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3.372 | Lightweighting and Structural Optimization | Presents modern processes, technologies, and methods used to develop lighter vehicular structures critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering costs. Explores how materials design, solid mechanics, mechanical engineering, manufacturing technologies, joining technologies, and numerical optimization are all brought to task to effect real-world lightweighting of both primary and secondary vehicle structures. Additionally, since important lessons are in past designs, the evolution of lightweight design in aerospace, automotive, and bicycles are presented and defining aspects from milestone designs are critically assessed. Students taking graduate version submit additional work. | true | Spring | Graduate | 3-0-9 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.373 | Computing Fabrics | Highlights connections between industrialization, products, and advances in fibers and fabrics. Discusses the evolution of technologies in their path from basic scientific research to scaled production and global markets, with the ultimate objective of identifying and investigating the degrees of freedom that make fabrics such a powerful form of synthetic engineering and product expression. Topics explored, in part through interactions with industry speakers, include: fiber, yarn, textiles and fabric materials, structure-property relations, and practical demonstrations to anticipate future textile products. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 20. | true | Spring | Graduate | 2-4-6 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.39 | Industrial Challenges in Metallic Materials Selection | Advanced metals and alloy design with emphasis in advanced steels and non-ferrous alloys. Applies physical metallurgy concepts to solve specific problems aiming at sustainable, efficient and safer engineered solutions. Discusses industrial challenges involving metallic materials selection and manufacturing for different value chains and industrial segments. Includes applications in essential segments of modern life such as transportation, energy and strutuctural applications. Recognizing steel as an essential engineering material, the course will cover manufacturing and end-uses of advanced steels ranging from microalloyed steels to highly alloyed steels. Materials for very low temperature applications such as superconducting materials and for higher temperature applications such as superalloys will also be covered. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.20 or permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.40[J] | Modern Physical Metallurgy | Focuses on the links between the processing, structure, and properties of metals and alloys. First, the physical bases for strength, stiffness, and ductility are discussed with reference to crystallography, defects, and microstructure. Second, phase transformations and microstructural evolution are studied in the context of alloy thermodynamics and kinetics. Together, these components comprise the modern paradigm for designing metallic microstructures for optimized properties. Concludes with a focus on processing-microstructure-property relationships in structural engineering alloys. Students taking the graduate version explore the subject in greater depth. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | (3.20 and 3.22) or permission of instructor | 22.71[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.41 | Colloids, Surfaces, Absorption, Capillarity, and Wetting Phenomena | Integrates elements of physics and chemistry toward the study of material surfaces. Begins with classical colloid phenomena and the interaction between surfaces in different media. Discusses the mechanisms of surface charge generation as well as how dispersion forces are created and controlled. Continues with exploration of chemical absorption processes and surface design of inorganic and organic materials. Includes examples in which such surface design can be used to control critical properties of materials in applications. Addresses lastly how liquids interact with solids as viewed by capillarity and wetting phenomena. Studies how materials are used in processes and applications that are intended to control liquids, and how the surface chemistry and structure of those materials makes such applications possible. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.20 and 3.21 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.42 | Electronic Materials Design | Extensive and intensive examination of structure-processing-property correlations for a wide range of materials including metals, semiconductors, dielectrics, and optical materials. Topics covered include defect equilibria; junction characteristics; photodiodes, light sources and displays; bipolar and field effect transistors; chemical, thermal and mechanical transducers; data storage. Emphasis on materials design in relation to device performance. | true | Spring | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.23 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.43[J] | Integrated Microelectronic Devices | Covers physics of microelectronic semiconductor devices for integrated circuit applications. Topics include semiconductor fundamentals, p-n junction, metal-oxide semiconductor structure, metal-semiconductor junction, MOS field-effect transistor, and bipolar junction transistor. Emphasizes physical understanding of device operation through energy band diagrams and short-channel MOSFET device design and modern device scaling. Familiarity with MATLAB recommended. | true | Fall | Graduate | 4-0-8 | 3.42 or 6.2500 | 6.6500[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.44 | Materials Processing for Micro- and Nano-Systems | Processing of bulk, thin film, and nanoscale materials for applications in electronic, magnetic, electromechanical, and photonic devices and microsystems. Topics include growth of bulk, thin-film, nanoscale single crystals via vapor and liquid phase processes; formation, patterning and processing of thin films, with an emphasis on relationships among processing, structure, and properties; and processing of systems of nanoscale materials. Examples from materials processing for applications in high-performance integrated electronic circuits, micro-/nano-electromechanical devices and systems and integrated sensors. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.20 and 3.21 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.45 | Magnetic Materials | Topics include origin of magnetism in materials, magnetic domains and domain walls, magnetostatics, anisotropy, antiferro- and ferrimagnetism, magnetization dynamics, spintronics, magnetism in thin films and nanoparticles, magnetotransport phenomena, and magnetic characterization. Discusses a range of applications, including magnetic recording, spintronic memory, magnetoopical devices, and multiferroics. Assignments include problem sets and a term paper on a magnetic device or technology. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Spring | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.23 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.46 | Photonic Materials and Devices | Optical materials design for semiconductors, dielectrics and polymers. Ray optics, electromagnetic optics and guided wave optics. Physics of light-matter interactions. Device design principles: LEDs, lasers, photodetectors, modulators, fiber and waveguide interconnects, optical filters, and photonic crystals. Device processing: crystal growth, substrate engineering, thin film deposition, etching and process integration for dielectric, silicon and compound semiconductor materials. Microphotonic integrated circuits. Telecom/datacom systems. Assignments include three design projects that emphasize materials, devices and systems applications. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.23 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.48 | Measurement Science for Materials Research | Covers essentials of measurement science, including instrumentation, instrument-computer interfacing, experimental design, calibration and systematic errors, measurement statistics, data representation, and elements of data analysis, including model selection and statistical analysis. Structured around a series of case studies chosen by the class. Options include: electrical and Hall conductivity measurements, semiconductor junction measurements, spectroscopy (including photoluminescence, Raman, and photoelectron), magnetometry, elemental composition analysis and depth profiling, atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation, dynamical correlations and related measurements, and measuring pressure (from ultra-high vacuum to megabar). Familiarity with coding and data analysis required. Specific measurement challenges in the students' own research discussed. | true | Fall | Graduate | 4-0-8 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.50 | Sustainable Chemical Metallurgy | Covers principles of metal extraction processes. Provides a direct application of the fundamentals of thermodynamics and kinetics to the industrial production of metals from their ores, e.g. iron, aluminum, or reactive metals and silicon. Discusses the corresponding economics and global challenges. Addresses advanced techniques for sustainable metal extraction, particularly with respect to greenhouse gas emissions. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Spring | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.030 or permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.53 | Electrochemical Processing of Materials | Thermodynamic and transport properties of aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes. The electrode/electrolyte interface. Kinetics of electrode processes. Electrochemical characterization: d.c. techniques (controlled potential, controlled current), a.c. techniques (voltametry and impedance spectroscopy). Applications: electrowinning, electrorefining, electroplating, and electrosynthesis, as well as electrochemical power sources (batteries and fuel cells). | true | Spring | Graduate | 3-0-6 | 3.044 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.55[J] | Ionics and Its Applications | Discusses valence states of ions and how ions and charge move in liquid and solid states. Introduces molten salt systems and how they are used in nuclear energy and processing. Addresses corrosion and the environmental degradation of structural materials. Examines the applications of ionics and electrochemistry in industrial processing, computing, new energy technologies, and recycling and waste treatment. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | null | 22.76[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.560 | Industrial Ecology of Materials | Covers quantitative techniques to address principles of substitution, dematerialization, and waste mining implementation in materials systems. Includes life-cycle and materials flow analysis of the impacts of materials extraction; processing; use; and recycling for materials, products, and services. Student teams undertake a case study regarding materials and technology selection using the latest methods of analysis and computer-based models of materials process. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.20 or permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.57 | Materials Selection, Design, and Economics | A survey of techniques for analyzing how the choice of materials, processes, and design determine properties, performance, and cost. Topics include production and cost functions, mathematical optimization, evaluation of single and multi-attribute utility, decision analysis, materials property charts, and performance indices. Students use analytical techniques to develop a plan for starting a new materials-related business. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-6 | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.64[J] | Materials Physics of Neural Interfaces | Builds a foundation of physical principles underlying electrical, optical, and magnetic approaches to neural recording and stimulation. Discusses neural recording probes and materials considerations that influence the quality of the signals and longevity of the probes in the brain. Students then consider physical foundations for optical recording and modulation. Introduces magnetism in the context of biological systems. Focuses on magnetic neuromodulation methods and touches upon magnetoreception in nature and its physical limits. Includes team projects that focus on designing electrical, optical, or magnetic neural interface platforms for neuroscience. Concludes with an oral final exam consisting of a design component and a conversation with the instructor. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | Permission of instructor | 9.670[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.65 | Soft Matter Characterization | Focuses on the design and execution of advanced experiments to characterize soft materials, such as synthetic and natural polymers, biological composites, and supramolecular nanomaterials. Each week focuses on a new characterization technique explored through interactive lectures, demonstrations, and practicum sessions in which students gain experience in key experimental aspects of soft matter sample preparation and characterization. Among others, topics include chemical characterization, rheology and viscometry, microscopy, and spectroscopic analyses. Limited to 15. