University of Pennsylvania · Courses

MSE

64 courses with the subject MSE, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.

MSE 0099Undergraduate Research and/or

Independent Study (may substitute for one required course with permission)

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 1010Introduction to Materials Science & Engineering

Everything you see around you has one thing in common - it is made of a material. In this course, we will explore how most of the world’s largest problems (health, energy, clean water, infrastructure, sustainable cities, transportation etc.) have MSE at the heart of the solution. Students will be given an overview of the different classes of materials and how advances in structure, properties, processing and performance lead to new end-user applications that have changed and will continue to change the world around us. Students will learn how technologies are commercialized and the hurdles that need to be addressed if a technology will ever make it to market. Hurdles such as understanding the decision makers along a value chain, regulatory challenges and unit economics will be explored. Students will also be given the opportunity to learn about how things are made and will design their very own pint glass to be laser engraved and will make their very own ceramic beer stein. There is a ﬁnal project that will be done in groups where teams will explore an industrial area and the materials science behind solving the biggest problems for that industry.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 2010Materials Lab I

This is the ﬁrst of three 0.5 CU required laboratory courses in the undergraduate MSE program. This course will focus on applying introductory materials science principles, in tandem with those from prior physics and chemistry courses, to study the properties of metals, polymers, and glasses. Students will apply many of the concepts that are taught in the concurrent course, MSE 2200. Hands-on laboratory skills that will be developed include thermal testing and characterization, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical testing, effects of thermal treatment on material properties, and the basics of MATLAB applied to lab work. In addition, students will develop professional skills regarding working safely and effectively in a team- based laboratory setting, basics of statistics and error analysis, and analyzing and presenting data in written reports and presentations. ENGR 1050 recommended.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 2020Materials Lab II

This is the second of three 0.5CU required laboratory courses in the undergraduate MSE program. This course will build on the experimental and professional skills introduced in MSE 2010 and will reinforce concurrent lecture courses in materials thermodynamics and opto- electronics of materials. Hands-on experimental skills to be developed include phase transformations in metals and characterization using electron microscopy image analysis, thin-ﬁlm fabrication methods and measurement techniques, nano-materials synthesis (including quantum dot technologies) and characterization of size and optical properties, and characterization of next-generation photovoltaic materials. Students will expand on their MATLAB skills for image analysis, I-V curve plotting, and presentation of high-quality ﬁgures for technical reports and presentations. Students will also be exposed to material life-cycle analysis, device sensitivity, and sustainability and how they each apply to materials design.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 2150Introduction to Functional Materials: From1

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 2200Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering

The course is an introduction to the most important concepts in materials science and engineering. You will learn how the control of chemical bonding, synthesis, processing, structure and defects can be used to tailor the properties and performance of materials for applications that range from sustainable sources of energy, to construction, to consumer electronics. Case studies are also included to highlight environmental issues associated with materials degradation. This course includes lab demonstrations of key materials properties and a ﬁnal project where students research an area of materials technology of their own interest.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 2210Quantum Physics of Materials1

or PHYS 1240 Principles of Physics IV: Modern Physics (without laboratory) or PHYS 1250 Principles of Physics IV: Modern Physics

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 2600Energetics of Macro and Nano-scale Materials

Basic principles of chemical thermodynamics as applied to macro and nano-sized materials. This course will cover the fundamentals of classical thermodynamics as applied to the calculation and prediction of phase stability, chemical reactivity and synthesis of materials systems. The size-dependent properties of nano-sized systems will be explored through the incorporation of the thermodynamic properties of surfaces. The prediction of the phase stability of two and three component systems will be illustrated through the calculation and interpretation of phase diagrams for metallic, semiconductor, inorganic systems.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 2960Study Abroad

