Materials Engineering (MATL)

Program Overview

Auburn University's Materials Engineering program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering principles. Through hands-on experience and a focus on materials properties, processing, and applications, graduates are prepared for careers in diverse industries, including aerospace, biomedical, and manufacturing. The program's emphasis on research and innovation fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, leading to successful careers in materials engineering and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Materials Engineering (MATL) program at Auburn University is a four-year undergraduate program that provides students with a strong foundation in the principles of materials science and engineering.
• Objectives: The program aims to prepare students for careers in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, biomedical, chemical,electronics, manufacturing, and energy.
• Program Description: The MATL program provides students with a comprehensive education in the properties, processing, and applications of materials.
Students learn how to design, manufacture, and characterize materials for a variety of engineering applications. The program also includes a strong emphasis on hands-on experience, with students completing a senior design project in which they apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world engineering problem.

Outline:

• Program Content: The MATL program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering: Students learn about the fundamentals of materials science, including the atomic structure and properties of materials, as well as the principles of materials processing and selection.
• Engineering Materials: Students study the properties and applications of a variety of engineering materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.
• Materials Characterization: Students learn how to characterize the microstructure and properties of materials using a variety of techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing.
• Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials: Students learn the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics as they apply to materials processing and behavior.
• Materials Properties and Selection: Students learn how to design and select materials for specific engineering applications based on their properties and performance requirements.
• Numerical Simulation of Materials Processing: Students learn how to use computer simulation techniques to model materials processing and predict the properties of materials.
• Senior Design Project: Students apply their knowledge and skills to design, build, and test a device or system that meets a specific engineering need.
• Program Structure: The MATL program is a four-year program that consists of a total of 122 semester hours.
The program is divided into eight semesters, with each semester consisting of 15-16 credit hours of coursework.
• Course Schedule: The specific courses that students take in the MATL program vary depending on their interests and career goals.
However, all students are required to take a core set of courses, including:
• Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering (MATL 2100)
• Engineering Materials - Metals (MATL 3101)
• Engineering Materials - Polymers (MATL 3201)
• Engineering Materials - Ceramics (MATL 3301)
• Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials (MATL 4101)
• Materials Properties and Selection (MATL 4501)
• Senior Design Project (MATL 4981)
• Individual Modules:
• Each module in the MATL program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of a specific topic in materials science and engineering.
Modules are typically taught by experts in the field and include a combination of lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, and projects.

Assessment:

• Students in the MATL program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams: Students are given exams throughout the semester to assess their understanding of the course material.
• Quizzes: Students are given quizzes on a regular basis to assess their progress in the course.
• Assignments: Students are given assignments to complete outside of class, such as homework problems, projects, and presentations.
• Senior Design Project: Students are required to complete a senior design project, which is a major project that requires them to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world engineering problem.

Teaching:

• The MATL program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields.
Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, and projects. They are also available to meet with students outside of class to provide additional support.
• The MATL program also has a strong emphasis on hands-on experience.
Students have access to a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including the Auburn University Materials Research Laboratory, the Auburn University Nanofabrication Facility, and the Auburn University Polymer Engineering Center. These facilities provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a variety of materials characterization, processing, and testing techniques.

Careers:

• Graduates of the MATL program have a wide range of career opportunities in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, biomedical, chemical, electronics, manufacturing, and energy.
Some of the most common career paths for MATL graduates include:
• Materials Engineer
• Research Scientist
• Development Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Sales Engineer
• Quality Engineer
• Technical Manager
• Materials Scientist
• Process Engineer
• Research and Development Manager
• Product Engineer
• Failure Analysis Engineer
• Project Manager
• Many MATL graduates also go on to pursue advanced degrees in materials science and engineering or related fields.

Other:

• The MATL program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
• The MATL program is a member of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).
• The MATL program has a strong alumni network that provides students with opportunities for networking, mentoring, and career development.