What is materials science?

The materials science minor is an interdisciplinary program that involves the research, development and design of new materials. In the past century, materials scientists have enabled major technological advances in areas such as electronic materials for semiconductors, metal alloys for aircraft and automotive applications, and new polymers for a host of medical and consumer applications. You’ll learn the fundamentals of science and engineering, preparing you to tackle technical problems from a materials perspective. Combine the minor with a major in the sciences, engineering, education or business to prepare for career opportunities in high-demand industrial fields, business, government, law or education.

Why study materials science at UNH?

The materials science program at UNH is an interdisciplinary program with faculty representing chemistry, biochemistry, electrical and computer engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering and physics. You’ll have research opportunities in numerous areas of science and engineering and gain experiences that are attractive to a wide range of industries. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with local companies, as well as the newly formed biomaterials research center, NH BioMade,with research in prosthetics, tissue engineering and biosensors.

Potential career areas

Aerospace
AutoIndustry
Chemistry
Education
Electronics
Engineering
Manufacturing
Patent law
Sustainable energy

Curriculum & Requirements

01

Program Description

Materials science is an interdisciplinary field that involves the research, development, and design of new materials. In the past century, materials scientists have enabled major technological advances in areas such as electronic materials for semiconductors, new metal alloys for aircraft and automotive applications, and new polymers for a host of medical and consumer applications. In order to prepare students for continuing growth and innovation in materials science, the materials science program offers this minor, which is open to all students as UNH.

The minor offers a broad introduction to materials science, which reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Students interested in the minor should contact the director of the materials science program (Prof. James Krzanowski, james.krzanowski@unh.edu) as early as possible and preferably before the end of their sophomore year.

02

Requirements for the Program

Academic policies related to Minors.

Credit toward the minor will only be given for courses passed with C- or better, and a 2.00 grade-point average must be maintained in courses for the minor.

Courses taken on a pass/fail basis may not be used for a minor.
No more than 8 credits used to satisfy major requirements may be used for the minor.
No more than 2 courses or 8 credits may be from transfer coursework. Any transferred coursework must be approved by the minor coordinator.

For additional details on how to declare a minor, please visit https://www.unh.edu/registrar/academic-records/majors-minors.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required
ME 561	Introduction to Materials Science ¹	4
Group A: Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Structure of Materials
Select one of the following:		4-5
CHEM 683 & CHEM 685	Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry Laboratory ²
PHYS 508	Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics ^2,3
ME 795	Special Topics
Group B: Materials Applications and Properties
Select one of the following:		4-5
CHEM 545 & CHEM 546	Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 547 & CHEM 549	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 651 & CHEM 653	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
PHYS 718	Condensed Matter Physics
ME 786	Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
ME 795	Special Topics
Select two to three additional courses from either Group A or Group B ⁴		4-6

¹: It is strongly recommended that students take this course during their sophomore year.
²: Students cannot receive credit towards the minor for both PHYS 508 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics and CHEM 683 Physical Chemistry I/CHEM 685 Physical Chemistry Laboratory.
³: Students cannot receive credit towards the minor for PHYS 508 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics if they have taken ME 503 Thermodynamics.
⁴: As needed to reach the required 18 credits