1 Course Unit

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 3010Materials Lab III

This is the third of three 0.5CU required laboratory courses in the undergraduate MSE program. The culmination of the lab program, this course will focus on applying advanced materials science principles taught in concurrent lecture courses to crystallographic techniques and analysis, and to measurements of polymers and soft materials. Students will employ many of the experimental and professional skills developed in past lab experiences; new hands-on laboratory skills to be covered include synthesis of ceramic super-conductor materials and effects of processing on properties, X-ray diffraction and X-ray scattering, and surface modiﬁcation and contact angle measurements. Students will also be responsible for proposing an independent set of experiments to study a given material that will test their mastery of experimental equipment, procedures, and associated data analysis. In addition, students will develop professional skills surrounding preparing professional technical reports and presentations in a team setting.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 3300Self-Assembly of Soft Materials

Soft matter is found in diverse applications including sports (helmets & cloths); food (chocolate, egg); consumer products (e.g., lotions and shampoo); and devices (displays, electronics). Whereas solids and liquids are typically hard and crystalline or soft and fluid, respectively, soft matt can exhibit both solid and liquid like behavior. In this class, we investigat the thermodynamic and dynamic principles common to soft matter as well as soft (weak) forces, self-assembly and phase behavior. Classes of matter include colloidal particles, polymers, liquid crystalline molecules, amphiphilic molecules, biomacromolecules/membranes, and food.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 3600Structure at the Nanoscale

To understand the atomic arrangements of crystalline matter, this class focuses on crystallography, symmetry, and diffraction techniques. The ﬁrst half focuses on learning how to describe the structure of crystalline matter through the basics of crystallography and symmetry by introducing two-dimensional symmetry operations, point, and plane groups; this knowledge is then extended into three-dimensions to arrive at an understanding of space lattices and space groups. The second half is concerned with applying this information to understand structures through various diffraction and microscopy techniques.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 3930Materials Selection

Throughout mankind's history, materials have played a critical role in civilization and technology. The selection of materials has been based on availability and functionality. The rapid advances of materials technologies in the last 150 years have made nearly all classes and forms of materials available. However, this increased material availability comes at a cost, not only in terms of the ﬁnancial cost of manufacturing advanced materials, but also in terms of the environmental impact for material extraction, processing, and synthesis. The next generation of materials scientists and engineers will thus need to both understand how to optimally select materials from an ever-expanding universe of possibilities while also accounting for the environmental and societal impacts of their material choices. This course introduces materials selection as an optimization process, considering trade-offs in design performance, ﬁnancial cost, and environmental sustainability. By the end of the course, students can expect to acquire a level of engineering familiarity with a broad range of materials and their properties, while being prepared to undertake environmentally responsible material design projects in critical applications in energy, sustainability, and healthcare, among others. Prerequisite: Junior standing or approval of the instructor.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4050Mechanical Properties of Macro/Nanoscale1

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4080Materials in Catalysis and Electrocatalysis

This course examines catalysis from a materials science and engineering perspective, treating catalysts as functional materials whose structure, composition, defects, and stability govern activity, selectivity, and stability. Both heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis are covered, with emphasis on how different driving forces influence the structure, chemistry, and performance of solid catalytic materials. Topics include qualitative thermodynamic and kinetic descriptors of catalytic activity, structure–activity relationships, catalyst synthesis and processing, transport and environmental effects, catalyst degradation and evolution under reaction conditions. Emphasis is placed on linking materials structure and chemistry to catalytic function through concepts and contemporary case studies from energy and sustainability applications. The course combines lectures with literature-based discussions to develop critical engagement with current research.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4280Solid-State Materials Chemistry

This course explores the chemistry and synthesis of materials, focusing on how their properties change with scale and composition. Topics include metals, alloys, nanomaterials, surface chemistry, porous materials, ceramics, and non-crystalline inorganic solids, with discussions of their roles in catalysis and energy applications. Students will learn key synthesis techniques, explore the role of AI in materials discovery, and gain a foundational understanding of the chemical principles that govern material properties. The course combines lectures and journal discussions to equip students with the knowledge to engage with cutting-edge topics.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4300Introduction to Polymers1

MSE/BE 5850 Materials for Bioelectronics 1 Select 2 of the following: 2

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4400Phase Transformations

The phase of a material is dependent upon temperature, thermal history, and other variables such as pressure and composition. In this course concepts of metallurgical thermodynamics and kinetics are used to study phase transformations to produce materials with desired properties. Subjects covered include diffusion in solids, crystal interfaces (coherent, semi-coherent, incoherent interfaces), nucleation and growth, equilibrium and nonequilibrium solidiﬁcation processes, solid state transformations (nucleation and growth of precipitates, GP-Zone formation, Ostwald's step rule, order-disorder transition, spinodal decomposition, martensitic transformation).

