Program Overview

CSM Mission Statement

• The Colorado School of Mines shall be a specialized baccalaureate and graduate research institution with high admission standards. The Colorado School of Mines shall have a unique mission in energy, mineral, and materials science and engineering and associated engineering and science fields. The school shall be the primary institution of higher education offering energy, mineral and materials science and mineral engineering degrees at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. (Colorado Revised Statutes 23-41-105).

Program Description

Metallurgical and materials engineering plays a role in all manufacturing processes which convert raw materials into useful products adapted to human needs. The primary outcome of the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering program is to provide undergraduates with a fundamental knowledge base associated with materials - processing their properties, and their selection and application. Upon graduation, students would have acquired and developed the necessary background and skills for successful careers in the materials-related industries. Furthermore, the benefits of continued education toward graduate degrees and other avenues, and the pursuit of knowledge in other disciplines should be well inculcated.

The emphasis in the Department is on materials processing operations which encompass: the conversion of mineral and chemical resources into metallic, ceramic or polymeric materials; the synthesis of new materials; refining and processing to produce high performance materials for applications from consumer products to aerospace and electronics; the development of mechanical, chemical and physical properties of materials related to their processing and structure; and the selection of materials for specific applications.

The metallurgical and materials engineering discipline is founded on fundamentals in chemistry, mathematics, and physics that contribute to building the knowledge-base and developing the skills for the processing of materials so as to achieve specifications requested for a particular industrial or advanced product. The engineering principles in this discipline include: crystal structure and structural analysis, thermo dynamics of materials, reaction kinetics, transport phenomena, phase equilibria, phase transformations, microstructural evolution, and properties of materials.

The core discipline fundamentals are applied to a number of materials processes including: extraction and refining of materials, alloy development, casting, mechanical working, joining and forming, ceramic particle process, high temperature reactions and synthesis of engineered materials. In each stage of processing, the effects of resultant microstructures and morphologies on materials properties and performance are emphasized.

The laboratories, located in Nathaniel Hill Hall, are among the best in the nation. The laboratories along with classroom instruction provide for a well integrated education of the undergraduates working towards their baccalaureate degrees. These facilities are well-equipped and dedicated to: particulate and chemical/extraction metallurgical-and-materials processing, foundry science, corrosion and hydro/electro-metallurgical studies, physical and mechanical metallurgy, welding and joining, forming and processing and testing of ceramic materials. Mechanical testing facilities include computerized machines for tensile, compression, torsion, toughness, fatigue, and thermo-mechanical testing.

There are also other highly specialized research laboratories dedicated to: robotics, artificial intelligence, vapor deposition, and plasma and high-temperature reaction systems. Support analytical laboratories for surface analysis, emission spectrometry, X-ray analysis, optical microscopy and image analysis, electron microscopy, including an analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy, and micro-thermal-analysis/mass spectrometry. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering involves all of the processes which transform precursor materials into final engineered products adapted to human needs. The object of the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering program is to impart a fundamental knowledge of materials processing, properties, selection and application in order to provide graduates with the background and skills needed for successful careers in materials related industries, for continued education toward graduate degrees, and for the pursuit of knowledge in other disciplines.

Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME) Program Educational Objectives

The Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME) program emphasizes the structure, properties, processing and performance of materials and, as such, is designed to support five primary education objectives that will be demonstrated by recent graduates of the program. The MME program is designed and implemented so as to develop graduates who:

1. Have a broad knowledge base of materials.
2. Can apply fundamental materials-concepts to solve problems.
3. Have written and oral communication skills as well as teamwork skills to be successful in their careers.
4. Understand the importance for self-acquisition of knowledge and continuing education.
5. Can employ their breadth of knowledge so that they are able to provide a range of solutions to a wide range of materials-engineering problems, and ultimately an optimal choice.

The five MME program educational objectives were determined by using inputs from program constituencies (faculty, students, visiting committee, industry/recruiters, alumni). The MME program educational objectives are consistent with those of Colorado School of Mines (CSM). CSM is a school of engineering and applied science institution, dedicated to the education and training of students who will be stewards of the earth's resources.

Program Assessment

The MME program outcomes represent a consensus of the MME faculty and other constituencies across a broad range of engineering disciplines. The MME program outcomes require that the graduating senior acquires a specific minimum level of proficiency and/or experience in the:

1. Application of mathematics and engineering science
2. Design and conducting of experiments
3. Analysis and interpretation of data
4. Design of systems, components and processes
5. Ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
6. Identification, formulation and solution of engineering problems
7. Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
8. Ability to communicate effectively
9. Ability to understand solutions in a global or societal context
10. Recognition of the need to engage in lifelong learning
11. Knowledge of contemporary issues
12. Ability to use techniques, skills, and tools in engineering practice
13. Computer programming
14. Capstone design

Profile of the CSM Graduate

• All CSM graduates must have depth in an area of specialization, enhanced by hands-on experiential learning, and breadth in allied fields. They must have the knowledge and skills to be able to recognize, define and solve problems by applying sound scientific and engineering principles. These attributes uniquely distinguish our graduates to better function in increasingly competitive and diverse technical professional environments.
  
• Graduates must have the skills to communicate information, concepts and ideas effectively orally, in writing, and graphically. They must be skilled in the retrieval, interpretation and development of technical information by various means, including the use of computer-aided techniques.
  
• Graduates should have the flexibility to adjust to the ever-changing professional environment and appreciate diverse approaches to understanding and solving society's problems. They should have the creativity, resourcefulness, receptivity and breadth of interests to think critically about a wide range of cross-disciplinary issues. They should be prepared to assume leadership roles and possess the skills and attitudes which promote teamwork and cooperation and to continue their own growth through lifelong learning.
  
• Graduates should be capable of working effectively in an international environment, and be able to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world where borders between cultures and economies are becoming less distinct. They should appreciate the traditions and languages of other cultures, and value diversity in their own society.
  
• Graduates should exhibit ethical behavior and integrity. They should also demonstrate perseverance and have pride in accomplishment. They should assume a responsibility to enhance their professions through service and leadership and should be responsible citizens who serve society, particularly through stewardship of the environment.