Biomedical Materials Engineering Science Glass Engineering Science Ceramic Engineering Materials Science & Engineering More ceramic engineers in the United States have graduated from Alfred University than from any other single program. This tradition in glass and ceramics provides the solid foundation for the newer BMES and MSE programs.
Freshman Year
Students begin their engineering studies on day one. The freshman year provides study and experience in materials science, hands-on materials processing, engineering communications, calculus, chemistry, physics, a humanities elective and biology for BMES majors. The computer-based engineering communications course introduces the student to a variety of software, and supports each student in developing report preparation skills and research and communication on the World Wide Web. A Freshman Seminar supports the transition from high school into a collegiate program while involving the students in engineering teams.
Sophomore Year
In the sophomore year, students continue with calculus and differential equations, physics, materials science, thermodynamics, microscopy, thermal processes, mechanics of materials, and humanities electives. Program differentiation begins as the CE and GES majors pursue courses in powder processing while BMES majors gain more biology knowledge. Students planning for Study Abroad in a non-English- speaking country should complete study through at least one college year of the language (language placement exams are given just before the beginning of classes each fall semester). Students planning for the minor in Biomedical Materials, pre- dentistry, or pre-medicine should begin their study of biology in the sophomore year (see below).
Junior Year
Concentration in the student's major occurs in the junior year. Core courses for all four programs include courses in the properties of solid materials, thermal analysis techniques, and determining structural arrangements of atoms in materials using x-ray diffraction and chemical spectroscopy. Required courses specific to the degree program are ceramic processing and electrical circuits in ceramic engineering; glass laboratory, industrial glass, and glass characterization in glass engineering science;
metals, polymers, and composites in materials science and engineering; and biochemistry and bioengineering in BMES.
Senior Year
The senior year involves two semesters of research thesis that culminates in a formal poster presentation and a manuscript bound in Scholes Library. The capstone course involves working in a student team on a broad-based manufacturing problem that includes real-world constraints. Oral reports and a team project report are
requirements in the capstone course. Carefully selected technical electives and social science and humanity electives are a large component of the senior year.
Degree Requirements Summary
Minimum requirements for the degree (Bachelor of Science) are indicated below:
Math 17
Chemistry 8
Physics 8
Engineering
and Technical Electives 80
Humanities 20
Total Credit Hours 133
Students attend a seminar each semester that provides a broadening of the educational experience. Each student must complete 133 (137 for BMES) credit hours and meet the University physical education requirement. Humanities and social science courses must be designated as general education courses by the university (others may be taken for credit but do not fulfill the requirement).
Humanities/Social Sciences: At least one humanities/social sciences course meeting the General Education Requirements must be selected from three of the following discipline areas: 1. Literature (A), Philosophy or Religion (B); 2. The Arts (C); 3.
Historical Studies (D); 4. Social Sciences (E); 5. Foreign Language (II) (note: at the introductory level, a student must take the two-semester introductory sequence in a language, or its equivalent, in order to meet the requirement). Additional courses in the five discipline areas (w/ or w/o a letter designation), and ENGL 102 may be used to meet the 20 credit minimum for Humanities and Social Sciences (Courses that meet Quantitative Reasoning III do not count towards the Humanities/Social Science Requirement.) ENGL 101 does not count towards the 20 hours, nor to the minimum number of credit hours required for graduation.
Written Communication Requirement: Students must demonstrate proficiency in written communication by a) successfully completing ENGL 102, or an equivalent course, or b) earning specified scores on standardized tests. Students are exempted from ENGL 101 for a score >540 on the SAT Verbal, or >500 on the SAT Writing Exam or SAT II, or >26 on the ACT-English. Students are exempted from both ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 for a score >740 on the SAT Verbal, or >700 on the SAT Writing Exam or SAT II, or >29 on the ACT), i.e., they have satisfied the written
communication requirement.
