615.680.81 - Materials Science

Expanded Course Description

This materials science course provides a broad, introductory graduate-level foundation intended to prepare students for advanced study in the materials. The course covers fundamental topics including atomic structure and bonding, ionic and electronic behavior, crystal structures and defects, mechanical behavior and strength of materials, fracture mechanics and fatigue, phase diagrams and phase transformations, and structure-property relationships across alloys, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials.

Emphasis is placed on developing a conceptual and analytical understanding of how material structure, composition, and processing influence properties and performance in engineering applications. Students are introduced to materials characterization concepts, materials selection considerations, and the role of processing in determining material behavior. The course is designed to build materials literacy and engineering judgment in preparation for advanced coursework or research in materials-related fields.

Required Competencies:
An undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline is required. No prior coursework in materials science is assumed.

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Introduction to Materials Science
• Atomic Structure and Bonding
• Crystal Structures and Defects
• Phase Diagrams and Phase Transformations
• Metals and Corrosion
• Polymer Materials
• Ceramic Materials
• Composite Materials
• Mechanical Properties of Materials
• Thermal Properties of Materials
• Electrical and Optical Properties of Materials
• Advanced Material Processing and Fabrication
• Materials Characterization
• High-temperature Materials

Course Goals

The goals for this course are to develop a cohesive foundation for analyzing materials behavior across length scales and material classes, with emphasis on the processing-structure-property-performance framework. The course builds analytical reasoning and engineering judgement needed to connect fundamental mechanisms to real engineering performance and to support informed materials decisions in advanced materials studies.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Examine the relationship between material structure and properties at various scales.
• Analyze the thermodynamic and kinetic factors governing material behavior.
• Differentiate between metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and advanced materials, understanding their unique properties, applications, and processing methods.
• Analyze mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties of materials.
• Solve materials-related problems via materials selection, failure analysis, and innovation.

Textbooks

Callister Jr., W.D. and Rethwisch, D.G. (2014) Materials Science and Engineering. John Wiley & Sons Inc., Hoboken, NJ.

Required Software

In this class, some computer literacy skills you are expected to have include creating and submitting files in a word processing program, downloading and installing software, using spreadsheets, using presentation software, and using web conferencing tools and software. Additionally, you will be expected to use online search tools for academic purposes, properly cite information sources, and prepare a presentation of such findings.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 7–10 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown: reading the assigned sections of the texts (approximately 3–4 hours per week) as well as some outside reading, listening to the audio annotated slide presentations (approximately 2–3 hours per week), and writing assignments (approximately 2–3 hours per week).

Assignments are due on the dates posted in your Canvas course site. Grades will be posted within one week of each due date. Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week they are late. Exceptions require prior coordination with the instructors.

Final course grade:

Category	Weight
Homework Assignments	45%
Canvas Discussions	10%
Final Project Proposal	6%
Final Project Presentation	14%
Final Exam	20%
Self-Quizzes	5%
TOTAL	100%

Grading Policy

EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

Score Range	Letter Grade
100-97	= A+
<97-93	= A
<93-90	= A−
<90-87	= B+
<87-83	= B
<83-80	= B−
<80-77	= C+
<77-73	= C
<73-70	= C−
<70-67	= D+
<67-63	= D
<63	= F

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar. Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course. 

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students. This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Our courses are designed with a proactive approach to accessibility to minimize the need for disability disclosure and accommodation requests, but we recognize that you may need additional support. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions, and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.  For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact EP Student Disability Services at ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu. 

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. For a full description of the code please visit the Student Conduct Code website.

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team (EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu) in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.