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Jeff LaCombe

My current and past activities in this area have involved the study and application of a range of solidification and crystal growth processes. I have a strong background particularly in the science and physics of dendritic solidification and pattern formation during crystal growth. read more »

Bachelor of Science in Material Sciences and Engineering

Materials and Metallurgical Engineering includes elements from a variety of engineering disciplines, and the demand for professionals in the field is strong. Engineers trained in materials science are at the forefront in the development of materials designed to contain ultra-high temperatures and pressures in aircraft , spacecraft, and energy generation systems. In the materials field, engineers also develop electronic, photovoltaic and superconductor devices, as well as other high-technology innovations. The materials science and engineering program requires that students gain basic preparation in chemistry, physics and mathematics during their fi rst two years of university-level study. Early in the sophomore year, students are taught the principles of the atomic and microscopic structure and properties of metallic, ceramic, polymeric (plastic), composite, and electronic materials. Advanced instruction, featuring specialized courses in structure, mechanical, and physical properties, corrosion, phase transformations, and nanotechnology. Graduates can pursue a diverse selection of careers, including materials processing and manufacturing, materials selection for advanced applications and design and development of new materials. Outstanding graduates may also pursue advanced graduate study.

We have two emphasis that our students can choose from:

• General Materials Science and Engineering
• Extractive Metallurgy

The program objectives are:

• Enable students to apply advanced science and engineering principles to materials systems (ceramics, glasses, composites, metals, polymers) in the context of material structure, behavior, processing, and performance.
• Develop skills in our students to solve real world materials engineering problems with creativity and professionalism, and to develop new, valuable ideas through critical thinking.
• Provide students with the skills to communicate well with others through verbal, oral and written presentations, and listening, and will develop team skills in solving problems.
• Teach students the importance of ethical engineering practice with an emphasis on developing an understanding of the legal, moral, and environmental responsibilities and consequences of engineering problem solving.
• Prepare students to enter a broad range of Materials Engineering careers by providing diversity within the program and opportunity for exploration of different areas (e.g., biotechnology, nanotechnology, ceramics, polymers, metals, and more.)

In keeping with the above objectives, graduates will understand and be able to apply advanced science and engineering principles to materials systems, i.e., ceramics, glasses, composites, metals and polymers. Graduates will be able to apply these in the context of material structure, behavior, processing, and performance.

In addition to the university's general graduation requirements of a minimum 2.0 grade point average, degree candidates must maintain at least a 2.0 average in Material Science and Engineering courses. All students must see their assigned advisor and obtain a signed official advisement form each semester. All electives must be approved by the assigned advisor. All students must take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination, administered by the Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers.

Students are encouraged to participate in many different organizations within the College of Engineering that will enrich their educational experiences. These include: the Materials Advantage and Research Society (MARS), which is associated with the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS), the American Society for Metals (ASM), the Materials Research Society (MRS), and the American Ceramic Society (ACerS); the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the Society of Woman Engineers, and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME).

B.S. in MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

(Total credits required for graduation = 126)

First Year - Fall semester CHEM 201 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers I ENG 101 - Composition I MSE 101 - Introduction to Metallurgical Engineering I MATH 181 - Calculus I Social Sciences (Core)

First Year - Spring Semester CHEM 202 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers II ENG 102 - Composition II MSE 102 - Introduction to Metallurgical Engineering II MATH 182 - Calculus II PHYS 180 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I PHYS 180L - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I

Second Year - Fall semester CEE/ME 241 - Statics MSE 232 - Principles of Metallurgical Engineering MSE 250 - Elements of Materials Science MATH 283R - Calculus III PHYS 181 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II PHYS 181L - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory II

Second Year - Spring Semester CH 201 - Ancient and Medieval Cultures CHE 245 - Computer Applications in Chemical Engineering EE 220 - Circuits I ENGR 301 - Engineering Communication MATH 285 - Differential Equations

IMPORTANT: IF A STUDENT STARTS THE THIRD YEAR - FALL SEMESTER IN AN ODD YEAR FOLLOW BELOW

Third Year - Fall Semester CEE 372 - Strength of Materials CH 202 - The Modern World MSE 383 - Transport in Materials Systems MSE 361 - Thermodynamics of Materials MSE 460 - Physical Metallurgy I

Third Year - Spring Semester CH 203 - American Experiences and Constitutional Change MSE 415 - Materials Characterization MSE 430 - Phase Transformations and Kinetics MSE 461 - Physical Metallurgy II MSE 472 - Introduction to Ceramics

Fourth Year - Fall Semester MATH/STAT 352 - Probability and Statistics MSE 450 - Techniques of Process Design, Economics and Safety Diversity (Core) Fine Arts (Core) Elective

