Introduction to Materials Science

Arizona State University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-materials-science

Introduction

### Course Review: Introduction to Materials Science on Coursera **Overview:** The "Introduction to Materials Science" course offered on Coursera is a fascinating journey through the fundamental concepts of materials science and engineering. As our civilization's epochs are often named after the materials that define them—Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and now, Silicon Age—this course underscores the vital role materials play in our daily lives and their potential to shape the future. By delving into the intricate relationships between the processing, properties, and structures of materials, learners will equip themselves with essential knowledge that can fuel their imagination and innovations. **Course Syllabus:** 1. **Course Introduction:** This introductory segment of the course sets the stage by outlining the core principles of materials science. It emphasizes the interconnection between material selection and the fundamental characteristics of different material families based on their atomic bonding. Students are encouraged to understand the variance of material properties across the periodic table, fostering a holistic view of materials in engineering applications. 2. **Module 1: Introduction to Specialization and Course:** Here, students will gain a comprehensive overview of materials science and engineering concepts. The focus is on the categorization of materials, various types of bonding, and the processes involved in material selection. This foundational knowledge is crucial for those looking to venture deeper into the field. 3. **Module 2: Atomic Structure and Interatomic Bonding I Property Relationships:** This module delves into the basics of atomic structure and the types of interatomic bonding. Students learn how elements' positions on the periodic table influence their chemical properties, enriched with various pertinent examples, which make the content feel relevant and applicable. 4. **Module 3: Atomic Structure:** In this module, the course zeroes in on different atomic configurations and their relationships to material properties. The emphasis on structural understanding is critical for grasping how these structures dictate the behaviors and characteristics of various materials. 5. **Module 4: Crystal Structures:** Building on the previous module, this section further explores the types of atomic structures, providing in-depth insights into their relationships with material properties. Understanding crystal structures is fundamental to many applications in fields such as electronics, nanotechnology, and materials engineering. 6. **Module 5: Unit Cells:** The final module focuses on unit cells, teaching students to identify and locate positions within these cells accurately. Additionally, the ability to specify and identify directions in unit cells is covered, rounding out the essential skills needed for a materials scientist. **Review:** The course is structured to provide a solid foundation for beginners, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights. The modular approach facilitates step-by-step learning, and each module builds intuitively upon the last. One of the strengths of this course is its accessibility; complex subjects are presented clearly, making it suitable for learners with diverse academic backgrounds. The course employs a blend of engaging presentations and real-world examples, which enhance comprehension and retention. Furthermore, the course is designed to encourage critical thinking about how the understanding of materials can lead to innovative technological advancements. **Recommendation:** I highly recommend "Introduction to Materials Science" for anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles that underpin our material world. Whether you are a student preparing for a career in engineering, an industry professional seeking to enhance your knowledge, or simply a curious individual fascinated by the materials we interact with daily, this course will provide valuable insights. Upon completion, not only will you possess essential knowledge of materials science, but you will also be equipped to dream up future innovations, understanding the profound implications of materials selection and properties. So, if you are ready to explore the captivating realm of materials, this course is an excellent starting point. Join now on Coursera and embark on your materials science journey!

Syllabus

Course Introduction

This course introduces students to the basic ideas of materials science and engineering. This course includes an introduction to the relationship between processing, properties, and structure. This course is different from many other courses in that it uses a rudimentary introduction of fundamental concepts materials selection. It also identifies the characteristics and properties of the different families of materials based on their interatomic bonding. Finally, we explore how materials properties vary across the periodic table.

Module 1: Introduction to Specialization and Course

In this module, we will see a high-level overview of materials science and engineering and learn about materials selection, materials families, types of bonding and processing of materials.

Module 2: Atomic Structure and Interatomic Bonding I Property Relationships

In this module, we will learn about atomic structure, interatomic bonding and how the location of an element on the periodic table affects its chemical properties. Various examples are discussed.

Module 3: Atomic Structure

In this module, we learn about different kinds of atomic structures and the relationships between structure and properties of materials.

Module 4: Crystal Structures

In this module, we learn about different kinds of atomic structures, and the relationships between structure and properties of materials.

Module 5: Unit Cells

In this module, we discuss how to identify and locate positions in unit cells, and how to specify and identify directions in unit cells