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4550Electrochemical Engineering of Materials

After introducing basic electrochemical concepts including cell potential and cell thermodynamics, electrochemical kinetics, mass transport and cell overpotentials, redox reactions, electrolytic versus galvanic cells, standard reduction potentials, and key reactions in electrochemical energy conversion and storage, this course will cover the broad impact of electrochemical phenomena on materials. Topics that will be discussed include: (1) materials for lithium-ion battery electrodes, (2) materials extraction from their ores to ﬁnished products using electrochemical methods, (3) materials degradation by electrochemical corrosion, (4) Three-dimensional nanostructured materials by selective electrochemical corrosion. Students will be engaged in interactive classroom activities and hands-on electrochemical experiments (this year —fall 2026 — students will learn to cycle LiMn2O4 coin cell batteries).

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4600Computational Materials Science1

Total Course Units 12.5 The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding ﬁnal certiﬁcations and requirements for graduation.

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4650/5650 Fabrication and Characterization of Micro1

and Nanostructured Materials Select 2 courses from the following: 2

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4950Senior Design

The senior design course is a two-semester capstone program that gives students the opportunity to design and execute an original experimental or theoretical project in materials science, engineering, or product/device development that is solving a real world problem. Students will work closely with a scientiﬁc advisor in their lab and meet once a week in the classroom to learn from an innovative curriculum that will build real-world skills in the context of their research and design project. These skills include project management, networking, teamwork, impactful written and verbal communications, upward management, self-reflection and feedback. Students will also learn how to design research in the context of having an impact on the world. This will be through weekly vignettes of innovative materials science solutions that solve problems in industries ranging from construction to healthcare to consumer products.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 4960Senior Design1

Math and Natural Science

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5000Experimental Methods in Materials Science

This laboratory course introduces students to a variety of experimental methods used in materials science and engineering. Hands-on training will be provided for atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and scattering, mechanical testing with image capture, and dynamic light scattering. Students will use numerous software packages for data collection and analysis, as well as being introduced to LabVIEW as a method for customizing experiments. In addition, students will see demonstrations of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron diffraction and analyze data from these methods. The format for the course will include a weekly lecture (1.5 hours), a weekly lab session (4 hours) and six assignments. Prerequisite: Permission of the Undergraduate Curriculum Chair and Instructor

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5020Sustainability of Materials

Mechatronic and Robotic Systems

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5050Mechanical Properties of Macro/Nanoscale Materials

The application of continuum and microstructural concepts to elasticity and plasticity and the mechanisms of plastic flow and fracture in metals, polymers and ceramics. Topics covered include elasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity, crystal defects, strengthening, crystallographic effects, twinning, creep and fatigue. Emphasis will be on mathematical and physical understanding rather than problem solving.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5060Failure Analysis of Engineering Materials

or MEAM 5060 Failure Analysis of Engineering Materials

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5070Fundamentals of Materials

or MEAM 5070

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5080Materials in Catalysis and Electrocatalysis

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5150Mathematical Methods for Engineering Applications