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.69 | Teaching Fellows Seminar | Provides instruction to help prepare students for teaching at an advanced level and for industry or academic career paths. Topics include preparing a syllabus, selecting a textbook, scheduling assignments and examinations, lecture preparation, "chalk and talk" vs. electronic presentations, academic honesty and discipline, preparation of examinations, grading practices, working with teaching assistants, working with colleagues, mentoring outside the classroom, pursuing academic positions, teaching through technical talks, and successful grant writing strategies. | true | Fall | Graduate | 2-0-1 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.691 | Teaching Materials Science and Engineering | Provides classroom or laboratory teaching experience under the supervision of faculty member(s). Students assist faculty by preparing instructional materials, leading discussion groups, and monitoring students' progress. Limited to Course 3 undergraduates selected by Teaching Assignments Committee. | true | Fall, Spring | Undergraduate | 0-1-0 [P/D/F] | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.692 | Teaching Materials Science and Engineering | Provides classroom or laboratory teaching experience under the supervision of faculty member(s). Students assist faculty by preparing instructional materials, leading discussion groups, and monitoring students' progress. Credit arranged on a case-by-case basis and reviewed by the department. Limited to Course 3 undergraduates selected by Teaching Assignments Committee. | true | Fall, Spring | Undergraduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.694 | Teaching Materials Science and Engineering | Laboratory, tutorial, or classroom teaching under the supervision of a faculty member. Students selected by interview. Enrollment limited by availability of suitable teaching assignments. | true | Spring | Graduate | rranged | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.693-3.699 | Teaching Materials Science and Engineering | Laboratory, tutorial, or classroom teaching under the supervision of a faculty member. Students selected by interview. Enrollment limited by availability of suitable teaching assignments. | true | IAP | Graduate | rranged | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.70 | Materials Science and Engineering of Clean Energy | Develops the materials principles, limitations and challenges in clean energy technologies, including solar, energy storage, thermoelectrics, fuel cells, and novel fuels. Draws correlations between the limitations and challenges related to key figures of merit and the basic underlying thermodynamic, structural, transport, and physical principles, as well as to the means for fabricating devices exhibiting optimum operating efficiencies and extended life at reasonable cost. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Spring | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.20, 3.23, or permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.903[J] | Seminar in Polymers and Soft Matter | A series of seminars covering a broad spectrum of topics in polymer science and engineering, featuring both on- and off-campus speakers. | true | Fall, Spring | Graduate | 2-0-0 [P/D/F] | null | 10.960[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.930 | Internship Program | Provides academic credit for first approved materials science and engineering internship. For reporting requirements, consult the faculty internship program coordinator. Limited to Course 3 internship track majors. | true | Fall, Spring, Summer | Undergraduate | 0-6-0 [P/D/F] | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.931 | Internship Program | Provides academic credit for second approved materials science and engineering internship in the year following completion of 3.930. For reporting requirements consult the faculty internship program coordinator. Limited to Course 3 internship track majors. | true | Fall, Spring, Summer | Undergraduate | 0-6-0 | 3.930 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.932 | Industrial Practice | Provides academic credit to graduate students for approved internship assignments at companies/national laboratories. Restricted to DMSE SM or PhD/ScD students. | true | Summer | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.941[J] | Statistical Mechanics of Polymers | Concepts of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics applied to macromolecules: polymer conformations in melts, solutions, and gels; Rotational Isomeric State theory, Markov processes and molecular simulation methods applied to polymers; incompatibility and segregation in incompressible and compressible systems; molecular theory of viscoelasticity; relation to scattering and experimental measurements. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 10.568 or permission of instructor | 10.668[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.942 | Polymer Physics | The mechanical, optical, electrical, and transport properties of polymers and other types of "soft matter" are presented with respect to the underlying physics and physical chemistry of polymers and colloids in solution, and solid states. Topics include how enthalpy and entropy determine conformation, molecular dimensions and packing of polymer chains and colloids and supramolecular materials. Examination of the structure of glassy, crystalline, and rubbery elastic states of polymers; thermodynamics of solutions, blends, crystallization; liquid crystallinity, microphase separation, and self-assembled organic-inorganic nanocomposites. Case studies of relationships between structure and function in technologically important polymeric systems. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 3.013 or permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.963[J] | Biomaterials Science and Engineering | Covers, at a molecular scale, the analysis and design of materials used in contact with biological systems, and biomimetic strategies aimed at creating new materials based on principles found in biology. Topics include molecular interaction between bio- and synthetic molecules and surfaces; design, synthesis, and processing approaches for materials that control cell functions; and application of materials science to problems in tissue engineering, drug delivery, vaccines, and cell-guiding surfaces. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 20.110 or permission of instructor | 20.463[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.971[J] | Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Biomechanics | Develops and applies scaling laws and the methods of continuum mechanics to biomechanical phenomena over a range of length scales. Topics include structure of tissues and the molecular basis for macroscopic properties; chemical and electrical effects on mechanical behavior; cell mechanics, motility and adhesion; biomembranes; biomolecular mechanics and molecular motors. Experimental methods for probing structures at the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Spring | Graduate | 3-0-9 | Biology (GIR) and 18.03 | 2.798[J], 6.4842[J], 10.537[J], 20.410[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.981 | Communities of the Living and the Dead: the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt | Examines the development of complex societies in Egypt over a 3000-year period. Uses archaeological and historical sources to determine how and why prehistoric communities coalesced into a long-lived and powerful state. Studies the remains of ancient settlements, tombs, and temples, exploring their relationships to one another and to the geopolitical landscape of Egypt and the Mediterranean world. Considers the development of advanced technologies, rise of social hierarchy, expansion of empire, role of writing, and growth of a complex economy. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-0-9 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Social Sciences | False |
3.982 | The Ancient Andean World | Examines development of Andean civilization which culminated in the extraordinary empire established by the Inka. Archaeological, ethnographic, and ethnohistorical approaches. Particular attention to the unusual topography of the Andean area, its influence upon local ecology, and the characteristic social, political, and technological responses of Andean people to life in a topographically "vertical" world. Characteristic cultural styles of prehistoric Andean life. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | 3-0-6 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Social Sciences | False |
3.983 | Ancient Mesoamerican Civilization | Examines origins, florescence and collapse of selected civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica using archaeological and ethnohistoric evidence. Focuses on the Maya, including their hieroglyphic writing. Themes include development of art and architecture, urbanism, religious and political institutions, human-environment interactions, and socio-political collapse. Representations of Maya society in contemporary film and media. Limited to 10. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | 3-0-6 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Social Sciences | False |
3.984 | Materials in Ancient Societies I | Seminars and labs provide in-depth study of the technologies ancient societies used to produce objects from raw materials. Seminars cover basic materials science and engineering concepts and techniques that can be used to understand how materials were produced and used in the past. The materials selection and processing are then linked to the environment, exchange, political power, and cultural values. The specific material covered each year rotates and may include ceramics, metals, stone, glass, or bones/organic materials. Contact the instructor for more information about the material covered each year. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-6-3 | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.985[J] | Archaeological Science | Pressing issues in archaeology as an anthropological science. Stresses the natural science and engineering methods archaeologists use to address these issues. Reconstructing time, space, and human ecologies provides one focus; materials technologies that transform natural materials to material culture provide another. Topics include 14C dating, ice core and palynological analysis, GIS and other remote sensing techniques for site location, organic residue analysis, comparisons between Old World and New World bronze production, invention of rubber by Mesoamerican societies, analysis and conservation of Dead Sea Scrolls. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-1-5 | Chemistry (GIR) or Physics I (GIR) | 5.24[J], 12.011[J] | false | false | false | False | Social Sciences | False |
3.986[J] | The Human Past: Introduction to Archaeology | From an archaeological perspective, examines ancient human activities and the forces that shaped them. Draws on case studies from the Old and/or New World. Exposes students to various classes of archaeological data, such as stone, bone, and ceramics, that help reconstruct the past. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | 3-0-9 | null | 21A.503[J] | false | false | false | False | Social Sciences | CI-H |
3.987 | Human Evolution: Data from Palaeontology, Archaeology, and Materials Science | Examines human physical and cultural evolution over the past five million years via lectures and labs that incorporate data from human palaeontology, archaeology, and materials science. Topics include the evolution of hominin morphology and adaptations; the nature and structure of bone and its importance in human evolution; and the fossil and archaeological evidence for human behavioral and cultural evolution, from earliest times through the Pleistocene. Laboratory sessions include study of stone technology, artifacts, and fossil specimens. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-2-7 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Social Sciences | False |
3.988 | Maya City Building: Materials, Technology, and Ecology in an Ancient Society | Explores relationship between archaeology and materials science, and the potential to methodologically connect these fields. Taking ancient Maya society as an archaeological case study, surveys 13 materials utilized by Indigenous Maya peoples before European contact. Focuses on the modes of materials analysis used in archaeology, as well as experimental methods in which ancient technologies are replicated and approached as windows into human social, political and economic systems. In dialogue with community archaeology, class discussions and material explorations are shaped by questions offered by Maya craftspeople and descendent communities of experts today. | false | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-0-9 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Social Sciences | False |
