state materials. The course is intended to provide the quantum mechanics background necessary for an in-depth study of solid-state materials.
Impact: This course will introduce quantum mechanics at a graduate level and permit MSEG 841-842 to be taught at an appropriate level for graduate students who will work on solid-state materials.
Change: Quantum mechanics is required for in-depth instruction in solid-state materials, but is presently covered only briefly as part of a course covering a broad range of topics (MSEG 607). The creation of this new course will provide a solid and comprehensive foundation in quantum mechanics and allow solid-state materials to be taught at an appropriate level.
Undergraduate education goals: This course will develop students critical reasoning skills, develop their understanding of scientific search and discovery, and enhance their ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world materials.
Expected annual enrollment: 10-15 students
- MSEG 841 (3 credits)
Solid State Materials I
Long Description: Structure and properties of solid-state materials, including inorganic atomic structure and lattices, calculation of three-dimensional energy bands and band gaps, calculation of density of states, derivation of physical properties from the density of states, electronic properties of materials, models for approximating band structure and phonons.
Prerequisites: MSEG609, MSEG640
Justification: The Materials Science and Engineering department is revising its graduate curriculum to reflect broadening research interests, a growing faculty, and the need to balance a broad knowledge of materials science with deep knowledge in student's research areas. This course is part of the revised curriculum and will be required for all new graduate students studying solid-state materials. The course will provide a graduate-level introduction to solid-state materials appropriate for students pursuing research in this field.
Impact: This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to solid-state materials. Several proposed new courses will be prerequisites.
Change: MSEG 841-842 will replace MSEG 607–807, which are being phased out. Topics applicable to all classes of materials, such as thermal, electrical, and optical properties, that were previously included in MSEG 607 will now be covered in MSEG 608-609. MSEG 841-842 will focus exclusively on solid-state materials, thus permitting a more rigorous introduction to the field for students who will pursue research in this area.
Undergraduate education goals: This is a graduate course, which will develop rigorous scientific analysis skills with application to real-world materials.
Expected annual enrollment: 10-15 students - MSEG 842 (3 credits)
Solid State Materials II
Long Description: Properties of solid-state materials, including magnetic properties, optical properties, electrical properties, scattering and tunneling transport. Introduction to semiconductor devices and low-dimensional structures.
Prerequisites: MSEG841
Justification: The Materials Science and Engineering department is revising its graduate curriculum to reflect broadening research interests, a growing faculty, and the need to balance a broad knowledge of materials science with deep knowledge in student's research areas. This course is part of the revised curriculum and will be required for all new graduate students studying solid-state materials. The course will provide a graduate-level introduction to solid-state materials appropriate for students pursuing research in this field.
Impact: This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to solid-state materials. Several proposed new courses will be prerequisites.
Change: MSEG 841-842 will replace MSEG 607–807, which are being phased out. Topics applicable to all classes of materials, such as thermal, electrical, and optical properties, that were previously included in MSEG 607 will now be covered in MSEG 608-609. MSEG 841-842 will focus exclusively on solid-state materials, thus permitting a more rigorous introduction to the field for students who will pursue research in this area.
Undergraduate education goals: This is a graduate course, which will develop rigorous scientific analysis skills with application to real-world materials.
Expected annual enrollment: 10-15 students
