Electrical, optical, magnetic, and mechanical properties of metals, semiconductors, ceramics and polymers. Discussion of roles of bonding, structure (crystalline, defect, energy band and microstructure) and composition in influencing and controlling physical properties. Case studies drawn from a variety of applications including semiconductor diodes, optical detectors, sensors, thin films, biomaterials, composites, and cellular materials.

In the Environmental Catalysis Module, a joint project with the Institute for Environmental Catalysis at Northwestern University, students learn what a catalyst is and become aware of the use of catalysis to promote environmental protection. Besides introducing the concept of catalysis, the module also focuses other issues such as catalytic selectivity, specificity, poisoning, condition optimization, and waste minimization. The first activity of the module introduces the concept of catalysis in a visual and dramatic way. Then students conduct an Internet search on catalysis research, the aim of which is to emphasize the personal relevance of catalysis with regard to environmental issues. In the remaining activities, students analyze different types of catalytic systems, including homogeneous and heterogeneous acid catalysis, thermocatalysis applied to eliminate gaseous pollutants, and photocatalytic degradation of water pollutants using nanocrystalline titania (TiO2), all of which are emblematic of a variety of research areas in environmental catalysis. In their study, students focus on concepts such as catalytic selectivity, specificity, poisoning, condition optimization, and waste minimization. Finally, in the culminating design project, students are challenged to design, construct, test, and evaluate a unique catalytic system to eliminate water pollutants.

This is a comprehensive science textbook for Grade 12. You can download or read it on-line on your mobile phone, computer or iPad. Every chapter comes with video lessons and explanations which help bring the ideas and concepts to life. Summary presentations at the end of every chapter offer an overview of the content covered, with key points highlighted for easy revision. Topics covered are: organic molecules, organic chemistry, organic macromolecules, polymers, reaction rates, electrochemical reactions, the chemical industry, motion in two dimensions, mechanical properties of matter, work, energy and power, doppler effect, colour, 2D and 3D wavefronts, wave nature of matter, electrodynamics, electronics, electromagnetic radiation, optical phenomena and properties of matter, light, photoelectric effect, lasers. This book is based upon the original Free High School Science Text series.

Linear elastic and elastic-plastic fracture mechanics. Experimental methods. Microstructural effects on fracture in metals, ceramics, polymers, thin films, biological materials and composites. Toughening mechanisms. Crack growth resistance and creep fracture. Interface fracture mechanics. Fatigue damage and dislocation substructures in single crystals. Stress- and strain-life approach to fatigue. Fatigue crack growth models and mechanisms. Variable amplitude fatigue. Corrosion fatigue. Case studies of fracture and fatigue in structural, bioimplant, and microelectronic components.

This unit examines the use of polymers and demonstrates how the properties of polymers are controlled by their molecular structure. You will learn how this structure determines which polymer to use for a particular product. You will also explore the manufacturing techniques used and the how the use of polymerisation can be used to control the structure of polymers.

Selection of courses to explore Chemistry at MIT.

" Here we will learn about the mechanical behavior of structures and materials, from the continuum description of properties to the atomistic and molecular mechanisms that confer those properties to all materials. We will cover elastic and plastic deformation, creep, fracture and fatigue of materials including crystalline and amorphous metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and (bio)polymers, and will focus on the design and processing of materials from the atomic to the macroscale to achieve desired mechanical behavior. We will cover special topics in mechanical behavior for material systems of your choice, with reference to current research and publications."

Phenomenology of mechanical behavior of materials at the macroscopic level. Relationship of mechanical behavior to material structure and mechanisms of deformation and failure. Topics include: elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, creep, fracture, and fatigue. Case studies and examples drawn from a variety of classes of materials including: metals, ceramics, polymers, thin films, composites, and cellular materials.

Introduces mechanical behavior of engineering materials, and the use of materials in mechanical design. Emphasizes the fundamentals of mechanical behavior of materials, as well as design with materials. Major topics: elasticity, plasticity, limit analysis, fatigue, fracture, and composites. Materials selection. Laboratory experiments involving projects related to materials in mechanical design. This course provides Mechanical Engineering students with an awareness of various responses exhibited by solid engineering materials when subjected to mechanical and thermal loadings; an introduction to the physical mechanisms associated with design-limiting behavior of engineering materials, especially stiffness, strength, toughness, and durability; an understanding of basic mechanical properties of engineering materials, testing procedures used to quantify these properties, and ways in which these properties characterize material response; quantitative skills to deal with materials-limiting problems in engineering design; and a basis for materials selection in mechanical design.

Overview of mechanical properties of ceramics, metals, and polymers, emphasizing the role of processing and microstructure in controlling these properties. Basic topics in mechanics of materials including: continuum stress and strain, truss forces, torsion of a circular shaft and beam bending. Design of engineering structures from a materials point of view.

This course covers the analysis and design at a molecular scale of materials used in contact with biological systems, including biotechnology and biomedical engineering. Topics include molecular interactions between bio- and synthetic molecules and surfaces; design, synthesis, and processing approaches for materials that control cell functions; and application of state-of-the-art materials science to problems in tissue engineering, drug delivery, vaccines, and cell-guiding surfaces.

The course examines optical and electronic processes in organic molecules and polymers that govern the behavior of practical organic optoelectronic devices. Electronic structure of a single organic molecule is used as a guide to the electronic behavior of organic aggregate structures. Emphasis is placed on the use of organic thin films in active organic devices including organic LEDs, solar cells, photodetectors, transistors, chemical sensors, memory cells, electrochromic devices, as well as xerography and organic non-linear optics. How to reach the ultimate miniaturization limit of molecular electronics and related nanoscale patterning techniques of organic materials will also be discussed. The class encompasses three laboratory sessions during which the students will practice the use of select vacuum and non-vacuum organic deposition techniques by making their own active organic devices.

Experiments broadly aimed at acquainting students with the range of properties of polymers, methods of synthesis, and physical chemistry. Examples: solution polymerization of acrylamide, bead polymerization of divinylbenzene, interfacial polymerization of nylon 6,10. Evaluation of networks by tensile and swelling experiments. Rheology of polymer solutions and suspensions. Physical properties of natural and silicone rubber.

Groups of students make a polymer out of household items. They then experiment with the polymer to determine its various properties.

This site helps students discover materials science and the secrets of everyday stuff. Find out what happens when you heat silicon, iron, or carbon. Learn how materials science helps fight cancer, make buildings safer, improve equipment and the environment. Activities in the 60-page teachers guide challenge students to examine their material world in a different way -- through the eyes of materials scientists.