The Materials Science minor at UNH offers an interdisciplinary exploration of materials development and design, essential for technological advancements. You’ll study electronic materials, metal alloys, and polymers, preparing you for diverse technical challenges. With faculty from chemistry, engineering, and physics, you'll gain hands-on research experience and work with industry leaders through partnerships and the NH BioMade biomaterials research center. Ideal for students in sciences, engineering, and business seeking careers in aerospace, electronics, and sustainable energy.
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
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.
Students must complete at least 18 credits and a minimum of five courses, as described below, with C- or better and a minimum 2.0 grade-point average. No more than 8 credits used to satisfy the student's major requirements may be used toward the minor.
| 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