According to Galileo, the book of Nature is written in the language of mathematics. Physics is often regarded as the poetry of mathematics. A ﬁrm grasp of mathematical techniques is essential to understand the physical nature of matter. Good familiarity with mathematics also helps a student to comprehend and develop scientiﬁc ideas. Most fundamental problems in physical sciences may be impossible to solve because of the complexity of Nature. However, a well-formulated simple mathematical problem may indeed be solvable and give a preliminary understanding of the underlying physical phenomena. It is, thus, essential for graduate students to be exposed to standard topics in mathematics and understand how mathematical tools are applied to physical sciences and engineering problems. This course focuses on applications of mathematical methods. No rigorous mathematical derivations are included. The course covers ﬁve major topics listed below. 1. Complex Analysis 2. Integral Transforms (Fourier and Laplace) 3. Linear Algebra (Transformations and Tensors) 4. Sturm-Liouville Theory of Linear Differential Equations 5. Partial Differential equations These topics ﬁnd applications in understanding the Quantum mechanical, electronic, optical, mechanical properties of materials, solving electromagnetic, sound elastic wave propagations in different media, diffusion and its kinetics and Machine Learning.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5180Structure and Function of Biological Materials

Biological materials display unique properties that give rise to important biological functions. This graduate course will cover topics related to structure and function of biological materials. Students will learn basic principles in assembly and hierarchy of biological materials and biological cellular structure and composition. Lectures will cover biomineralization and inorganic materials, structure and properties of bone and cartilage, biopolymers and elastomers, solid foams and cartilage, and functional and bioinspired materials. Students will critically review assigned scientiﬁc papers in group discussion. Groups will be assigned to propose a scientiﬁc project related to biological materials. Groups will give a ﬁnal presentation and submit a 3-6-page written proposal. Individual assessments will include problem sets and two midterm exams. The goal for the course is for students to apply their skills and background in materials science to deepen their understanding of the structure and function of biological materials. Lessons from this course will help students identify new research topics in biological materials science that could be relevant for their graduate studies.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5200Structure of Materials

Crystal structure and bonding. Symmetry: line, plane, point, and space groups. Symmetry considerations in structure-property relations. Physical optics, diffraction as Fourier transforms. Effects of size, shape, temperature and distortion on diffraction intensity. Diffraction of gas, liquid, ﬁbers, and DNA. Diffuse scattering, order/disorder. Pair distribution function, inverse problem, small angle scattering. Radiation-matter interaction, scattering physics, atomic and electronic spectroscopy.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu
Prerequisite: Permission of the Undergraduate Curriculum Chair and

MSE 5250Nanoscale Science and Engineering

or ESE 5250 Nanoscale Science and Engineering

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5280Optical Information Processing for2

rse Materials Characterization its MSE/BE 5850 Materials for Bioelectronics

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 2
Credits (max): 2
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5300Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria

Fundamental elements of engineering thermodynamics, statistical thermodynamics, chemical thermodynamics and defect thermodynamics. Thermodynamic functions, stability, phase transitions, mixtures (gases, condensed matter, polymer solution), defects and interfaces. Phase diagrams and predominance diagrams. Applications to energy problems (engines, efﬁciency, power, electrochemical cells) and properties (Curie's law, rubber elasticity, speciﬁc heat, phonon/photon spectra, constitutive equations, equation of states). Prerequisite: Permission of the Undergraduate Curriculum Chair and instructor

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5360Electronic Properties of Materials

MSE 5370 or MEAM 5370

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5370Nanotribology

Engineering is progressing to ever smaller scales, enabling new technologies, materials, devices, and applications. This course will provide an introduction to nano-scale tribology and the critical role it plays in the developing areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology. We will discuss how contact, adhesion, friction, lubrication, and wear at interfaces originate, using an integrated approach that combines concepts of mechanics, materials science, chemistry, and physics. We will cover a range of concepts and applications, drawing connections to both established and new approaches. We will discuss the limits of continuum mechanics and present newly developed theories and experiments tailored to describe micro- and nano-scale phenomena. We will emphasize speciﬁc applications throughout the course. Reading of scientiﬁc literature, critical peer discussion, individual and team proble assignments, and a peer-reviewed literature research project will be assigned as part of the course. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MEAM 3540 or MEAM 5190 or MSE/MEAM 5040 or equivalent required, or consent of instructor. Experience with mathematical analysis software (e.g. Matlab, Python) is required. Not Offered Every Year Also Offered As: MEAM 5370 1 Course Unit University of Pennsylvania Catalog 2275

