MATERIALS SCIENCE PROGRAM

Eric E. Hellstrom (Chair) 911 Engineering Research Building 1500 Engineering Drive Madison, WI 53706-1687

Tel: 608/263-9462 E-mail: rhoads@engr.wisc.edu www.engr.wisc.edu/interd/msp

Advanced materials and devices

The Materials Science Program (MSP) is an interdisciplinary graduate program in a burgeoning field that applies principles from traditional scientific and engineering disciplines to the preparation of advanced materials and devices. Progress in these areas hinges upon controlling the preparation of compounds and interfaces at the atomic level. In this manner, chemical and physical properties of materials and devices may be tailored to specific objectives. The MSP is a national leader in materials science research, education and outreach.

The cutting edge of research

MSP personnel are at the cutting edge of research in such areas as advanced metals and polymers, atomic imaging and surface science. Recent research results that have had national impact include the preparation of the first micron-sized metal gears, major advances in X-ray lithography that can be exploited in the design of microelectronic devices, and experiments revealing the nature of so-called "weak links" in high-temperature superconductors.

Individually designed curriculum

Students entering the MSP generally have undergraduate degrees in physics, chemistry, or non-materials engineering disciplines. These students are interested in the properties of materials that span traditional engineering and scientific disciplines. Materials Science Program students design a curriculum from cross-campus offerings with input from their research advisors. Students select thesis research topics based on materials and interfaces that involve polymers, superconductors, advanced metals and alloys, semiconductors, ceramics, composites and biomaterials.

Committed to providing leadership

The MSP is nationally recognized and is committed to providing leadership in research, education and outreach. It provides excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary research through its faculty advisory committee, with members throughout campus, including most engineering departments, the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Geology and Geophysics, and Soil Science, and the School of Pharmacy.