Missouri State University

Graduate College

2013-14 Graduate Catalog

Preliminary Edition
published April 2013

Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science

Kemper Hall, Room 101, Phone: (417) 836-5131, Fax: (417) 836-6226
Email: Physics@missouristate.edu
Website: http://physics.missouristate.edu/
Department Head: David M. Cornelison

Graduate faculty

Professor:  David M. Cornelison, Kartik C. Ghosh, Ryan E. Giedd, Shyang Huang, Robert A. Mayanovic, Robert S. Patterson, Pawan K. Kahol, Kandiah Manivannan, Saibal Mitra, Emmett R. Redd, Michael D. Reed,  Robert J. Whitaker

Associate Professor:  Lifeng Dong

Emeritus Professor:  Bruno Schmidt, George W. Wolf

Programs

Master of Science, Materials Science

Kartik Ghosh, Graduate Director
Kemper Hall, Room 103G; Phone (417) 836-6205
KartikGhosh@missouristate.edu 

Program Description

The Materials Science degree is designed to provide the graduate with a suitable background for employment in the exciting field of electronic materials.  Specifically, students will receive experience in high-technology materials synthesis and characterization, including the operation and design of the equipment used to make integrated circuits.

This degree was designed for students with good experimental skills, but little practical knowledge of specific instrumentation.  Graduates will be prepared for employment in areas of semiconductor manufacturing, materials synthesis and testing, and other industries where high technology processing and development are required.

The program requires 15 hours of required course work, 8 hours of electives, 9 hours of thesis research and 1 hour of seminar, for a total of 33 hours.  Interdisciplinary courses taught in other departments may be used for electives if approved by the department head in advance.

At the beginning of the first semester, students’ background will be evaluated to determine the student’s optimum path of study.  Based on the results of the students’ initial evaluation, poorly prepared students may be required to take some additional course work that will not apply to the degree. Later in the first semester, the student will interview with faculty members to choose an area of thesis research.

A comprehensive examination is required usually one semester prior to graduation.  The comprehensive examination is used to monitor the progress of each student through the program.  At the end of the thesis project, the student will present his or her results in the form of a public thesis presentation or defense.

Entrance Requirements

Students admitted to the program in full standing must meet the following requirements.

  1. A Bachelor of Science degree in any science or engineering discipline which includes:
    1. a calculus sequence and differential equations;
    2. a calculus-based physics sequence; and
    3. two semesters of physical chemistry or thermodynamics and modern physics. 

      For example, the following would constitute adequate preparation:
      MTH 261 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
      MTH 280 Analytical Geometry and Calculus II
      MTH 303 Differential Equations
      PHY 203 Foundations of Physics I
      PHY 204 Foundations of Physics II
      PHY 343 Thermodynamics OR CHM 506 Physical Chemistry I
      PHY 375 Modern Physics OR CHM 507 Physical Chemistry I

      Applicants with some deficiency in the courses listed in (1) above, may be admitted, but may have additional course work added to their program.  This additional course work may not count toward their graduate degree.
  2. Candidates for admission to the program are required to have a GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale on the last 60 hours of course work.
  3. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from the General Test is required.
  4. Three letters of reference.

Students who do not meet the GPA or GRE standards described in (3) and (4) above may be granted conditional admission to the program.  Conditionally admitted students will be required to complete a minimum of nine hours of specified course work with a GPA of at least 3.00 to be advanced to full standing in the program.

Retention Requirements

The student is expected to demonstrate effective communication skills while enrolled in the program.  Evaluation of communication skills will be done in accordance with the student’s background.  These abilities will be evaluated for graduate assistants based on their teaching performance and by the MAT 798 Seminar course.

For students who are not graduate assistants, evaluation will be done in the MAT 798 Seminar course.  For the student who uses English as a second language, there may be additional requirements.

The student must also demonstrate progress toward graduation in the following ways:

  1. satisfactory performance in the comprehensive exam, given approximately one semester before graduation;
  2. maintenance of a 3.00 GPA in the core courses;
  3. satisfactory progress in thesis research.

This content is from the catalog. Contact the office of the registrar or the Graduate College to request changes.

Degree Requirements (minimum of 33 hours)
  1. For the student who has not received a “C” or better in a quantum mechanics course or its equivalent prior to admission to the program, satisfactory completion of PHY 675 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics is required. (This course does NOT count towards the 33 hour total)
  2. Required core -  15 hrs:
    1. MAT 640 Thermodynamics of Materials
    2. MAT 651 Introduction to Materials Science
    3. MAT 681 Structure of Solids
    4. MAT 760 Experiments in Physical Characterization
    5. MAT 770 Vapor Synthesis of Materials
  3. Eight hours, with at least 6 hours at the 700 level or above, chosen from the following:
    1. Any 600 or 700 level PHY or MAT course
    2. Interdisciplinary Courses approved by the department head for elective credit.  Examples: BMS 614, Scanning Electron Microscopy or CHM 614 Polymer Chemistry
  4. Seminar.  1 hour of seminar, MAT 798.
  5. Research.  9 hours of research, MAT 799 (up to 6 hours must be thesis research - see #6 Thesis Research).
  6. Thesis Research.  Satisfactory completion of an  approved thesis and an oral thesis defense to the student's faculty advisor and a committee of graduate faculty is also required.
  7. Comprehensive Examinations.  A passing grade on the comprehensive examination, taken approximately one semester before graduation.
Accelerated Master's Option

