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Academic Programs
Students may pursue studies in the following areas and interdisciplinary
programs.
Electronic, Photonic and Magnetic Materials
This program includes the science and technology of materials for electrical,
magnetic, optical, and superconducting device applications. It is concerned
with the design and fabrication of useful materials and devices through understanding
and control of the interplay between electronic, magnetic and optical properties,
the micro- and nanostructure of materials (atomic arrangements, defects, interfaces,
phase constitution, and morphology), and processing methods. Research within
this field includes materials processing in bulk and thin-film form; device
fabrication; characterization of the semiconducting, dielectric, optical, and
magnetic properties of materials and devices; and theoretical study of the characteristics
of bulk materials, thin-film materials and interfaces and their implications
for devices.
Bio- and Polymeric Materials
This curriculum concentrates on the science and technology of synthetic and
natural materials characterized by carbon-bonded, long chain molecules of seemingly
limitless architectural diversity, and their composites with inorganic materials.
Polymer and nanocomposite processing by molecular-level assembly, self-assembly,
and field-directed approaches are employed to create new materials displaying
a wide range of structure and properties. Materials Science & Engineering
principles are applied to the development of new products and therapies including
photonic devices, battery electrolytes, organic LEDs, filtration membranes,
highly recyclable plastics, resorbable implants, biosensors, and drug delivery
devices.
Structural and Environmental Materials
The academic program of Structural and Environmental Materials encompasses
the study of the mechanical response of materials to internal and external stimuli
as well as the design and use of materials to minimize environmental impact.
Examples of research topics in the area of Structural Materials includes: microelectromechanical
systems (MEMS), nanomechanics, functionally graded materials, superalloys, ceramic
turbine blades, polymers, biomimicking of natural structural materials and mechanics
of cellular materials. Examples of topics in Environmental Materials includes:
processing to minimize materials degradation and environmental impact, recycling
of materials, materials for energy conversion and storage (e.g., advanced battery
systems, fuel cells, solar photovoltaics, smart windows, hydrides) and sensors
and actuators for environmental monitoring and control.
Emerging, Fundamental, and Computational Materials Science
This Academic Program encompasses the study of fundamental and emerging concepts
and technologies in Materials Science and Engineering. The common principles
that underlie the structure and properties of materials are those associated
with electronic structure and bonding, atomic arrangement, phase stability,
and the role of imperfections and microstructure. Fundamental phenomena considered
include structural and phase transformations, reactivity, mass and charge transport,
and the optical, electronic and mechanical response to internal and external
stimuli. Tools of study include theory, computer modeling, and experimental
characterization methods such as TEM and diffraction. This program also stimulates
the integration of important developments from other fields such as Mathematics,
Biology, Physics, Economics, etc. into Materials Science and Engineering, and
allows students to propose relevant interdisciplinary course programs that may
lead to emerging disciplines in Materials Science and Engineering.
Interdisciplinary Programs
Archaeology and Archaeological Materials (AAM)
AAM studies the field of archaeological materials that utilizes the scientific principles and
laboratory methods of materials science and engineering to study the natural
and cultural artifacts central to archaeological inquiry. It involves determination
of the materials of early and non-industrial societies exploited from the natural
environment, their processing, and the engineering design that, together, transformed
them into cultural objects. Research includes archaeological fieldwork coupled
with laboratory analysis and experiment in an effort to reconstruct the materials
technologies of societies known principally from their archaeological remains.
The Center for Materials Research in Archaelogy and Ethnology (CMRAE) provides further information on Archaeological Materials.
Leaders for Manufacturing Program (LFM)
In this program, Materials Science and Engineering graduate students earn two degrees: an MS from MSE and an MBA or MS from the MIT Sloan School of Management. An active partnership among MIT School of Engineering, MIT Sloan School of Management, and more than 20 corporations, the MIT Leaders for Manufacturing (LFM) program produces world-class leaders for manufacturing and operations. This innovative two-year graduate program, created in 1988, includes an integrated engineering and management curriculum along with a six-and-a-half month internship at a partner company. LFM focuses on theory and global practice from concept development through product delivery, including challenges faced on factory floors and in global supply chains. Corporate partners provide generous fellowships for all students.
Materials Processing & Manufacturing Institute (MPMI)
MPMI is a partnership between academia designed to address common needs in
engineering education and research. The 15-month master's degree program combines
on-campus coursework with on-site industrial research, including a thesis to
be written either at the sponsor company or at MIT. The program requires close
cooperation between students, faculty, and industry. The typical 15-month schedule
begins with Summer and Fall terms of coursework on the MIT campus, followed
by Spring and Summer terms working on a research project and completing a thesis.
The program offers financial support to participating students. Those who wish
to be considered for this program should indicate their interest on the Graduate
School application.
Program in Polymer Science and Technology (PPST)
PPST, an interdepartmental program in
polymers established by the Schools of Engineering and Science, is open to qualified
students admitted to the graduate program of any MIT department. It consists
of an initial academic phase in which all students participate (regardless of
previous background and research interest), followed by research in a selected
area of specialization. The program leads to the doctoral degree; if desired,
a Master's degree can be obtained through the student's department.
Technology and Policy Program (TPP)
TPP is an interdepartmental Master's
degree program centered in the School of Engineering. Students are required
to develop proficiency in policy analysis and implementation for technological
problems. Specific requirements are (1) an advanced competence in a specific
technological area of the student's choice, (2) skills in policy analysis, (3)
an understanding of the context of policy issues and (4) project and thesis
work in bringing the above together. All students formulate their own detailed
individual curriculum, suitable to their prospective careers, in close cooperation
with their advisers. Interested students should apply directly to the Technology
and Policy Program, Room E40-242A, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, (617) 253-7693,
although admission by a department in the School of Engineering is also required.
E-mail: tpp@mit.edu.
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