Material Science and Engineering Program
The Material Science and Engineering program offers students pursuing a Master of Science (MS) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree two types of courses: Core and Elective courses. Each of the courses will consist of 3 credits hours (42 hours of lectures) and will be evaluated by written exams, coursework, and where necessary by an individual oral presentation. The Core and Elective Courses along with titles are defined in the following:
Core Courses
MSE 216 Crystallography & Diffraction Fall (1st)
MSE 219 Electronic, Optical, Magn., Thermal Properties Fall (1st)
MSE 224 Statistical Thermodynamics & Equilibrium Processes Fall (1st)
MSE 205 Materials Modeling Fall (3rd)
MSE 210 Functional Ceramics Fall (3rd)
MSE 232 Applied Quantum Mechanics Spring (2nd)
MSE 217 Kinetics & Phase Transformations Spring (2nd)
MSE 202 Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials Spring (2nd)
MSE 222 Solar Cell Materials and Devices Spring (2nd)
MSE 204 Electrochemistry & Corrosion Spring (2nd)
Elective Courses
MSE 200 Advanced Engineering Mathematics (Fall 1st)
MSE 201 Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering Fall
MSE 203 Materials Characterization Fall
MSE 218 Thin Film Science & Engineering Fall
MSE 206 Structural Ceramics Fall
MSE 209 Polymeric Materials Fall
MSE 223 Soft Materials Fall
MSE 208 Nanomaterials Spring
MSE 213 Materials for Energy Spring
MSE 212 Mechanical Behavior of Composite Materials Spring
MSE 207 Biomaterials Spring
MSE 221 Defects in Solids Spring
MSE 211 Engineering Alloys Spring
MSE 299 Directed Research- MS Fall, Spring
MSE 399 Directed Research- PhD
MSE 392 Advanced Topics in Materials Science 1 Fall, Spring
MSE 393 Advanced Topics in Materials Science 2 Fall, Spring
MSE 394 Advanced Topics in Materials Science 3 Fall, Spring
MSE 398 Graduate Seminar (visitors present 1 credit) Fall, Spring
MSE 297 MS Thesis Research Fall, Spring
MSE 397 PhD Thesis Research Fall, Spring
Masters Degree Courses
Students can choose to enroll in MS program or apply directly to the PhD program. Direct enrollment in PhD program will undergo an approval process through the Admission Committee. There are two options for the master’s program.
Thesis Option:
The MS degree requirements are 36 credit hours. This includes 5 MSE Core courses (MSE 216, 217, 219, 224, 232), 2 MSE Elective courses or interdisciplinary courses (upon approval of advisor), one course of Mathematical Methods, 6 credits of directed research, and 6 credits of Thesis research. The time needed to finish the thesis option MS degree is up to two years.
Student in the MS thesis program must take 6 direct research credits during the summer. The directed research credits count toward the 36 credits required for graduation.
The students in this option must pass a thesis defense in order to graduate. The thesis defense shall be done publicly in the presence of a committee consisting of the student’s thesis advisor and two committee members, one from the MSE program, and the other can be from any program at KAUST, including MSE.
The student is responsible for scheduling the defense date with his/her advisor and committee members. It is advisable that the student gives her/his thesis at least six weeks prior the defense date.
Course Option:
Although the program strongly encourages students to pursue the Thesis Option for their MS degree, an option for a course-based MS degree is also offered. In this case, the student must take 30 credits consisting of the following: 5 MSE Core courses (MSE 216, 217, 219, 224, 232), one course of Mathematical Methods, and 2 courses of approved elective courses. The elective courses can be selected from the list of approved MSE courses. However, the students can choose to broaden their educational experience by taking interdisciplinary courses from other KAUST programs. These will count as electives.
Students in the non-thesis option shall successfully complete 2 courses of directed research (6 credit hours) during the summer. The directed research credits count toward the 30 credits required for graduation.
The expected duration of this option is one calendar year.
Students in either option of the MS program are expected to attend seminars offered by MSE or other programs. The seminar attendance is required, but no credit shall be given, only a pass/fail grade.
The number of required seminars for a BS to MS student is 2 (two semesters).
Passing Grade for Master’s Students
The passing grade for any course during the Master’s program is B. A student scoring below B is allowed to repeat the class once. If the grade upon repeating the class falls below B, the student will be terminated from the program.
Ph.D Degree Requirements
The requirements for the PhD degree depend on the stage at which the student enters the Ph.D program at KAUST.