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5380Phase Transformations

The phase in a material is dependent upon temperature, thermal history, and other variables such as pressure and composition. In this course, concepts of metallurgical thermodynamics and kinetics are used to study phase transformations to efﬁciently process materials with a desired structure (phase), which enables remarkable properties and subsequently, superior performance. Subjects covered include diffusion in solids, crystal interfaces (coherent, semi-coherent, incoherent interfaces), nucleation and growth, equilibrium and nonequilibrium solidiﬁcation processes, solid-state transformations (nucleation and growth of precipitates, GP-Zone formation, Ostwald's step rule, order- disorder transition, spinodal decomposition, martensitic transformation). Recommended prerequisite: For GS: Permission from the instructor (in Spring 2026, approximately 5 GS will be admitted)

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5400Kinetics of Materials1

Select 3 CU's non-core courses

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5440Computational Science of Energy and

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5450Materials for Energy and Environmental

roﬁt

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5460Solid-State Materials Chemistry

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5480Materials Science and Market Signals in

Clean Energy Supply Chains

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5500Elasticity and Micromechanics of Materials

or MEAM 5190 Elasticity and Micromechanics of Materials

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5550Electrochemical Engineering of Materials

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5610Atomic Modeling in Materials Science

This course covers two major aspects of atomic level computer modeling in materials. 1. Methods: Molecular statics, Molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, Kinetic Monte Carlo as well as methods of analysis of the results such as radial distribution function, thermodynamics deduced from the molecular dynamics, fluctuations, correlations and autocorrelations. 2. Semi-empirical descriptions of atomic interactions: pair potentials, embedded atom method, covalent bonding, ionic bonding. Basics of the density functional theory. Mechanics, condensed matter physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics needed in interpretations are briefly explained. No prior coding experience is required. Students will be taught the basics of python in the ﬁrst week of class.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5650Fabrication and Characterization of Micro

and Nanostructured Materials

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5700Physics of Materials I

Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) exploits fundamental principles of quantum mechanics for generating, processing, transmitting, and sensing quantum information to fundamentally transform our current technologies ranging from computing, communication, sensing, imaging and drug discovery. Even current technologies such as integrated circuits and devices used to power our information technology infrastructure (lasers, LEDs, modulators, detectors) also requires quantum mechanics to understand their behavior. Materials are the core of all technologies and their properties are determined by quantum principles. To understand the impact of quantum phenomena determining the novel properties of cutting-edge materials, we will combine traditional lecture style to learn the fundamental tools and techniques of quantum mechanics and then discuss some landmark scientiﬁc papers where quantum phenomena play a central role in materials, devices and technologies. In the last few weeks of the course, we will discuss the latest progress made in the area of quantum materials with focus towards applications in quantum computers, communications, sensors and medical technologies. We will also discuss the role of artiﬁcial intelligence and machine learning to discover new quantum materials with precise responses and its impact on future technologies. These discussions will be based on assigned reading of the relevant literature followed by open but supervised discussions to understand their relevance and impact. In parallel, we will make teams of 2 students to research (under supervision) literature in a speciﬁc area of quantum materials to develop a plan for a detailed term paper that will be evaluated based on the content, presentation and a written paper.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5750Statistical Mechanics

Statistical Mechanics is a unique branch of physics that permeates our understanding of matter at all length scales, from nanometers to stellar dimensions, and ranging in temperatures from pico-Kelvin (or lower) to billions of degrees Kelvin. This course will provide an overview of select topics in equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. The course will introduce the basic postulates of classical and quantum equilibrium statistical mechanics, explain the methodology of calculating observable properties, and discuss several applications in diverse ﬁelds. The second part of the course will introduce the methodology of non- equilibrium processes and discussing important theorems and results in the linear response regime. Finally, a brief discussion of systems far from equilibrium will be presented. Select applications from condensed matter physics, chemistry, materials science, biology, astrophysics, economics and meteorology will be used to illustrate the fundamental principles.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5760Machine Learning and Its Applications in Materials Science