3.989 | Materials in Ancient Societies II | Additional seminars and laboratory analysis of archaeological artifacts. Seminars cover broader archaeological questions related to human/material interactions. Builds on 3.984. | true | Spring | Graduate | 3-6-3 | 3.984 or permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.990 | Seminar in Archaeological Method and Theory | Designed for undergraduate seniors majoring in Archaeology and Materials. Critical analysis of major intellectual and methodological developments in American archaeology, including evolutionary theory, the "New Archaeology," Marxism, formal and ideological approaches. Explores the use of science and engineering methods to reconstruct cultural patterns from archaeological data. Seminar format, with formal presentations by all students. Non-majors fulfilling all prerequisites may enroll by permission of instructors. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-0-6 | 3.985, 3.986, and 21A.00 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.991 | Ancient Engineering: Ceramic Technologies | Explores human interaction with ceramic materials over a considerable span of time, from 25,000 years ago to the 16th century AD. Through the lens of modern materials science combined with evidence from archaeological investigations, examines ancient ceramic materials — from containers to architecture to art — to better understand our close relationship with this important class of material culture. Examines ceramics structure, properties, and processing. Introduces archaeological perspectives and discusses how research into historical changes in ancient ceramic technologies has led to a deeper comprehension of past human behavior and societal development. Concludes by considering how studies of ancient technologies and techniques are leading modern materials scientists to engineer designs of modern ceramic materials, including glasses, concretes, and pigments. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.993 | Archaeology of the Middle East | Explores the long history of the Middle East and its role as an enduring center of civilization and human thought. Beginning over 100,000 years ago and ending up in the present day, tackles major issues in the human career through examination of archaeological and written materials. Students track the course of human development in the Middle East, from hunting and gathering to cities and empires. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-0-6 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Social Sciences | False |
3.995 | First Year Thesis Research | Preparation for program of research leading to the writing of an SM, PhD, or ScD thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty member. Can include research presentation, in coordination with 3.202. | true | Spring | Graduate | rranged [P/D/F] | None. Coreq: 3.202; permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.997 | Graduate Fieldwork in Materials Science and Engineering | Program of field research in materials science and engineering leading to the writing of an SM, PhD, or ScD thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty member. | true | Fall, Spring, Summer | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.998 | Doctoral Thesis Update Meeting | Thesis research update presentation to the thesis committee. Held the first or second academic term after successfully passing the Thesis Area Examination. | true | Fall, Spring | Graduate | 0-1-0 [P/D/F] | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.C01[J] | Machine Learning for Molecular Engineering | Building on core material in 6.C01, provides an introduction to the use of machine learning to solve problems arising in the science and engineering of biology, chemistry, and materials. Equips students to design and implement machine learning approaches to challenges such as analysis of omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.), microscopy, spectroscopy, or crystallography data and design of new molecules and materials such as drugs, catalysts, polymer, alloys, ceramics, and proteins. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Students cannot receive credit without completion of the core subject 6.C01. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 2-0-4 | Calculus II (GIR), 6.100A, and 6.C01 | 10.C01[J], 20.C01[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.C27[J] | Computational Imaging: Physics and Algorithms | Explores the contemporary computational understanding of imaging: encoding information about a physical object onto a form of radiation, transferring the radiation through an imaging system, converting it to a digital signal, and computationally decoding and presenting the information to the user. Introduces a unified formulation of computational imaging systems as a three-round "learning spiral": the first two rounds describe the physical and algorithmic parts in two exemplary imaging systems. The third round involves a class project on an imaging system chosen by students. Undergraduate and graduate versions share lectures but have different recitations. Involves optional "clinics" to even out background knowledge of linear algebra, optimization, and computational imaging-related programming best practices for students of diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | 3-0-9 | 18.C06 and (1.00, 1.000, 2.086, 3.019, or 6.100A) | 2.C27[J], 6.C27[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.C51[J] | Machine Learning for Molecular Engineering | Building on core material in 6.C51, provides an introduction to the use of machine learning to solve problems arising in the science and engineering of biology, chemistry, and materials. Equips students to design and implement machine learning approaches to challenges such as analysis of omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.), microscopy, spectroscopy, or crystallography data and design of new molecules and materials such as drugs, catalysts, polymer, alloys, ceramics, and proteins. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Students cannot receive credit without completion of the core subject 6.C51. | true | Spring | Graduate | 2-0-4 | Calculus II (GIR), 6.100A, and 6.C51 | 10.C51[J], 20.C51[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.C67[J] | Computational Imaging: Physics and Algorithms | Contemporary understanding of imaging is computational: encoding onto a form of radiation the information about a physical object, transferring the radiation through the imaging system, converting it to a digital signal, and computationally decoding and presenting the information to the user. This class introduces a unified formulation of computational imaging systems as a three-round "learning spiral": the first two rounds, instructors describe the physical and algorithmic parts in two exemplary imaging systems. The third round, students conduct themselves as the class project on an imaging system of their choice. The undergraduate and graduate versions share lectures but have different recitations. Throughout the term, we also conduct optional "clinics" to even out background knowledge of linear algebra, optimization, and computational imaging-related programming best practices for students of diverse disciplinary backgrounds. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-0-9 | 18.C06 and (1.00, 1.000, 2.086, 3.019, or 6.100A) | 2.C67[J], 6.C67[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.EPE | UPOP Engineering Practice Experience | Provides students with skills to prepare for and excel in the world of industry. Emphasizes practical application of career theory and professional development concepts. Introduces students to relevant and timely resources for career development, provides students with tools to embark on a successful internship search, and offers networking opportunities with employers and MIT alumni. Students work in groups, led by industry mentors, to improve their resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills, networking abilities, project management, and ability to give and receive feedback. Objective is for students to be able to adapt and contribute effectively to their future employment organizations. A total of two units of credit is awarded for completion of the fall and subsequent spring term offerings. Application required; consult UPOP website for more information. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring, Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer | Undergraduate | 0-0-1 [P/D/F] | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.EPW | UPOP Engineering Practice Workshop | Provides sophomores across all majors with opportunities to develop and practice communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to become successful professionals in the workplace, particularly in preparation for their summer industry internship. This immersive, multi-day Team Training Workshop (TTW) is comprised of experiential learning modules focused on expanding skills in areas that employers report being most valuable in the workplace. Modules are led by MIT faculty with the help of MIT alumni and other senior industry professionals. Skills applied through creative simulations, team problem-solving challenges, oral presentations, and networking sessions with prospective employers. Enrollment limited to those in the UPOP program. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring | Undergraduate | 1-0-0 [P/D/F] | 2.EPE | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S01 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not offered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely different subject matter. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S02 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not offered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely different subject matter. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S03 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not offered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely different subject matter. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S04 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not offered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely different subject matter. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S05 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not offered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely different subject matter. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S06 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not offered in regularly scheduled subjects. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S07 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not offered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely different subject matter. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S08 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not offered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely different subject matter. | true | Fall, Spring | Undergraduate | rranged [P/D/F] | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S09 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Lecture, seminar, or laboratory consisting of material not offered in regularly scheduled subjects. Can be repeated for credit only for completely different subject matter. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer | Undergraduate | rranged [P/D/F] | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S70 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Covers advanced topics in Materials Science and Engineering that are not included in the permanent curriculum. | true | Fall | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S71 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Covers advanced topics in Materials Science and Engineering that are not included in the permanent curriculum. | true | Fall | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S72 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Covers advanced topics in Materials Science and Engineering that are not included in the permanent curriculum. | true | Fall | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S74 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Covers advanced topics in Materials Science and Engineering that are not included in the permanent curriculum. | true | Spring | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S75 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Covers advanced topics in Materials Science and Engineering that are not included in the permanent curriculum. | true | Fall | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.S76-3.S79 | Special Subject in Materials Science and Engineering | Covers advanced topics in Materials Science and Engineering that are not included in the permanent curriculum. | true | IAP | Graduate | rranged [P/D/F] | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.THG | Graduate Thesis | Program of research leading to the writing of an SM, PhD, or ScD thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty member. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.THU | Undergraduate Thesis | Program of research leading to the writing of an SB thesis; to be arranged by the student and an appropriate MIT faculty member. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer | Undergraduate | rranged | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.UAR[J] | Climate and Sustainability Undergraduate Advanced Research | Provides instruction in effective research, experiential projects, internships, and externships, including choosing and refining problems, surveying previous work and publications, industry best practices, design for robustness, technical presentation, authorship and collaboration, and ethics. Supporting content includes background and context pertaining to climate change and sustainability, as well as tools for sustainable design. Focus for project work includes research topics relevant to the MIT Climate & Sustainability Consortium (MCSC). Students engage in extensive written and oral communication exercises, in the context of an approved advanced research project. A total of 12 units of credit is awarded for completion of the spring and subsequent fall term offerings. Application required; consult MCSC website for more information. | true | Fall, Spring | Undergraduate | 2-0-4 | Permission of instructor | 1.UAR[J], 5.UAR[J], 11.UAR[J], 12.UAR[J], 15.UAR[J], 22.UAR[J] | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.UR | Undergraduate Research | Extended participation in work of a research group. Independent study of literature, direct involvement in group's research (commensurate with student skills), and project work under an individual faculty member. See UROP coordinator for registration procedures. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer | Undergraduate | rranged [P/D/F] | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