BS to PhD
Students entering the PhD program with a BS degree will be awarded the PhD degree upon the successful completion of 96 credit hours, of which 60 credits are for thesis research, distributed as follows:
- 8 Core courses (5 of which are obligatory: MSE 216, 217, 219, 224, 232)
- 3 Elective courses from MSE or other interdisciplinary programs
- 1 Course of Mathematical Methods
- 60 credits of research thesis
Students are expected to attend seminars offered by MSE or other programs whose focus compliments the student’s thesis research or directed research activities. The seminar attendance is required, but no credit shall be given, only a pass/fail grade.
The number of required seminars for a BS to PhD student is 6 (six semesters).
Up to six directed research credits can replace two classes if approved by the student’s advisor.
MS to PhD
Students entering the PhD program with a master’s degree either from KAUST or elsewhere are expected to take a minimum of 4 MSE courses.
The total number of credit hours such student is expected to complete is 72 hours, of which 60 credits are for thesis research distributed as follows:
- A minimum of four approved MSE courses (12 credits)
- 60 credits of research thesis
The number of required seminars for an MS to PhD is 4 (four semesters). The seminar attendance is required, but no credit shall be given, only a pass/fail grade.
Up to six directed research credits can replace two classes if approved by the student’s advisor.
Passing Grade
PhD candidates must have a grade of B+ average in order to remain in the program. The passing grade in any class is B. Getting a grade below B can result in the termination of the student from the PhD program, except in special cases and at the discretion of the MS faculty.
PhD Examinations
Upon completion of core course requirements, the student must complete the required Ph.D examinations. These include a written test, henceforth referred to as the written subject examination, and an oral test, henceforth referred to oral thesis proposal examination.
Students entering the PhD program with an MS degree must pass the written subject examination in their first year of attendance at KAUST. Students entering the PhD program with a BS degree must pass the written subject examination during the first four semesters at KAUST.
The written subject examination is governed by the following rules and procedures:
- Written examination will cover the content of the five required Core Courses (MSE 216, 217, 219, 224, 232).
- Written exam will be held on two separate days within one week. Three core course exams will be held on the first day and two additional core course exams on the subsequent day.
- The maximum length of the examination on one of the two days cannot exceed 3 hours.
- The written examination will be offered twice per year (January and June) and on as needed basis as determined by MSE faculty.
- Students must declare their intent to take the exam 3 months before the actual date.
The oral thesis proposal examination is governed by the following rules
- The oral thesis proposal must be presented in the presence of the student’s thesis committee
- The content of the oral proposal are based on the student’s planned thesis research project
- This part of the exam can be attended by other students and faculty
- Students are responsible for scheduling the oral proposal examination with their advisor and faculty member
- The thesis proposal examination can only be taken after passing the written subject examination
There are three possible outcomes for students who take the written subject exam or thesis proposal exam:
- Pass
- Fail with option to retake
- Fail without option to retake
The decision to allow (or deny) a student to re-take an exam shall be decide by the faculty on a case-by-case basis. Students allowed to retake the PhD examinations (written or Oral) a second time do not have to retake the entire exam. For example, if the student passes the written subject exam but fails the oral exam, only the oral exam must be retaken.
Students who twice fail either exam will be terminated from the program. The student allowed to retake the written qualifying exam a second time is expected to only retake the subject that he or she failed.
PhD Candidacy
A PhD student is officially considered a PhD Candidate after he or she passes both the written subject examination and the oral thesis proposal examination. The oral thesis proposal examination can only be taken after the student passes the written subject examination. Students entering KAUST with a B.Sc. degree are expected to complete the requirements of PhD candidacy no later than 4 semesters after joining the PhD program at KAUST. Students entering KAUST with a MS degree are expected to become PhD candidates within 1 year of starting at KAUST.
PhD Thesis
The student thesis must be an original work written in English.
The Thesis Defense is the final exam and must be done publicly. The Thesis defense consists of an oral presentation followed by questions. As a general rule, the research advisor (thesis supervisor) is appointed to chair the defense committee which consists of a total of five faculty members, three of which must be MSE faculty members. One of the non-MSE members should be from another program at KAUST and should be in charge of conducting the defense proceedings to make sure they are run in an unbiased fashion and in accordance with KAUST university requirements. The fifth member of the thesis committee should preferably be from outside KAUST. It is the responsibility of the student to keep the thesis committee informed of his/her progress, deadlines for submitting graduation forms, defense date, etc. It is advisable that the student gives her/his thesis six weeks prior the defense date in order to receive feedback from the committee members in a timely manner. The public defense of the thesis may last up to a maximum of three hours. The student must receive a passing grade (PASS) by unanimous agreement.