Undergraduate Physics majors may wish to enroll in the Accelerated Master of Science degree program in Materials Science.  Students who successfully complete this program can obtain a Physics (with Materials Physics Option) Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science in Materials Science degree within five years.

This challenging option is for students who have a strong interest in becoming experts in electronic materials.  This includes the fields of Solid State Physics, Photonics, Opto-electronics, Nanomaterials, Electrical Engineering, and computer Engineering. 

While not essential for eventual admission to the program, it is strongly recommended that, as freshmen, students contact the department head for permission to become involved in the program.  This will allow for appropriate advisement during the undergraduate years.

Students may be admitted to the program after completing 60 hours with a 3.00 cumulative GPA, including the physics core courses with a 3.50 cumulative GPA.

Students seeking this option must:

  • Obtain admission to the Master of Science in Materials Science accelerated program by applying to the Graduate College prior to their senior year.
  • Pass the Master of Science in Materials Science comprehensive examination in the first semester of their fifth year.

Before enrolling in a course to be counted as both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the courses towards the masters degree, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and receive prior approval from the graduate program advisor, department head of the undergraduate program, and the dean of the Graduate College.  Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the course(s).  See the Graduate College for further information.

Nine hours of course work may be counted toward both the undergraduate and the masters degree.  These courses are MAT 640, MAT 651 and MAT 681.

Students who successfully meet all the requirements would receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics at the end of their fourth year, and a Master of Science at the end of their fifth year.

Master of Science in Education, Secondary Education: Natural Science Area of Emphasis

Contact Dr. Tamera Jahnke and see program requirements for the M.S.Ed., Secondary Education under Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs.

Natural Science Prerequisite and Requirements

In this option, students complete a minimum of 15 hours with course work selected from two of the following disciplines:  Biology, Chemistry, Geography and/or Geology, Mathematics, and Physics.  A minimum of 3 hours of course work numbered 700 or above must be included. The prerequisite requirements are those listed in the departmental statements of both selected academic areas of emphasis.

Courses from one of the above disciplines                     9 hrs

Courses from a second of the above disciplines            6 hrs

Total                                                                              15 hrs

Astronomy Courses

AST 613 Solar and Extra-Solar Systems

Prerequisite: AST 114 or AST 115; and MTH 303. Formation of planetary systems, planetary dynamics, and comparative planetology. Project required. Cannot receive credit for both AST 313 and AST 613. May be taught concurrently with AST 513. Cannot receive credit for both AST 513 and AST 613.

AST 615 Stellar Structure and Evolution

Prerequisite: AST 114 or AST 115; and MTH 303. Basic concepts of stellar structure, atmospheres, and evolution. Project required. Cannot receive credit for both AST 315 and AST 615. May be taught concurrently with AST 515. Cannot receive credit for both AST 515 and AST 615.

AST 617 Galaxies and Cosmology

Prerequisite: AST 114 or AST 115; and MTH 303. Study of galaxies and the Universe. Topics include the structure and content of our Galaxy and other galaxies, clusters of galaxies, the Big Bang theory (including Inflation), and the eventual fate of our Universe. Project required. Cannot receive credit for both AST 317 and AST 617. May be taught concurrently with AST 517. Cannot receive credit for both AST 517 and AST 617.

AST 711 Astronomy for Teachers

Theory and techniques of observational astronomy.

Physics Courses

PHY 602 Physics and Astronomy By Inquiry

Prerequisite: PHY 101. This course is a continuation of PHY 101. Additional topics in mechanics, optics, heat, electricity and magnetism will be covered. The course will also include an introduction to Astronomy. Concepts will be explored using the inquiry approach. Will not count towards a major or minor in physics. May be taught concurrently with PHY 501. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 501 and PHY 602.

PHY 609 Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy

Prerequisite: permission. Variable content, variable credit course. Topics to be chosen from current areas of interest. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours with different topic. May be taught concurrently with PHY 509. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 609 and PHY 509.

PHY 675 Quantum Mechanics

Prerequisite: PHY 375 or CHM 607. A mathematical development of the principles of quantum mechanics and their application to selected systems. Topics include Schrodinger's equation, operators, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, angular momentum, and applications, including the hydrogen atom. May be taught concurrently with PHY 575. Cannot receive credit for both PHY 575 and PHY 675.

