Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-q99xh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T01:31:03.454Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

A Multi-functional Introductory Materials Science Course: Emphasizing Engineering and Achieving Accreditation Objectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2011

Katherine C. Chen
Affiliation:
Materials Engineering Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, [email protected]
Linda S. Vanasupa
Affiliation:
Materials Engineering Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, [email protected]
Timothy T. Orling
Affiliation:
Materials Engineering Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, [email protected]
Get access

Abstract

In efforts to serve more engineering students and to achieve accreditation objectives, we have redesigned our introductory materials course to be more engineering-oriented and relevant to other disciplines. The fundamental materials science concepts have been regrouped into five, 2-week sections that emphasize applications: Materials Basics; Mechanical Strength; Thermo-mechanical Treatments; Electrical Properties; and Economic, Environmental and Societal Issues. Although the topics that are covered are similar to those in most introductory materials science courses, the presentation of the topics has been re-arranged to create clearer links between materials science and materials engineering. We have also identified accreditation criteria within each section and have built in mechanisms for providing feedback for accreditation processes. In addition, learning objectives for each section ensure standardization among different sections and instructors. Results on students' performances are reported.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2003

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Materials Science and Engineering in the 1990's: Maintaining Competitiveness in the Age of Materials, National Research Council, Washington D.C. (1991).Google Scholar
2. McMahon, C.J. Jr, Graham, C.D. Jr, Engineering Materials: Introduction to Engineering Materials: The Bicycle and the Walkman, (Merion Books, Philadelphia, PA, 1992).Google Scholar
3. Kalonji, G. “A Novel Introductory Materials Science Course and the Challenges It Poses for Long-Term Institutionalization,” 1992 Frontiers in Education Conference, (Nashville, TN, Nov. 11–14, 1992) pp. 719723.Google Scholar
4. Yalisove, S., Clark, D., Srolovitz, D., Gibala, R., Mansfield, J., Jones, W., Yee, A., “Development of a Dynamic Textbook For Use In Class,” Proc. 1998 ASEE Conference (Seattle, Washington, 1998) CD-ROM.Google Scholar
6. Bloom, B.S., Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals: Handbook I, cognitive domain. New York; Toronto: Longmans, Green (1956).Google Scholar