Transferring Credits
The student can petition to transfer graduate credits from another university. The curriculum committee in consultation with the admission committee has the final authority to approve or deny the petition. The following rules apply:
MS Student Transfers (students who have not yet graduated from Master’s program)
- Courses with grade below B+ will not be transferred.
- Two courses not to exceed six credits for MS program will be considered for transfer, after evaluation on a case by case basis.
- Transfer of a given course will not be accepted if the latter was taken more than two years prior to admission to KAUST.
PhD Student Transfer
- Courses with grade below B+ will NOT be transferred.
- Each student’s application will be reviewed by the curriculum committee and dealt with on a case by case basis.
- Up to six courses not to exceed a total of 18 credits may be transferred for Ph.D. program.
- These courses should be relevant to the MSE program, as approved by the program.
- Transfer of a given course will not be accepted if the particular course was taken more than two years prior to admission into KAUST.
A transfer student has the option of challenging the five core courses for the written qualifying exam. If the student passes this exam, he/she receives credit for the five courses. For a transfer student, the written subject examination has to be completed during the student’s first year at KAUST.
MS and PhD advisor
The Ph.D. thesis advisor can be any MSE faculty member of the MSE program. The student may also elect an advisor who is a faculty in another program at KAUST. In this case, the student must seek the approval of the MSE Program prior to commencing research.
Students Program Planning
It is the sole responsibility of the student to plan her/his graduate program in consultation with their advisor. All forms and deadlines must be met. Most core courses are offered once a year.
Required Training Sessions
Every student in MSE must pass required training session in:
- Laboratory safety and practices
- Ethical conduct in academia and research
- Cultural differences and acceptance
MSE Program Course Description
Core Courses
MSE 216 Crystallography & Diffraction Fall
The objective of this course is to present the basic concepts needed to understand the crystal structure of materials. Fundamental concepts including lattices, symmetries, point groups, and space groups will be discussed and the relationship between crystal symmetries and physical properties will be addressed. The theory of X-ray diffraction by crystalline matter along with the experimental x-ray methods used to determine the crystal structure of materials will be covered. Application of X-ray diffraction to proteins, electron diffraction and neutron diffraction will be briefly discussed.
MSE 219 Electronic, Optical, Magnetic, and Thermal Properties of Materials Fall
This course offers an overview of the electronic, optical, magnetic and thermal properties of materials, not limited to solid state. It covers the fundamental concepts of band structure and bonding of materials, electrical and thermal conduction in metals, semiconductors and dielectric. The interaction between light and matter will be addressed and important concepts such as excitons will be introduced. Finally magnetism and superconductivity will be introduced. Although a significant part will be devoted to the study of solid state, the physical properties of non-crystalline and liquid materials will be mentioned.
MSE 224 Statistical Thermodynamics & Equilibrium Processes Fall
Prerequisites: Advanced Engineering Mathematics MSE 200 (Students might attend this course as co-requisite).
The course offers a modern fundamental understanding to the main concepts and practical applications of thermodynamics in materials science. The following major topics are discussed within the frame of this course: review of basic laws of classical thermodynamics, an introduction to phase equilibria including the theory of solutions, chemical reaction and surface and interfacial phenomena. Additionally, an introduction to statistical thermodynamics of gases and condensed matter is provided.
MSE 205 Materials Modeling Fall
Prerequisites: Applied Quantum Mechanics MSE 232.
Introduction to the theory and application of materials modeling techniques. Advantages of modeling to the engineer. Data requirements and structuring. Analytical and numerical methods. Basic numerical algorithms. Modeling for different length scales from atomistic to continuum. Band structure approaches for crystalline solids. Density functional theory. Classical and quantum molecular dynamics. Application and
use of commercial and freeware computer packages.
MSE 210 Functional Ceramics Fall
Fundamental concepts relevant to functional ceramics will be reviewed, including defect chemistry and reactions, Brouwer diagrams, Ellingham diagrams, Heckman diagrams, ionic and electronic transport, and tensor notation. The physics, materials, and applications for the following classes of functional ceramics will be covered: linear dielectrics, ferroelectrics & multiferroics, piezoelectrics, pyroelectrics, electrooptics, thermoelectrics, and semiconducting oxides. Selected technological applications will be reviewed including varistors, sensors, MEMs, capacitors, memories, transistors, night vision systems, positive temperature coefficient resistors, and electro-optic devices.
MSE 232 Applied Quantum Mechanics Spring
Prerequisites: Advanced Engineering Mathematics MSE200.
