Introduction to Materials Science (Coursera)

The topic presentations are at the concept level without being mired in heavy mathematics. Participation in each course is best done by initially having a firm sense of what MSE does and its impact on society. Topics in this specialization span from atom bonding and crystal structure to diffusion and phase diagrams. Some of the position titles that may benefit from this course include Materials Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer and Materials Quality Control. Others who want to explore the world of materials will find it helpful.

Course 1 of 4 in the Materials Science for Technological Application Specialization.

What You Will Learn

The role of materials engineers in contemporary engineering practice.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Course Introduction

This course introduces students to the basic ideas of materials science and engineering. This course includes an introduction to the relationship between processing, properties, and structure. This course is different from many other courses in that it uses a rudimentary introduction of fundamental concepts materials selection. It also identifies the characteristics and properties of the different families of materials based on their interatomic bonding. Finally, we explore how materials properties vary across the periodic table.

WEEK 2

Module 1: Introduction to Specialization and Course

In this module, we will see a high-level overview of materials science and engineering and learn about materials selection, materials families, types of bonding and processing of materials.

WEEK 3

Module 2: Atomic Structure and Interatomic Bonding I Property Relationships

In this module, we will learn about atomic structure, interatomic bonding and how the location of an element on the periodic table affects its chemical properties. Various examples are discussed.

WEEK 4

Module 3: Atomic Structure

In this module, we learn about different kinds of atomic structures and the relationships between structure and properties of materials.

WEEK 5

Module 4: Crystal Structures

In this module, we learn about different kinds of atomic structures, and the relationships between structure and properties of materials.

WEEK 6

Module 5: Unit Cells

In this module, we discuss how to identify and locate positions in unit cells, and how to specify and identify directions in unit cells