Biomedical Materials Engineering Science The Field
The goal of the Biomedical Materials Engineering and Science curriculum at Alfred University is to train next-generation biomaterials engineers to understand and use the basic principles of structure and function for both living and nonliving materials. A curriculum built around this guiding principle will produce engineers who can design and fabricate advanced biomaterials that incorporate appropriate living and/or nonliving materials as dictated by a given biomedical application. The BMES faculty consider that this goal is best achieved through an appropriate fusion of a materials engineering/science curriculum with a molecular cell biology curriculum. Molecular biology has created several branches of engineering; genetic engineering, protein engineering, and metabolic engineering (among others). While not yet mature, these fields fit the accepted definition of engineering and, more importantly, these are the areas of knowledge by which biomolecules (biomolecular materials) are designed and engineered for specific applications. Therefore, with respect to Biomedical Materials Engineering, the structure and properties of biomolecules are best taught within the context of molecular cell biology so that this MCB component of the undergraduate curriculum is, in fact, integral to biomaterials engineering as defined by this program.
144 New York State College of Ceramics
Students are provided a broad based engineering curriculum supplemented with appropriate coursework in the life sciences, with an emphasis on molecular cell biology. Students graduate with a BS in Biomedical Materials Engineering Science with a may also choose to pursue professional careers in other fields including:
Materials engineering
Biomedical engineering including medical device design
Graduate school in a wide variety of fields from biotechnology to engineering Professional studies in medicine, business, or law
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry
Careers in Biomedical Materials Engineering Science
The fabrication of advanced biomedical materials (a.k.a. biomaterials) will be the key enabling technology for all of bioengineering. While biomedical engineering curricula vary widely from school to school, the Alfred program is focused on the materials aspect of this field.
Significant curricular uniformity exists between the BMES Program and Alfred's other three materials-based engineering degrees so that graduates of this program qualify as bona fide materials engineers. A foundation in materials engineering and science is supplemented with a strong emphasis in molecular cell biology, and biochemistry that teaches the structure and function of biological materials (e.g. proteins, DNA, and carbohydrates). Our students are trained to work at the interface between the living and non-living worlds.
The Biomedical Materials Engineering Science degree puts students ahead of the curve in areas such as bioengineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. In the future there will only be materials; titanium or protein, polypropylene or DNA. The successful biomaterials engineer will need to be able to employ the full palette of materials derived from both living and nonliving sources as well as composites. In addition, the biomaterials engineer will need to understand how living and nonliving materials interact at multiple levels from immediate interfacial phenomena
(inflammation, signaling) to long-term or chronic effects such as toxicity and carcinogenicity. The BMES degree prepares graduates for employment in the widest possible range of industries from manufacturers of next generation medical and biotechnology devices such as composite stents or DNA microarrays, to more traditional but equally challenging applications such as design, fabrication and quality assurance of the materials components of scientific instrumentation.
From the silica that lines the microcapillaries of DNA sequencers to the metal and zirconia in total hip replacements, traditional biomedical engineering continues to rely heavily on materials engineering and science. Finally, our students will be fully qualified for the materials engineering opportunities that exist in non-biomedical industries such as electronics, automotive, and aerospace.
The biotechnology industry is considered as a major growth area for the 21st century.
In order to deliver on the promise of molecular biology (e.g. the Human Genome Project), basic knowledge will have to be converted into devices that interface or integrate living and nonliving components. Implantable medical devices, tissue/organ engineering, nanostructured drug delivery systems, and advanced biomedical instrumentation all require the type of engineer that our program will deliver.
Biomaterials engineers will be in high demand. Only biomaterials engineers and scientists will have the knowledge necessary to make decisions with respect to the physicochemical, biochemical, and biotechnology properties specified by a given product application. Graduates of this program are particularly well suited for smaller start-up type companies where a person who is bilingual with respect to materials and genetic engineering will be a tremendous asset.
The BS in Biomedical Materials Engineering Science provides the student with the widest range of career opportunities imaginable. It opens the door to countless technical careers while providing outstanding preparation for alternative careers such as medical school, law school, or the MBA.
Program Objectives: 1) To provide a program that enables Graduates to pursue careers in the Biomedical Materials and Bioengineering industries, graduate studies in Biomedical Materials and/or Bioengineering and related fields, and/or advanced studies leading to other professional careers such as medicine, dentistry, law, and business. 2) To provide graduates with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of science and engineering and opportunities to apply these principles to the four integrated aspects of all materials systems (structure, properties, processing, and performance. 3) To enable students to develop the ability to formulate and solve contemporary Biomedical Materials problems (e.g. design, selection) using experimental, statistical and computational methods.