PHY 701 Workshop on Topical Issues in Science Education

Prerequisite: permission. Workshop to upgrade understanding of selected topics in science, and improve elementary, middle school and/or secondary science teaching. Each workshop will include performance and analysis of appropriate investigations to enhance understanding of the selected topics. Number of class hours determined by semester hours of credit. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours provided the topics are different.

PHY 785 Physics Laboratory for Teachers

Prerequisite: permission. Performance and analysis of secondary laboratory experiments in physics.

PHY 790 Seminar in Physics

Prerequisite: permission. Extensive paper on agreed topic in physics or astronomy to be read before staff seminars. May be repeated to a total of 4 hours.

PHY 796 Science Internship

Completion of an internship project (80 hours/credit hour) at a discipline-related business, nonprofit organization, or government agency, approved and supervised by both the departmental and internship advisors. Includes a formal report in the appropriate professional format, and an oral presentation at an approved venue. Graded Pass/Not Pass only. No more than 6 hours may count toward a masters degree.

PHY 799 Research in Natural and Applied Sciences

Prerequisite: permission of department head. Supervised research in the natural and applied sciences. May be repeated, but no more than 12 hours may be counted toward the masters degree. Credit may not be applied toward the Master of Science degree in Materials Science.

Materials Science Courses

MAT 609 Special Topics in Materials Science

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Variable content course. Topics to be chosen from current areas of interest in Materials Science. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours with a different topic. May be taught concurrently with MAT 509. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 509 and MAT 609.

MAT 640 Thermodynamics of Materials

Prerequisite: PHY 343 or CHM 506 or CHM 606. Review of classical thermodynamics, equilibrium in thermodynamic systems, the statistical interpretation of entropy, unary and multi-component systems, thermodynamics of phase diagrams and phase equilibrium. May be taught concurrently with MAT 540. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 540 and MAT 640.

MAT 651 Introduction to Materials Science

Prerequisite: PHY 375 or CHM 507 or CHM 607. Investigation of the relationships that exist between the structure, properties, processing and performance of materials. Different types of materials will be studied with a special emphasis on polymers and semiconductors. Structure-property correlations, including electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties, will be presented for these materials. May be taught concurrently with MAT 550. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 550 and MAT 651.

MAT 681 Structure of Solids

Prerequisite: PHY 375 or CHM 507 or CHM 607. Review of quantum mechanics, followed by an in-depth study of crystal structures, energy band structures in solids, lattice dynamics, and a survey of the physical properties of solids. May be taught concurrently with MAT 580. Cannot receive credit for both MAT 580 and MAT 681.

MAT 720 Advanced Quantum Mechanics

Advanced topics in quantum mechanics including variational methods, approximation techniques, time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory, second quantization, and the interactions of light with matter.

MAT 750 Experimental Design

Laboratory techniques necessary for the development of instrumentation. Topics will include elementary computer interfacing, prototype design, mechanical and electronic construction, and reliability testing. The student will develop, design and build a test instrument and study each of the above topics during this process.

MAT 758 Optoelectronic Materials

Course includes the study of advanced electronic properties of materials, lattice dynamics, and a survey of the optical-electronic interactions in materials.

MAT 760 Experiments in Physical Characterization

Prerequisite: MAT 651. Laboratory techniques in electronic, optical, and thermal characterization of materials. Students will become familiar with equipment and procedures used in research and commercial laboratories.

MAT 770 Vapor Synthesis of Materials

Experimental techniques in the vapor deposition of thin film materials used in the electronics industry. Some modification of the resulting films including chemical doping and ion implantation will also be studied. Experimental methods including computer control and analysis will be studied.

MAT 780 Polymer Preparation and Characterization

Preparation of polymers, including the techniques of condensation polymerization, free radical polymerization, and if time permits, plasma polymerization. Characterization experiments will be viscosity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Film preparation including spin coating, aspiration, and doctor blade systems will also be investigated.

MAT 790 Statistical Applications in Materials Science

Selective topics in materials science important to the design, testing, fabrication, and manufacture of materials whose underlying theme is mathematical modeling based in statistical methods. The topics include mass transport in solids, atomic diffusion on surfaces, adsorption and desorption on surfaces, epitaxial growth, degradation of materials, queuing theory, and operations research.

MAT 796 Science Internship

Completion of an internship project (480 hours) at a discipline-related business, nonprofit organization, or government agency, approved and supervised by both the departmental and internship advisors. Includes a formal report in the appropriate professional format, and an oral presentation at an approved venue. Graded Pass/Not Pass only. No more than 6 hours may count toward a masters degree.

MAT 798 Seminar in Materials Science

Prerequisite: candidate for the MS degree in Materials Science. Selected topics in materials science of a theoretical, experimental, or applied nature with an emphasis on recent developments and their impact. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 hours.

MAT 799 Research in Materials Science

Prerequisite: permission. Supervised research in areas of materials science. May be repeated, but no more than 12 hours may be counted toward the MS degree.