The University Senate of Michigan Technological University
Proposal 14-21
(Voting Units: Academic)
Establishment of a New Graduate Certificate in
Computational Materials Science
Submitted by: Department of Materials Science & Engineering
1. Proposal Date:
June 3, 2020; revised December 10, 2020
2. Proposing Contacts and Department:
Douglas Swenson, Materials Science and Engineering
Yu Wang, Materials Science and Engineering
3. Sponsor Department Approvals
Materials Science and Engineering
4. General Description and Characteristics of Program:
4.1 General Description of Certificate
The Certificate in Computational Materials Science is a ten credit program of 2 required
and two electives designed to provide a fundamental knowledge of computational materials
science. The program of study provides basic understanding of the physical principles
and practical skills to perform computational materials research. Recipients of this
certificate will be able to apply computational thermodynamic and kinetic principles,
numerical algorithms, and computer programming to simulate the materials processes
required to develop specific materials microstructures and properties and study the
processing-microstructure-property relationships. This certificate would be of interest
to engineers/students involved/interested in development and design of materials.
The certificate will be offered on campus and can be earned fully on-line.
4.2 Catalog Description
The Certificate in Computational Materials Science is designed to develop skills and
competencies in computer modeling and simulation of microstructural evolution and
property change during materials processes, including computational principles, numerical
algorithms, and programming implementation of thermodynamics of materials science,
kinetics of microstructure development, and microstructure-property relationships.
In addition, the curriculum integrates building skills in communication, project development,
and literature review from real-world problems.
5. Rationale for Certificate:
The rationale for this certificate can be found in the Materials Genome Initiative
for Global Competitiveness (Office of Science and Technology Policy, White House),
which highlights the national interest in computational materials science field. Computational
materials science has become a major branch of materials research, complementary to
experimental and theoretical studies. It plays an indispensable role in academia and
has become increasingly important for industry. The proposed courses within this certificate
are offered on-line, as well as face-to-face, such that engineers and scientist in
the field or related fields may earn the certificate.
6. Related Programs:
There are very few graduate certificate programs in computational materials science.
The most closely related program is at Boise State:
https://www.boisestate.edu/graduatecatalog/programs/graduate-certificate-in-computational-materials-science-and-engineering/
This is a 9-credit interdisciplinary certificate which applies computational tools in the field of materials science and engineering. Topics covered are first-principles techniques, molecular simulation, supercomputing, big data analysis, and scientific algorithm development.
There are other programs where computational materials science is part of master’s
degree, such as Northwestern:
https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/materials-science/documents/ICME_Brochure%202-2-18.pdf
And there are programs for undergraduates, such as the program at Illinois: https://cse.illinois.edu/files/2018/04/MSE_certificate.pdf
7. Projected Enrollments:
We anticipate significant enrollment from both MSE's on-campus and distance MS and
PhD graduate students, plus students from related fields that have an interest in
the materials side of their discipline. Interest from students enrolled in peer graduate
programs seeking transferrable coursework is also anticipated.
| Semester | On-campus Enrollment | On-line Enrollment |
| Fall 2021 | 3 | 5 |
| Fall 2022 | 5 | 5 |
| Fall 2023 | 5 | 5 |
| Fall 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| Fall 2025 | 5 | 5 |
8. Scheduling Plans:
No change in the regular scheduling of the existing courses is anticipated. The departments
delivering the online courses have agreed to fit them into their regular scheduling
plans.
9. Curriculum Design: Max three of ten certificate credits may be 3000 or 4000 level.
Required Coursework (4 credits):
- MSE 5540 Advanced Computational Materials Science and Engineering OR MSE 4540 Computational Materials Science and Engineering (both 3 cr., students are disallowed from receiving credit for both)
- MSE5970 - Special Topics - Graduate Materials Science and Engineering, 1 cr. Topic: Perspectives on Computational Materials Science; Restrictions: Permission of the Department (permission will be granted in the student’s last semester of the certificate)
Elective Coursework (6 credits) (only 3 credits at 4000 level, 0 credits at 4000 level if MSE 4540 is taken)
- MSE 5140 Mechanical Behavior of Materials
- MSE/PH 5151 Quantum Optical Materials
- MA 4620 Numerical Methods for PDEs
- MEEM 4405 Introduction to Finite Element Method
OR BE 5115 Finite Element Modeling with Biomedical Applications
OR CEE5202 Finite Element Analysis
Course Descriptions:
MSE 4540 - Computational Materials Science: Theory, Modeling, Simulation, and Practice
Theories of materials science from first principles to constitutive laws. Materials
modeling and computer simulation at multiple length and time scales. Laboratory practice
of various computational methods.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
MSE 5540 - Advanced Computational Materials Science: Theory, Modeling, Simulation,
and Practice Theories of materials science from list principles to constitutive laws.
