The Major Requirements for the B.S. Degree in the Materials Science and Engineering

The B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering is offered jointly by the five participating departments of the Bourns College of Engineering.

The MSE Educational Objectives

The educational objectives of the MSE program are to prepare students (i) to be employed as materials engineers or in related engineering, science or managerial positions, using and improving their skills based on the demands of the job; (ii) to enter graduate or professional degree programs; (iii) to be effective team members; and (iv) to be responsible engineers, professionals or scientists who demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility and continue to learn through variety of educational experiences.

The MSE program outcomes are graduates equipped with (i) an ability to apply knowledge of the scientific and engineering principles underlying major elements of materials engineering, i.e., structure, properties, processing and performance of materials; (ii) an ability to design and conduct experiments relevant to materials science and engineering, and to analyze and interpret experimental data; (iii) an ability to identify, formulate and solve materials selection and design problems; (iv) an ability to work in multidisciplinary teams; (v) an appreciation of professional and ethical responsibility and importance of continued learning after graduation; (vi) an ability to communicate effectively; (vii) a basic understanding of the impact of engineering on society, including economy and the environment; (viii) an elementary understanding of contemporarily issues in materials science and engineering.

The MSE Major Requirements

Major Requirements for the Bachelors of Science in Material Science and Engineering are as follows:

Lower-division requirements (68 units):

1. MATH 009A (4), MATH 009B (4), MATH 009C (4), MATH 010A (4), MATH 010B (4), MATH 046 (4)
2. CHEM 001A/01LA (5), CHEM 001B/01LB (5), CHEM 001C/01LC (5)
3. PHYS 040A (5), PHYS 040B (5), PHYS 040C (5)
4. CS 030 (4)
5. EE 001A/01LB (4)
6. ME 010 (4)
7. MSE 001 (2)

Upper-division requirements (52):

1. CHEM 112A (5)
2. CEE 135 (4)
3. CHE 100 (4)
4. EE 138 (4)
5. ENGR 180 (3)
6. ME 110 (4), ME 114 (4), ME 156 (4)
7. MSE 160 (4), MSE 161 (4), MSE 175A (4), MSE 175B (4)
8. STAT 155 (4)
9. Technical Electives: (20): There is a requirement of 20 units of technical electives, chosen with the approval of a faculty advisor. The purpose of these electives is to add depth and breadth to the major and direct a student along a specific materials focus area. The four courses can be selected, in consultation with an advisor, from the following list: BIEN140A/CEE140A; BIEN140B/CEE140B; CEE147; EE133; EE136; EE137; EE139; ME113; ME116; ME138; ME153; ME180.