Relate material structure to properties and performance
Physical Sciences & Engineering · Materials Science & Archaeometry
MAT-240Materials Characterization
Introduces structure-property relationships and analytical approaches to metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, geological, and cultural materials.
Course outcomes
What students develop
Select appropriate characterization methods
Evaluate sampling, calibration, and analytical limits
Produce a materials characterization report
Course content
Topics and questions
- Structure and bonding
- Mechanical and thermal properties
- Surfaces and degradation
- Microscopy and spectroscopy
- Sampling and quality assurance
Methods & resources
Tools and environments
- Microscopy
- XRF and optical instruments
- Materials testing and imaging tools
Evaluation
Demonstration of learning
- Method selection exercise
- Laboratory analyses
- Characterization report
Program relationships
Where this course fits
Core
Photonics, Measurement & Materials
Advanced work in optical sensing, spectroscopy, imaging, materials characterization, instrumentation, calibration, and analytical systems.
Core
Archaeometry & Materials Analysis
Materials characterization, XRF, calibration, quality control, archaeological context, provenance reasoning, and technical reporting.
Course inquiry
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