3.URG | Undergraduate Research | Extended participation in work of a research group. Independent study of literature, direct involvement in group's research (commensurate with student skills), and project work under an individual faculty member. See UROP coordinator for registration procedures. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer | Undergraduate | rranged | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.021 | Design Studio: How to Design | Introduces fundamental design principles as a way to demystify design and provide a basic introduction to all aspects of the process. Stimulates creativity, abstract thinking, representation, iteration, and design development. Equips students with skills to have more effective communication with designers, and develops their ability to apply the foundations of design to any discipline. Limited to 25; preference to Course 4 and 4B majors and Design and Architecture minors, and first- and second-year students. | true | Fall, Spring | Undergraduate | 3-3-6 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Arts | False |
4.022 | Introduction to Architectural Design Techniques | Introduces the tools, techniques, and technologies of design across a range of projects in a studio environment. Explores concepts related to form, function, materials, tools, and physical environments through project-based exercises. Develops familiarity with design process, critical observation, and the translation of design concepts into digital and physical reality. Utilizing traditional and contemporary techniques and tools, faculty across various design disciplines expose students to a unique cross-section of inquiry. Limited to 25; preference to Course 4 majors, Architecture minors, and first- and second-year students. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-3-6 | 4.02A or 4.021 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.023 | Architecture Design Studio I | Provides instruction in architectural design and project development within design constraints including architectural program and site. Students engage the design process through various 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional media. Working directly with representational and model making techniques, students gain experience in the conceptual, formal, spatial and material aspects of architecture. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided. Preference to Course 4 majors and minors. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | 0-12-12 | 4.022 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.024 | Architecture Design Studio II | Provides instruction in architectural design and project development with an emphasis on social, cultural, or civic programs. Builds on foundational design skills with more complex constraints and contexts. Integrates aspects of architectural theory, building technology, and computation into the design process. Preference to Course 4 majors. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 0-12-12 | 4.023, 4.401, and 4.500 | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.02A | Design Studio: How to Design Intensive | Introduces fundamental design principles as a way to demystify design and provide a basic introduction to all aspects of the process. Stimulates creativity, abstract thinking, representation, iteration, and design development. Equips students with skills to have more effective communication with designers, and develops their ability to apply the foundations of design to any discipline. Limited to 30; preference to Course 4 and 4B majors and Design and Architecture minors, and first- and second-year students. | true | IAP | Undergraduate | 2-5-2 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Arts | False |
4.031 | Design Studio: Objects and Interaction | Overview of design as the giving of form, order, and interactivity to the objects that define our daily life. Follows the path from project to interactive product. Covers the overall design process, preparing students for work in a hands-on studio learning environment. Emphasizes design development and constraints. Topics include the analysis of objects; interaction design and user experience; design methodologies, current dialogues in design; economies of scale vs. means; and the role of technology in design. Provides a foundation in prototyping skills such as carpentry, casting, digital fabrication, electronics, and coding. Limited to 15; preference to Course 4-B majors and Design Minors. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | 3-3-6 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.032 | Design Studio: Information Design and Visualization | Provides an introduction to working with information, data and visualization in a hands-on studio learning environment. Studies the history and theory of information, followed by a series of projects in which students apply the ideas directly. Progresses though basic data analysis, visual design and presentation, and more sophisticated interaction techniques. Topics include storytelling and narrative, choosing representations, understanding audiences, and the role of designers working with data. Graduate students are expected to complete additional assignments. Preference to 4-B majors and Design minors. