When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 6 modules in this course
Periods of our civilization have names associated with materials – stone age, bronze age, iron age and the silicon age. Materials impact all aspects of your daily life and will continue to do so in the future. The more we understand materials, the more we imagine the future with fantastic devices and advancements enabled by materials. This initial specialization introduces a limited number of material science and engineering concepts. The topic presentations are at the concept level without being mired in heavy mathematics. Participation in each course is best done by initially having a firm sense of what MSE does and its impact on society. Topics in this specialization span from atom bonding and crystal structure to diffusion and phase diagrams. Some of the position titles that may benefit from this course include Materials Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer and Materials Quality Control. Others who want to explore the world of materials will find it helpful.
This course introduces students to the basic ideas of materials science and engineering. This course includes an introduction to the relationship between processing, properties, and structure. This course is different from many other courses in that it uses a rudimentary introduction of fundamental concepts materials selection. It also identifies the characteristics and properties of the different families of materials based on their interatomic bonding. Finally, we explore how materials properties vary across the periodic table.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 7 minutes
Specialization Introduction•3 minutes
Instructor Introduction Video, Terry Alford•3 minutes
Module 1: Introduction to Specialization and Course
Module 2•5 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, we will see a high-level overview of materials science and engineering and learn about materials selection, materials families, types of bonding and processing of materials.
Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering•3 minutes
Materials Families and Types of Bonding, Part 1•7 minutes
Materials Families and Types of Bonding, Part 2•7 minutes
Materials Families and Types of Bonding Part 3•8 minutes
Engineering Education•8 minutes
6 readings•Total 183 minutes
Lesson 1 Brief Overview•1 minute
Introduction to Materials Science, Chapter 1, Introduction to Materials•60 minutes
Lesson 2 Brief Overview•1 minute
Intro to Materials Science, Chapter 1, Introduction to Materials•60 minutes
Lesson 3 Brief Overview•1 minute
Introduction to Materials Science, Chapter 1, Introduction to Materials•60 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Introduction to Material Science and Engineering Quiz•30 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 60 minutes
Selection of Materials•30 minutes
Major Types of Materials•30 minutes
Module 2: Atomic Structure and Interatomic Bonding I Property Relationships
Module 3•7 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, we will learn about atomic structure, interatomic bonding and how the location of an element on the periodic table affects its chemical properties. Various examples are discussed.
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to excellence, access and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
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M
MK
5·
Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025
I think this course is essential for every material science students and researchers.
Y
YF
5·
Reviewed on Apr 6, 2024
Very knowledgeable professor who is clearly passionate for the topic!
V
VW
5·
Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025
Hats off to Prof Terry, this was an impactful course for me. His teaching method of breaking things down to the simplest level is applaudable. Thank you
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.