Materials modeling and computer simulation at multiple length and time scales. Laboratory
practice of various computational methods.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
MSE 5970 - Special Topics - Graduate Materials Science and Engineering
Special Topics in Materials Science and Engineering at the Graduate level. Credits:
variable to 4.0; Repeatable to a Max of 8 Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; Must be enrolled in one of the following
Level(s): Graduate
PH 5151 / MSE5151- Quantum Field Theory for Photonics and Materials
This course will review the basics of quantum mechanics and second quantization, and
cover quantum field theoretical methods, including Wick's theorem and Feynman diagram
techniques, for absolute zero and non-zero temperatures (Matsubara frequencies) and
their application in photonics, properties of materials and condensed matter physics.
Credits: 2.0; Graded Pass/Fail Only
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring - Offered alternate years beginning with the 2020- 2021
academic year Pre-Requisite(s): PH 3410 and PH 3411(C)
PH 4390 - Computational Methods in Physics
An overview of numerical and computer methods to analyze and visualize physics problems
in mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. Utility and potential pitfalls
of these methods, basic concepts of programming, UNIX computing environment, system
libraries and computer graphics are included.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2020 and PH 3410
MEEM 4405 - Intro to the Finite Element Method
Introduces the use of the finite element method in stress analysis and heat transfer.
Emphasizes the modeling assumptions associated with different elements and uses the
computer to solve many different types of stress analysis problems, including thermal
stress analysis and introductory nonlinear analysis.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3400 and (MA 2320 or MA 2321 or MA 2330) and (MA 3520 or MA
3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)
BE 5115 - Finite Element Modeling
The course teaches both fundamentals of finite element theory and hands-on experience
for bio-engineers.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
CEE 5202 - Finite Element Analysis
Introduction to the use of finite element methods in structural analysis. Covers the
finite element formulation, 1- and 2-D elements, including isoparametric elements,
axisymmetric analysis, plate and shell elements, dynamics, buckling, and nonlinear
analysis.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring Pre-Requisite(s): CE 4201 or CEE 4201
MA 4620 - Numerical Methods for PDEs
Derivation, analysis, and implementation of numerical methods for partial differential
equations; applications to fluid mechanics, elasticity, heat conduction, acoustics,
or electromagnetism.
Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560) and MA 3160
9. Model Schedule Demonstrating Completion Time
The certificate is designed to be completed in 1 or 2 semesters. A 2-semester schedule
with a fall start is shown.
Fall Semester
MSE5540 Computational Materials Science and Engineering
Pick 0 or 1 courses from the following:
MSE5140 Mechanical Behavior of Materials
MEEM 4405 Introduction to Finite Element Method
MA4620 Numerical Methods for PDEs
Spring Semester (MSE5540 or MSE4540 taken in fall)
MSE 5970 Special Topics- Perspectives on Computational Materials Science
Pick 1 or 2 courses
PH 5151 Quantum Optical Materials
BE 5115 Finite Element Modeling with Biomedical Applications
10. Library and other Learning Resources
No library or other learning resources are required at this time.
11. Faculty Resumes
The following MSE faculty will be supporting the program.
Prof. Yu Wang
Prof. Yongmei Jin
Prof. Miguel Levy
12. Equipment
No additional equipment will be required.
13. Program Costs
Initial costs for offering the certificate will not incur additional costs. As online/remote
instruction enrollment grows, the additional costs associated with instruction will
be covered from tuition return from the students who are enrolled online.
14. Space
There are no new space requirements.
15. Policies, Regulations, and Rules
Not applicable
16. Accreditation Requirements
Michigan Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The proposed
certificate will meet HLC criteria 3 and 4. The proposed certificate will not seek
additional accreditation.
17. Planned Implementation Date
Fall 2021
18. Assessment
Upon completion of the Computational Materials Science Graduate Certificate, students
will:
1. be able compare/contrast the leading methods and approaches utilized to computationally
simulate material behavior and response.
2. be able to simulate material behavior and response using at least three appropriate
computational approaches and tools
Approval Process
Departmental Graduate Committee May 29, 2020
Department: May 29, 2020; revised December 10,2020
College of Engineering: June 9, 2020
Graduate School: June 17, 2020
Provost’s Office and Deans’ Council: June 23, 2020
Approved by the Senate: 2/17/21
Approved by the President: 2/22/21
February 3, 2021