2021 Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Undergraduate major in Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering
Material and Molecular Engineering
- Academic unit or major
- Undergraduate major in Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering
- Instructor(s)
- Yoshihisa Matsumoto / Jeffrey Scott Cross / Shuo Cheng
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 1-2 Tue (S611) / 1-2 Fri (S611)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- TSE.A201
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2021
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course aims to teach the basics of quantum mechanics and statistical thermodynamics of atomic interactions, and explain its relation to the material properties of metallic materials, semiconductor, insulator, polymer, ceramics etc.
Course description and aims
After studying this subject, the students should be able to:
1. acquire the basic knowledge of atomic/molecular interactions in engineering materials which is very essential in determining the material properties.
2. apply their knowledge to select material properties, understand how they can be manipulated, and determine what processes that best meet the requirement of an engineering design.
Keywords
Quantum mechanics, material properties, stastitical mechanics, thermodynamics.
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Towards the end of classes, students will be asked to make brief summary, group discussion, or, exercise problems related the topics taught in the class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Basics of quantum mechanics |
To understand equation of motion, Schrödinger equation |
| Class 2 | Isolated hydrogen atom |
To understand analytic solution of Schrödinger equation under Born-Oppenheimer approximation |
| Class 3 | Electron configuration and the line spectrum |
To understand spectral lines emitted from hydrogen plasma, principle of spectroscopy equipment |
| Class 4 | Basics of atomic bonding |
To understand LCAO concept, Ionic bond, Covalent bond, and Metallic bond |
| Class 5 | Comprehensive understanding of materials properties based on the basic of atomic bonding |
To understand the relation of atomic bonding and materials properties |
| Class 6 | Material/molecular structure and properties: Mechanical engineering perspective |
To understand the concept of mechanical properties of materials |
| Class 7 | Material/molecular structure and properties: Chemical engineering perspective |
To understand the concept chemical properties of materials |
| Class 8 | Material/molecular structure and properties: Electrical engineering perspective |
To understand the concept electrical properties of materials |
| Class 9 | Basic of Stastical Mechanics |
To understand the principle of statistical mechanics in term of the definition of temperature, equilibrium state, etc |
| Class 10 | Thermal properties of Material |
To undestand the usage of statistical mechanics to explain thermal properties of material |
| Class 11 | First law of thermodynamics |
To understand the first law of thermodynamics and its application |
| Class 12 | Second and third laws of thermodynamics |
To understand the second and third laws of thermodynamics and its application |
| Class 13 | Heat and mass Transfer |
To understand the principle of energy and mass transfer |
| Class 14 | State Transition |
To understand the principle of state transition in chemical reaction |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Callister, W.D. "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction", 7th edition, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (2007).
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Smith, W. F., " Foundations of Materials Science and Engineering", 4th edition, McGraw-Hill. (2006)
Atkins, P., Paula, J. D., "Physical Chemistry", 9th edition, W. H. Freeman and Company. (2010)
Evaluation methods and criteria
Reports and final exam
(may be changed according to the situation around COVID19)
Related courses
- TSE.A204 Engineering Thermodynamics
Prerequisites
Bases of Ordinary and Patial differential equations