The first two years of your studies are designed to lay the engineering foundation for design and systems thinking.
You'll take the regular array of engineering support courses (math, science, computer programming, circuits, computer-aided drawing, etc.) and general education courses (arts and humanities). You'll also take our freshman-year design courses (MatE110, MatE120, MatE130). Throughout the year you'll work in teams on two major projects: designing, building and testing a small vacuum system and a water purification system for a local family who is on ground water. By the end of your freshman year you will have two engineering designs in your academic portfolio.
In the sophomore year, you'll take another series of materials engineering courses. These courses explore the cutting edge of materials (ecomaterials, nanotechnology, biotechnology) and help you build fundamental engineering laboratory skills.
The entire junior year of MatE courses are dedicated to projects. You'll work with a team of faculty to guide you through the science and design of things like nanocrystalline photovoltaic solar cells, fiber optic cables, fuel cells, bicycle cranks, and soft tissue patches. The senior year is reserved for areas in which you'd like to get some depth of knowledge. You may choose from an array of courses like Biomaterials, Microsystems Technology or Failure Analysis.
» Download a description of key materials engineering courses
