Introduction and Outline

Outline

In this chapter we'll introduce what Materials Science and Engineering is, and how we distinguish it from other closely related scientific and engineering fields like physics, chemistry, mechanical, and chemical engineering.

The outline is as follows:

  • Section 1.3- History of Materials: A very broad historical overview of the role materials have played in the advancement of civilization.
  • Section 1.4 - The MSE Paradigm - Defining the Discipline: A more precise definition of what a material is, how Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is distinct (and complimentary) to other fields, and what materials scientists and engineers do. The definition of the field is anchored in the MSE Paradigm, which describes the relationship between materials processing, structure, properties, and performance.
  • Section 1.5 - The MSE Paradigm as a Systematic Framework for Science and Engineering: Materials scientists and engineers use the paradigm as a framework to explore the science of materials as well as leverage our scientific understanding to engineer materials.
  • Section 1.6- The Role of Materials Science and Engineering in Technology: A closer look at how researchers and engineers leverage the principles of MSE to advance current technology. A discussion of how materials scientists and engineers interface with other engineers.
  • Section 1.7 - The Taxonomy of Materials: The basic classification scheme by which different materials are classified. Here, we'll introduce the highest level of the categorization hierarchy: metals, ceramics, polymers, molecular solids, and composites.
  • Section 1.8 - Feedback and Comments: Please let us know what you think of the chapter by providing any feedback in this section.

Outcomes

By the end of the this module, we want students to be able to, in broad terms:

  1. Understand the role of materials in the advancement of civilization.
  2. Research and evaluate the impact that a specific material has had in some application.
  3. Explain how the MSE Paradigm is a central to the field.
  4. Evaluate some limitations of the MSE Paradigm.
  5. Analyze a use-case summary to construct an introductory-level systems design chart for a material.
  6. Compare materials classes broadly, identifying characteristics common to of each materials class.
  7. Identify the class of a material based on its bonding, structure, properties, or application.
  8. Reflect on the limitations and ambiguities of materials taxonomy.