Chemistry/Materials Science

Chemistry/Materials Science BS

The Chemistry/Materials Science major is designed for students who are interested in chemistry with an emphasis on material properties and provides students the opportunity to gain expertise in both chemistry and the science and engineering in materials such as semiconductors, photonic materials, polymers, biomaterials, ceramics, and nano-scale structures. Students explore the reactivity of such materials in different environments and gain understanding of how chemical compositions affect properties. The major provides appropriate preparation for graduate studies in many fields emphasizing interdisciplinary research, including chemistry, engineering, and applied science.

The Chemistry/Materials Science major has the following learning outcomes:

• Understanding of the foundations of materials chemistry including nanoscience, materials synthesis, and materials processing
• Understanding of different methods for materials characterization, measurement of materials properties, and general structure/function relationships
• Familiarity with laboratory methods for materials chemistry and practical laboratory experience with such methods, including X-ray diffraction, optical absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, electrical measurements, and electron and scanning probe microscopies
• Understanding of basic operational principles for a broad range of practical devices (e.g., LEDs, photovoltaics, electrochromics, etc.) from a fundamental materials perspective
• Safely and effectively work in a materials laboratory setting
• Knowledge of how to handle chemicals in a safe manner following OSHA-approved regulations and procedures
• Knowledge of how to use information resources to search and access safety databases
• Use of computers, including data acquisition and software tools for calculating and understanding materials properties
• Demonstrated broad mastery of materials chemistry including critical thinking, problem solving, working effectively in diverse groups
• Communication of knowledge through written reports and oral presentations

Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 20A (or 20AH), 20B (or 20BH), 20L, 30A, 30AL, Mathematics 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A (33B highly recommended), Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4BL.

Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 110A, 113A, 171, 172 or C180 or C181, 185, 4 units from 110B, C113B, 172, C174, C175, C176, C180, C181; Materials Science and Engineering 104, 110, 110L, 120, 121 or 150 or 160, 131, 8 units from 111, 121, 122, 132, 150, 160, 162, CM180; 7 laboratory units from Chemistry and Biochemistry 114, 184, Materials Science and Engineering 121L, 131L, 161L.

The following courses may be applied only once toward the major: Chemistry and Biochemistry 172, C180, C181, Materials Science and Engineering 121, 150, 160.

Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 20A (or 20AH), 20B (or 20BH), 20L, 30A, 30AL, 30B, 30BL, 30C, 30CL, Mathematics 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33B, Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4BL.

Required: Chemistry and Biochemistry 110A, 113A, 136, 171, 185, 4 units from 110B, C113B, C143A, 144, 172, C174, C175, C176, C180, C181; Materials Science and Engineering 104, 110, 110L, 120, 150, 4 units from 111, 121, 122, 131, 132, 160, 162, CM180; 7 laboratory units from Chemistry and Biochemistry 114, 184, Materials Science and Engineering 121L, 131L, 161L.