Fourth Year - Spring Semester ENGR 490 - Fundamentals of Engineering Exam MSE 416 - X-ray Diffraction MSE 433 - Electronic, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Materials MSE 470 - Polymeric and Composite Materials MSE 482 - Design Project Elective

IMPORTANT: IF A STUDENT STARTS THE THIRD YEAR - FALL SEMESTER IN AN EVEN YEAR FOLLOW BELOW

Third Year - Fall Semester CEE 372 - Strength of Materials CH 202 - The Modern World MSE 383 - Transport in Materials Systems MSE 361 - Thermodynamics of Materials MSE 460 - Physical Metallurgy I

Third Year - Spring Semester CH 203 - American Experiences and Constitutional Change MSE 416 - X-ray Diffraction MSE 433 - Electronic, Magnetic and Optical Properties of Materials MSE 461 - Physical Metallurgy II MSE 470 - Polymeric and Composite Materials

Fourth Year - Fall Semester MATH/STAT 352 - Probability and Statistics MSE 450 - Techniques of Process Design, Economics and Safety Diversity (Core) Fine Arts (Core) Elective

Fourth Year - Spring Semester ENGR 490 - Fundamentals of Engineering Examination MSE 415 - Materials Characterization MSE 430 - Phase Transformations and Kinetics MSE 472 - Introduction to Ceramics MSE 482 - Design Project Elective

B.S. in MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING - EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY EMPHASIS

(Total credits required for graduation = 126)

First Year - Fall semester CHEM 201 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers I ENG 101 - Composition I MSE 101 - Introduction to Metallurgical Engineering I MATH 181 - Calculus I Social Sciences (Core)

First Year - Spring Semester CHEM 202 - General Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers II ENG 102 - Composition II MSE 102 - Introduction to Metallurgical Engineering II MATH 182 - Calculus II PHYS 180 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I PHYS 180L - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I

Second Year - Fall semester CEE/ME 241 - Statics MSE 232 - Principles of Metallurgical Engineering MSE 250 - Elements of Materials Science MATH 283R - Calculus III PHYS 181 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II PHYS 181L - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Laboratory II

Second Year - Spring Semester CHE 245 - Computer Applications in Chemical Engineering EE 220 - Circuits I ENGR 301 - Engineering Communication MSE 322 - Mineral Processing I MSE 324 - Mineral Processing Laboratory MATH 285 - Differential Equations

IMPORTANT: IF A STUDENT STARTS THE THIRD YEAR - FALL SEMESTER IN AN ODD YEAR FOLLOW BELOW

Third Year - Fall Semester CEE 372 - Strength of Materials CH 201 - Ancient and Medieval Cultures MSE 460 - Physical Metallurgy I MSE 383 - Transport in Materials Systems MSE 361 - Thermodynamics of Materials

Third Year - Spring Semester MSE 415 - Materials Characterization MSE 431 - Extractive Metallurgy II - Hydrometallurgy MSE 472 - Introduction to Ceramics MATH/STAT 352 - Probability and Statistics Diversity (Core)

Fourth Year - Fall Semester CH 202 - The Modern World CHE 440 - Chemical Reactor Design MSE 410 - Extractive Metallurgy I - Pyrometallurgy MSE 411 - Pyrometallurgy Laboratory MSE 450 - Techniques of Process Design, Economics and Safety Elective

Fourth Year - Spring Semester CHE 451 - Dynamic Process Modeling and Control CH 203 - American Experiences and Constitutional Change ENGR 490 - Fundamentals of Engineering Exam MSE 482 - Design Project MSE 470 - Polymeric and Composite Materials Fine Arts (Core)

IMPORTANT: IF A STUDENT STARTS THE THIRD YEAR - FALL SEMESTER IN AN EVEN YEAR FOLLOW BELOW

Third Year - Fall Semester CEE 372 - Strength of Materials CH 201 - Ancient and Medieval Cultures MSE 460 - Physical Metallurgy I MSE 383 - Transport in Materials Systems MSE 361 - Thermodynamics of Materials

Third Year - Spring Semester CH 202 - The Modern World MSE 431 - Extractive Metallurgy II - Hydrometallurgy MSE 470 - Polymeric and Composite Materials MATH/STAT 352 - Probability and Statistics Diversity (Core)

Fourth Year - Fall Semester CH 203 - American Experiences and Constitutional Change CHE 440 - Chemical Reactor Design MSE 410 - Extractive Metallurgy I - Pyrometallurgy MSE 411 - Pyrometallurgy Laboratory MSE 450 - Techniques of Process Design, Economics and Safety Fine Arts (Core)

Fourth Year - Spring Semester CHE 451 - Dynamic Process Modeling and Control ENGR 490 - Fundamentals of Engineering Exam MSE 415 - Materials Characterization MSE 482 - Design Project MSE 472 - Introduction to Ceramics