4) To provide students with substantial hands-on laboratory experience in Biomedical Materials characterization, processing and properties using state-of-the-art training in analysis, interpretation, and communication of the results of such in a manner appropriate to the academic, business, or industrial environment. 5) To offer a representative number of courses that emphasize the necessary interpersonal skills required for team-based activities in the academic, business, or industrial environment.
6) To encourage awareness of the role of science and technology in society and to encourage students to become positive role models as leaders and mentors.
Ceramic Engineering The Field
Ceramics are materials of basic living, of advanced technology, and of extreme environments. You encounter traditional ceramics every day of your life-dinnerware, bathroom fixtures, floor and wall tiles, cement and brick structures. You also encounter advanced ceramics every day, but often hidden from view-components in electronic devices (computers, CD players, cellular phones), sensors in automobiles, igniters in appliances. Finally, ceramics are often used in manufacturing other materials and products-refractories that contain molten metals, filters for molten materials, insulators for furnaces, cutting tools, abrasives, and wear-resistant components.
In a nutshell, ceramics are some of the oldest and some of the newest materials we use. The field is small, but highly diverse, growing, and wide open for bright people with imagination. Many issues that impact energy conservation, recycling, and other environmental concerns can only be solved by the use of ceramics, including some that haven't been invented yet.
Careers in Ceramic Engineering
Ceramic engineering graduates have many career paths to choose from. Many become process engineers, ensuring that manufacturing operations run smoothly and
developing improvements that enhance production efficiency and save energy. Others work in technical sales, explaining materials and products, and working with
customers to achieve the best match between needs and products. Some are engaged in developing new materials and processes, or in testing materials and components. Of course, some choose to continue their education, achieving a Masters or Ph.D., and then going into research and/or teaching. Many ceramic engineering graduates, regardless of their initial path, achieve management positions (supervisors, plant managers, directors of research, etc.), and many end up owing their own companies.
You can do a lot with a ceramic engineering degree; it's up to you.
146 New York State College of Ceramics CE Program Objectives
1) To produce graduates who are prepared to learn, work, and solve problems in Ceramic Engineering practice as either beginning (entry level) engineers in industry or as graduate students in a materials engineering program. 2) To have a course of study that provides the elements that are essential to a practicing Ceramic Engineer, namely: fabrication processing; materials characterization, properties and performance; materials selection and design; and, the mathematics and science that provide the theoretical foundation for successful ceramic engineering practice. 3) To emphasize effective communication- orally, in writing, graphically, and electronically-in both formal and informal presentation situations. 4) To provide instruction and practice in the rigors and demands of
professional performance emphasizing engineering teamwork. 5) To ensure exposure throughout the curriculum to the ethics and responsibilities of Ceramic Engineering, including guidelines and examples of appropriate responses to ethical dilemmas.
6) To incorporate design and modeling processes as applied to ceramic systems, and provide meaningful opportunities for independent creative work that includes elements of design in the context of ceramic systems. 7) To encourage global awareness of contemporary social and political issues and how these relate to technology.