Beginning with a review of linear algebra, probability theory, Bayesian statistics, Statistical Mechanics notions of entropy, information and optimization tools, some of the major advances in deep learning over the past twenty years will be discussed in detail. These include the multilayer perceptron (MLP), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural networks (RNN), autoencoders, graph networks, Boltzmann machine, variational autoencoders and deep generative adversarial models. In conjunction with the weekly lectures, a set of labs will be offered (roughly 2 per month) that will demonstrate the workings of important models using data derived from Materials Science research papers and MSE databases. The labs will also complement the contents of the homework sets for each fortnight. The lab sessions will implement the following models: linear regression, logistic regression, random forest model, single layer and multi-layer perceptron, CNN, RNN, graph neural networks and general adversarial networks. A variety of data sets representing material properties for varied applications will be used in the labs. The homework sets will use additional data sets. For students with no prior coding skills, a preliminary Python Lab 0 tutorial will be held in the ﬁrst week of classes. Students may obtain assistance from the TAs for coding logic and help with homework during ofﬁce hours. A written project is due in the ﬁnal week of classes. Students will submit a 1-2 page synopsis of a published paper from a peer-reviewed journal that uses ML and DL methods. This report will be graded on the student’s ability to summarize the paper’s ideas, results and discussions for future work.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5800/ Introduction to Polymers

CBE 5100

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5850Materials for Bioelectronics

or BE 5850 Materials for Bioelectronics

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 5990Master's Indep Study

tbd

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 6100Transmission Electron Microscopy

Theory and application of transmission electron microscopy methods to problems in materials science and engineering, condensed matter physics, soft matter, polymeric materials , inorganic chemistry and chemical engineering. The principles of microscope operation, electron scattering, image formation and spectroscopy will be described, with an emphasis on both theory and experiment. With laboratory. Not Offered Every Year 1 Course Unit

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 6110Advanced Synchrotron and Electron

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 6400Optical Materials

This course discusses the optical properties of modern materials engineered for speciﬁc functionality and covers exciting new developments being made in this rapidly evolving ﬁeld. Emphasis is placed on how modern nanotechnology reshapes the light-matter interaction and delivers novel optical properties that are not available in nature.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 6500Mechanics of Soft and Biomaterials

or MEAM 6500 Mechanics of Soft and Biomaterials

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 6990MSE Seminar (taken each semester)

Responsible Conduct of Research Requirement

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 7900Selected Topics in Materials Science and1

Engineering (Energy, Water, and Materials for the AI Economy) Select 5.5 course units of electives 5.5 MBA Core Requirements 9.5 Total Course Units 19 In order to enroll in non-Wharton courses, Wharton MBA policy is to email mbaprogram@wharton.upenn.edu. In addition, to obtain permission to count a non-Wharton course toward the BEES major, please contact Sara Jane McCaffrey at mcsa@wharton.upenn.edu. Such petitions should be submitted prior to the start of the semester in which the course will be taken, or at the latest, within the ﬁrst two weeks of the semester. Pass/Fail courses may not be counted toward the major.”

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 8950Teaching Practicum

Fall or Spring1 Course Unit

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 8990Independent Study: Special Research2

PHYS 5000-9999 CHEM 5000-9999 ESE 5000-9999 MEAM 5000-9999 BE 5000-9999 CBE 5000-9999 CIS 5000-9999 Wharton courses 5000-9999 Select 2 CU's elective courses

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 2
Credits (max): 2
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 9950Dissertation

PhD DissertationFall or Spring3 Course Units

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 9990Master's Thesis

For students working on an advanced research program leading to the completion of master's thesis requirements.

Subject: MSE
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

MSE 9999Independent Study Research1

1 CU non-core course 1

Subject: MSE
Credits (min): 1
Credits (max): 1
Type: course
Edition: 2026-2027
Source: catalog.upenn.edu

Source: University of Pennsylvania's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59