Appendix B

MISSION STATEMENT / GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 Mission of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering

The educational objectives of the department are based on the missions of the University and the College of Engineering:

• The primary mission of the University of Washington is the preservation, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge.

• The mission of the College is to provide Engineering leadership through innovative learning, world-class research and responsible public service.

• The mission of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is to be a preeminent, student-centered organization that serves the industrial and academic needs of the University, the State of Washington, the nation and the international community by:

• Serving as the focal point and catalyst for the development of high quality, coordinated and visionary research and educational programs for materials-oriented students and faculty throughout the University; and by

• Providing the highest quality educational programs in materials science and engineering for materials professionals at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

MSE Undergraduate Program Educational Goals and Objectives

The educational goal of the BS program in materials science & engineering is to provide the undergraduates with the fundamental knowledge needed to function effectively in materials science & engineering positions in industrial, governmental and university settings. This includes:

• Providing that graduates have fundamental knowledge of mathematics and science, and are able to apply then to engineering problems and to a variety of materials systems,

• Developing graduates who are skilled in engineering fundamentals,

• Ensuring that graduates are knowledgeable about all classes of materials and their properties, structure, processing and applications

• Providing specific knowledge related to structure properties, processing and performance specific to materials science & engineering.

The specific program educational objectives for the undergraduate program in materials science & engineering are based on a combination of the ABET “Objectives for degrees in materials science & engineering…” and additional objectives established by the department. We expect our graduates will be able to:

• Apply advanced science (such as chemistry and physics) and engineering principles to engineering systems,

• Describe and apply the scientific and engineering principles underlying the four major elements of the field: structure, properties, processing and performance related to material systems,

• Solve materials selection and design problems by integrating knowledge from each of the four elements of the field ,

• Utilize experimental, statistical and computational methods for analysis and design problems

• Use their hands-on laboratory experience to solve real engineering problem

• Have the needed background for effective practice in industry and government

• Have a sound, well-balanced education that will prepare them to understand their professional responsibilities and the basis for a thoughtful and responsible life

• Have experience in integrating engineering and materials design concepts with societal issues, including economics, ethics, quality and human values

• Are prepared to enter graduate programs, as appropriate to the student and the area of interest

• Have the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, the concepts and results of engineering investigations to both technical and non-technical audiences

These specific program educational objectives are consistent with the mission statements above, and provide specific means for disseminating knowledge through innovative learning in a high quality educational program. The objectives provide a means for student to develop their materials knowledge in the context of the fundamentals of science, mathematics and engineering.

MSE Graduate Program Educational Goals and Objectives

The Graduate Program of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering has the following goals:

• Educating students at a deeper level of expertise.

• Educating students in problem-solving skills.

• Preparing students for a career in research and development by teaching them how to conduct research.

• Generation of new knowledge and understanding through research and discovery.

A.  Goals and Objective of the Doctoral Program

The primary goals of the Doctoral program are to prepare students for a research/development career and to generate new knowledge.  The specific objectives are:

§        Deepen the candidate’s knowledge and capabilities in chosen specialty area:  Candidate’s knowledge, attained through coursework and scholarly investigation of literature relevant to thesis project, should be commensurate with leading researchers in the field.

§        Master and develop state-of-the-art research techniques appropriate to specialty:  Analytical, computational, and experimental tools will be learned via instruction by advisor(s) and peers, in conjunction with maintaining currency with literature.

§        Contribute new knowledge of lasting value to the field by creative and independent research:  Candidate’s thesis research must demonstrate originality and high quality, as judged by faculty committee via General Examination and Final Defense.

§        Broaden candidate’s knowledge of field and societal issues:  Through coursework, department and group seminars, and attendance at professional meetings, candidate will appreciate the context of specialty within materials science and engineering and gain ability to apply knowledge and methods to a spectrum of engineering and scientific challenges.

§         Learn to work effectively with colleagues and contribute to professional community:  Attained by cooperation in team research projects, presentation of research, and publication.

B.  Goals and Objective of the Master’s Program

The Masters Program is designed to prepare students for both the PhD program and industrial employment.  The specific objectives are:

§         Deepen the student’s knowledge and capabilities broadly in MS&E:  Attained through graduate level core coursework,

§         Enhance the student’s knowledge and capabilities in specialty area of their interest:  Attained through graduate level elective coursework,

§         Master and develop state-of-the-art research techniques appropriate to specialty:  Analytical, computational, and experimental tools will be learned via instruction by advisor(s) and peers, in conjunction with maintaining currency with literature,

§         Contribute new knowledge through research.  Student’s thesis research must demonstrate originality and high quality appropriate for the Master’s level, as judged by faculty committee via thesis defense,

§         Broaden candidate’s knowledge of field and societal issues:  Through coursework, department and group seminars, and attendance at professional meetings, candidate will appreciate context of specialty within materials science and engineering and gain ability to apply knowledge and methods to a spectrum of engineering and scientific challenges,

§         Learn to work effectively with colleagues and contribute to professional community:  Attained by cooperation in team research projects, presentation of research, and publications.