Introduction to non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Summary of classical mechanics and electrodynamics. Postulates of quantum mechanics, wave functions, and operator formalism. Stationary state problems, including quantum wells. Harmonic oscillator. Angular momentum and spin. Atoms, molecules, and band theory of solids. Time evolution. Approximation methods for time-independent as well as time-dependent interactions, including electromagnetism. Scattering theory. Modern applications.
MSE 217 Kinetics and Phase Transformations Spring
Prerequisites: MSE224.
The course offers a modern and fundamental understanding to the main concepts and practical applications of Kinetics and Phase Transformations in materials science. The following major topics are discussed within the frame of this course: kinetics of homogenous chemical reactions, thermodynamics of irreversible processes including an introduction to the Onsager postulates, mathematical description of Diffusion in Materials (Fick’s Laws and an atomistic description via random-walk process). Basic concepts of phase transformation theories, including homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation and growth, spinodal decomposition and Landau theory of phase transformation.
MSE 202 Mechanical Behavior of Engineering Materials Spring
This course explores the phenomenology of mechanical behavior of materials at the macroscopic level and the relationship of mechanical behavior to material structure and mechanisms of deformation and failure. Topics covered include elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, creep, fracture, and fatigue, elementary theory of statics and dynamics of dislocations, fundamentals of thermal behavior: heat capacity, thermal expansion and conductivity; effects of thermal stress.
MSE 222 Solar Cell Materials and Devices Spring
This course will provide the students with an up-to-date basic knowledge of the physical and chemical principles of materials used in solar cells of various kinds including but not limited to technologies such as: 1) silicon based solar cells, 2) CIGS, CIS and other inorganic thin film solar cells, 3) multijunction solar cells, 4) nanoparticles and quantum dots solar cells, 5) organic and hybrid solar cells and 6) thermal and concentrator solar power generation.
MSE 204 Electrochemistry & Corrosion Spring
This course offers, in a first part, an overview of the fundamentals of electrochemistry including thermodynamics, non-equilibrium systems and Electrode/Electrolyte interfaces followed by an Introduction to modern applications of electrochemistry such as synthesis of nanoparticles, nanowires and thin films; as well as electrochemical means of energy conversion and storage. The second part deals with Corrosion phenomena: types of corrosion cells and damages, thermodynamics and kinetics, uniform corrosion, passivity, localized corrosion, atmospheric and high temperature corrosion, environmentally induced cracking. Prevention of corrosion using electrochemical and surface engineering means. Corrosion mechanisms and protection of materials of practical interest.
Elective Courses
MSE 201
Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering
Fall
This course is intended for students who do not have a materials science & engineering background. The course will cover four major topics including: (1) fundamental concepts (2) microstructure development & phase equilibria (3) material properties and (3) fabrication methods and applications. The course will cover atomic structure, atomic bonding, crystal structures, defects, and diffusion in materials. It also will cover phase transformations and phase equilibria and how they impact microstructure development. The electrical, magnetic, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of materials will also be reviewed. The course will also highlight modern fabrication technologies and applications of metals, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers.
MSE 203
Materials Characterization
Fall
This course will introduce the basic principles of materials characterization and the common characterization techniques available at KAUST. It will cover the following topics: Diffraction methods: basic principles, interaction of radiation and particle beams with matter, XRD, scattering techniques; Spectroscopic methods; Imaging: optical including confocal microscopy, scanning, transmission electron, scanning tunneling and field ion microscopy; Microanalysis and Tomography: energy dispersive, wavelength dispersive, Auger Processes, Electron, Ion and Atom Probe Tomograhy, SIMS, photoelectron spectroscopy; thermal analysis: DTA, DSC. Lab visits and demonstrations will be scheduled to the class to discuss some case studies.
MSE 218
Thin Film Science & Engineering
Fall
Thin films and coatings are the material building blocks of many modern and pervasive technologies ranging from electronics to optics and photovoltaics, and from anticounterfeiting to glazings and hard coatings. The fundamentals and atomistics of thin film growth are discussed in detail. Deposition techniques for thin films and coatings are presented, including physical and chemical vapor depositions, molecular beam epitaxy, atomic layer deposition, and low-pressure plasma processes. Organic thin film deposition. Solution-processing and printing of inorganic, and hybrid organic-inorganic thin films. Artificially structured and chemically modulated layered and nanocomposite materials. Ex situ/in situ characterization of thin films and coatings.