Ceramic Engineering Curriculum
The minimum requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering are:
Mathematics 17
Chemistry 8
Physics 8
Engineering courses, required 61
Science and Engineering courses, elective 19
Humanities 20
Total credit hours 133 Lower-Division Curriculum
Freshman Year Semester 1
CEMS 107 Materials Processing 3
CEMS 114 Bonding and Structure 3
CHEM 105 General Chemistry I 4
ENGR 160 Freshman Seminar 0
MATH 151 Calculus I 4
ENGR 101 Introduction to Engineering 2
ENGR 102 Computer Aided Design 2
Total Credit Hours 18
Semester 2
CHEM 106 General Chemistry II 4
ENGR 160 Freshman Seminar 0
MATH 152 Calculus II 4
PHYS 125 Physics I 4
ENGR 103 Introduction to Software Engineering 2
ENGR 104 Computer Aided Engineering 2
Total Credit Hours 16
Sophomore Year Semester 3
CEMS 214 Structure and Properties 3
CEMS 215 Microscopy and Microstructural Characterization
or CEMS 203 Introduction to Ceramic Powder Processing 3
CEMS 235 Thermodynamics of Materials 3
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
MATH 253 Calculus III 3
PHYS 126 Physics II 4
Total Credit Hours 16
Sophomore Year Semester 4
CEMS 203 Introduction to Ceramic Powder Processing
or CEMS 215 Microscopy and Microstructural Characterization 3
CEMS 237 Thermal Processes in Materials 3
CEMS 251 Mechanics of Materials 3
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
MATH 271 Differential Equations 3
Humanities/Social Science Electives 6
Total Credit Hours 18
Upper-Division Curriculum Semester 5
CEMS 221 Electrical Engineering Lab 3
CEMS 314 Ceramic Processing Principles 3
CEMS 342 Thermal and Mechanical Properties 3
CEMS 347 Spectroscopy
or CEMS 349 X-ray Characterization 2
ENGR 305 Engineering Statistics 3
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
Humanities/Social Science Elective 4
Total Credit Hours 18
Semester 6
CEMS 315 Ceramic Properties Laboratory 2
CEMS 322 Introduction to Glass Science 3
CEMS 344 Electrical, Optical and Magnetic Properties 3 CEMS 347 Spectroscopy
or CEMS 349 X-ray Characterization 2
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
Humanities/Social Science Elective 4
Technical Elective 3
Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 7
CEMS 480 Thesis I 2
CEMS 484 Engineering Operations 4
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
Humanities/Social Science Elective 2
Technical Elective 4
Technical Elective 3
Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
CEMS 481 Thesis II 2
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
Humanities/Social Science Elective 4
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Total Credit Hours 15
148 New York State College of Ceramics Glass Engineering Science The Field
Glasses have been used for thousands of years--in drinking glasses, storage bottles, prized decorative objects, and jewelry. Glasses have these same uses today, but glasses are truly high-technology materials used in optical applications, as sophisticated windows that control light and heat, and in fiber optics that make high-speed, high- capacity voice and data communications possible. Glasses are essential components of many medical devices, such as X-ray tubes, endoscopes, and lasers. Advanced testing is being done on using small glass spheres, injected into the bloodstream, to carry radiation or chemotherapy agents directly to the liver to attack cancer in the liver.
Most glass products are made from abundant raw materials, such as sand and soda, and glasses are recyclable. In fact, in some countries, glass containers are made using over 90% recycled glass. There are numerous opportunities for new applications for glass, the development of new glasses, and further efficiencies in glass manufacturing.
You can't imagine life today without glass, and that will be even more the case in the future.
Careers in Glass Engineering Science
Glass engineering science graduates are highly sought after by the glass industry, and by companies that use glasses in processes or products. The Glass Engineering Science program is unique. There simply isn't another program like it in the United States. Graduates can oversee glass production, work on developing new processes and products, test glass products, or work in technical sales. Many choose to continue their education, obtaining a Masters or Ph.D., preparing themselves for research or teaching at a college or university. With time, and the time may be very short, many will become managers or owners of their own companies. There is no "glass ceiling"
with a Glass Engineering Science degree; the sky's the limit!
GES Program Objectives
1) Graduates of the Glass Engineering Program will be fully qualified as materials engineers with a specialized knowledge of the vitreous state, its science, engineering and manufacture. 2) Graduates of the Glass Engineering Science Program will be well-rounded individuals who both understand the principles and can undertake the practice of engineering materials, particularly glass.
3) Graduates of the Glass Engineering Program will be able to operate as effective engineers or managers in both glass and other related industries or academia.