MSE 206
Structural Ceramics
Fall
Powder preparation and characterization: production of powders, with emphasis on chemical routes for nano-grained oxide and non-oxide materials. Powder characterization: particle shape, particle size and size distribution, specific surface area. Consolidation and forming: inter-particle forces and colloid stability. Binders and dispersants. Shaping methods: die pressing, isostatic pressing, extrusion, tape casting, screen printing, spin coating, deep coating, ink jet printing. Sintering: driving force and material transport mechanisms, role of grain boundaries and pores, grain growth and pore stability, liquid phase sintering. Nanosintering (grain growth control techniques): pressure-assisted sintering, spark plasma sintering, microwave sintering. Production of flat glass by the float process. Controlled crystallization of glass for glass ceramics.
MSE 209
Polymeric Materials
Fall
This course describes polymerization processes; polymer solutions (Flory-Huggins model and application to polymer blends); polymer chain conformations; calculation of end-to-end distribution function W(r) for short range interacting chains; rotational isomeric state scheme and temperature dependence; chain with long range interactions (excluded volume effect); radius of gyration; the crystalline and amorphous states of polymers; the glass transition (configurational entropy model); mechanical, electrical and optical properties and characterization of polymers.
MSE 223
Soft Materials
Fall
This course covers chemical and physical aspects of soft materials such as gels, polymers, lipids, surfactants and colloids; physical chemistry of soft materials; phase transformations and self-assembly; the role of intermolecular and surface forces in determining morphology and hierarchy. Membranes, catalysis, drug delivery, flexible and stretchable materials and devices
MSE 208
Nanomaterials
Spring
This course describes the most recent advances in the synthesis, fabrication and characterization of nanomaterials. Topics to be covered: Zero-dimensional nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, quantum dots and nanocrystals; one dimensional materials including nanowires and nanotubes; two-dimensional materials: including self-assembled monolayers, patterned surfaces and quantum well; three-dimensional nanomaterials: including nanoporosity, nanocomposites, block copolymers, and supra-crystals. Emphasis on the fundamental surface and size-related physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials; and their applications in biosensing, nanomedicine, catalysis, photonics, and nanoelectronics.
MSE 213
Materials for Energy
Spring
Emphasizes materials engineering aspects and the role they play in important energy related technologies such as energy harvesting approaches, supercapacitors and energy storage media, batteries, fuel cells, bio-energy, nuclear energy, solar and wind based power generation, thermoelectricity, and Hydrogen generation.
MSE 212 Mechanical Behavior of Composite Materials
Spring
(Same as ME 343) Response of composite materials (fiber and particulatere inforced materials) to static, cyclic, creep and thermomechanical loading. Manufacturing process-induced variability and residual stresses. Fatigue behavior, fracture mechanics and damage development. Role of the reinforcement-matrix interface in mechanical behavior. Environmental effects. Dimensional stability and thermal fatigue. Application to polymer, metal, ceramic and carbon matrix composites.
MSE 207
Biomaterials
Spring
This course offers a basic understanding of the concepts underlying the design and selection of materials for use in biological applications. It focuses on both hard and soft tissue materials. The class addresses modern topics including biosensors, surface and interface functionalization. Further topics include: A brief introduction to relevant tissue types: anatomy, biochemistry and physiology; concepts of biocompatibility, host response, material degradation, testing and selection criteria; an overview of current research on biomechanics and its relevance to prosthesis design and tissue engineering; basic concepts of drug delivery and molecular biomechanics.
MSE 221
Defects in
Solids
Spring
The course will cover the various types of defects that occur in solids including point, linear, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional defects. Non-stoichiometry in materials, defect equilibria, reactions, Kroger-Vink formalism, Brouwer and Ellingham diagrams will be discussed. The physics and thermodynamic aspects of defect formation, mobility, and interaction will be discussed. Defects common in metals, ceramics, and polymers will be reviewed and differences highlighted. The impact of each defect type on the mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, and thermal properties of materials will be discussed.
MSE 211
Engineering Alloys
Spring
This course offers a basic understanding of materials requirements of alloys for various applications. Topics covered include: the trade-off between properties (e.g., strength and toughness) and micro-structure; the impact of alloy composition on the micro-structure; property differences and design philosophy in steels, nickel-, titanium- and aluminum- based alloys, focusing on construction, aerospace and automotive applications; alloy evolution and Production routes.
MSE 200
Advanced Engineering Mathematics
This course presents basic mathematical methods for engineers including: differentiation and integration, Taylor’s expansion, linear systems resolution and matrix formalism, partial differential equations, Laplace, Fourier and Legendre transforms, statistics and probability.