Glass Engineering Science Curriculum
Minimum requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Glass Engineering Science are:
Mathematics 17
Chemistry 8
Physics 8
Engineering courses, required 61
Science and Engineering courses, elective 19
Humanities 20
Total credit hours 133
Lower-Division Curriculum Freshman Year
Semester 1
CEMS 107 Materials Processing 3
CEMS 114 Bonding and Structure 3
CHEM 105 General Chemistry I 4
ENGR 160 Freshman Seminar 0
MATH 151 Calculus I 4
ENGR 101 Introduction to Engineering ` 2
ENGR 102 Computer Aided Design ` 2
Total Credit Hours 18
Semester 2
CHEM 106 General Chemistry II 4
ENGR 160 Freshman Seminar 0
MATH 152 Calculus II 4
PHYS 125 Physics I 4
ENGR 103 Introduction to Software Engineering 2
ENGR 104 Computer Aided Engineering 2
Humanities or Social Science 4
Total Credit Hours 20
Sophomore Year Semester 3
CEMS 214 Structure and Properties 3
CEMS 235 Thermodynamics of Materials 3
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
MATH 253 Calculus III 3
PHYS 126 Physics II 4
Humanities/Social Science Elective 4
Total Credit Hours 17
Sophomore Year Semester 4
CEMS 215 Microscopy and Microstructural Characterization 3
CEMS 237 Thermal Processes in Materials 3
CEMS 251 Mechanics of Materials 3
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
MATH 271 Differential Equations 3
Humanities/Social Science Elective 4
Total Credit Hours 16
Upper-Division Curriculum Semester 5
CEMS 322 Introduction to Glass Science 3
CEMS 325 Glass Laboratory 2
CEMS 342 Thermal and Mechanical Properties 3
CEMS 347 Spectroscopy
or CEMS 349 X-ray Characterization 2
ENGR 305 Engineering Statistics 3
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
Humanities/Social Sciences Elective 4
Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 6
CEMS 221 Electrical Engineering Lab 3
CEMS 324 Mass Transport in Glasses and Melts 3
CEMS 344 Electrical, Magnetic, and Optical Properties 3 CEMS 347 Spectroscopy
or CEMS 349 X-ray Characterization 2
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 2
Total Credit Hours 16
150 New York State College of Ceramics Semester 7
CEMS 328 Industrial Glass and Glass-Ceramics 3
CEMS 484 Engineering Operations 4
CEMS 480 Thesis I 2
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 2
Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 8
CEMS 481 Thesis II 2
ENGR 360 Seminar 0
Humanities/Social Sciences Elective 4
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Technical Elective 3
Total Credit Hours 15
Materials Science and Engineering The Field
Many applications today require broad-based materials knowledge. For example, the pans in one line of gourmet cookware are pressure-cast aluminum with a permanent, non-stick, plasma-sprayed ceramic coating, fitted with polymer handles that are oven safe to 500 °F, and having glass lids. Each material must fulfill its role, but all must be compatible and function together. A materials engineer may specialize in a specific material class (ceramics, metals, polymers) or a specific area of materials science (electrical properties, mechanical properties, processing, testing, etc.), but should possess a broad background in materials science and engineering. Increased emphasis on cost, weight, and size reduction, while still improving product performance, creates challenges for monolithic materials, and opportunities for composites and other new materials. Miniaturization of components frequently is limited by the interactions of dissimilar materials at a microscopic scale. A materials engineer must be able to optimize the overall performance of complex systems involving several materials.
In many industries, several materials may be competing for the same market (e.g., polymer composites versus metallic aircraft structures, and ceramic versus metallic engine components). In these applications, a materials engineer must be able to make an unbiased decision in selecting the best material (or combination of materials), which requires a fundamental understanding of the properties and performance of each of the competing materials.
Careers in Materials Science and Engineering
The broad technical base of the Materials Science and Engineering degree prepares graduates for employment in a wide range of industries, including electronics, automotive, and aerospace, as well as for graduate school in engineering and science.
Graduates of this program are particularly well suited to work for smaller companies that need materials engineers with a broad background, rather than people specialized in particular fields. Many companies involved in manufacturing require engineers with this broad materials background who can specify materials selection, oversee
production, or maintain quality control.
In addition, independent testing and consulting companies must also be able to provide support for a wide range of customer needs. Engineering managers must be able to direct engineers and scientists with varied backgrounds. Both of these career options require the ability to communicate with different materials disciplines and to make sound engineering decisions based on knowledge from the different disciplines.