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-3-6 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.033 | Design Studio: Information Design and Visualization | Provides an introduction to working with information, data and visualization in a hands-on studio learning environment. Studies the history and theory of information, followed by a series of projects in which students apply the ideas directly. Progresses though basic data analysis, visual design and presentation, and more sophisticated interaction techniques. Topics include storytelling and narrative, choosing representations, understanding audiences, and the role of designers working with data. Graduate students are expected to complete additional assignments. | true | Spring | Graduate | rranged | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.041 | Design Studio: Advanced Product Design | Focuses on producing a small series of manufactured products. Students develop products that address specific user needs, propose novel design concepts, iteratively prototype, test functionality, and ultimately exhibit their work in a retail context. Stemming from new research and technological developments around MIT, students try to imagine the future products that emerge from new materials and machine intelligence. Provides an in-depth exploration of the design and manufacturing of products, through narrative, form, function, fabrication, and their relationship to customers. Enrollment imited to 15; preference to Course 4B majors and Design Minors. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-3-6 | 4.031 or permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.043 | Design Studio: Interaction Intelligence | Overview of core principles and techniques for the design of interaction, behavior, and intelligence across objects and spaces. In a studio environment, students develop low and high-fidelity interactive prototypes that can be deployed and experienced by real users. Lectures cover the history and principles of human-computer interaction, behavior prototyping, physical and graphical user interfaces, machine intelligence, neural networks, and large language models. Provides a foundation in technical skills, such as physical prototyping, coding, and electronics, as well as how to collect data, train, and deploy their own neural network models. Students complete a series of small interaction exercises and a portfolio-level final project. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 16; preference to 4B majors and Design minors. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-3-6 | 4.031 or permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.044 | Design Studio: Interaction Intelligence | Overview of core principles and techniques for the design of interaction, behavior, and intelligence across objects and spaces. In a studio environment, students develop low and high-fidelity interactive prototypes that can be deployed and experienced by real users. Lectures cover the history and principles of human-computer interaction, behavior prototyping, physical and graphical user interfaces, machine intelligence, neural networks, and large language models. Provides a foundation in technical skills, such as physical prototyping, coding, and electronics, as well as how to collect data, train, and deploy their own neural network models. Students complete a series of small interaction exercises and a portfolio-level final project. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 16; preference to 4B majors and Design minors. | true | Spring | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.051 | The Human Factor in Innovation and Design Strategy | Focuses on understanding the emerging field of human-centered design and its approach to real-world design challenges. Through group working sessions, design reviews, and presentations by leading design practitioners, thinkers, and business leaders, the class explores core methodologies on how design brings value to human experiences and to the contemporary marketplace. Limited to 20; preference to 4B majors and Design minors. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 2-2-8 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.053 | Visual Communication Fundamentals | Provides an introduction to visual communication, emphasizing the development of a visual and verbal vocabulary. Presents the fundamentals of line, shape, color, composition, visual hierarchy, word/image relationships and typography as building blocks for communicating with clarity, emotion, and meaning. Students develop their ability to analyze, discuss and critique their work and the work of the designed world. Limited to 18; preference to Course 4-B majors and Design minors. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | 3-3-6 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Arts | False |
4.090 | Practical Experience in Architecture for Undergraduates | Practical experience through summer and January IAP internships secured by the student in the field of architecture, urbanism, digital design, art, or building technology. Before registering for this subject, students must have an offer from a company or organization and complete the Department of Architecture application signed by the advisor. Upon completion of the internship, students must submit an evaluation form available from the departmental academic office. Students are limited to a total of three approved experiences. Restricted to Course 4 undergraduate students. | true | IAP, Summer | Undergraduate | rranged [P/D/F] | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.091 | Independent Study in Design | Supplementary work on individual or group basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement for subject matter and supervision by staff. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring | Undergraduate | rranged | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.092 | Independent Study in Design | Supplementary work on individual or group basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement for subject matter and supervision by staff. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring | Undergraduate | rranged [P/D/F] | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.093 | Independent Study in Design | Supplementary work on individual or group basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement for subject matter and supervision by staff. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.094 | Independent Study in Design | Supplementary work on individual or group basis. Registration subject to prior arrangement for subject matter and supervision by staff. | true | Fall, IAP, Spring | Graduate | rranged [P/D/F] | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.105 | Cultures of Form | Introduction to cultures of form in architectural design, representation, and production, including material cultures, geometric discourse and analysis, Western and non-Western modes of perception and representation. Through a series of acts of forming and making, provides a primer and venue to rehearse skills such as 3D modeling and the reciprocity between representation and materialization. Exercises accompanied by lectures from practitioners, who each represent a highly articulated relationship between form and material in a body of design research or built work. Restricted to first-year MArch students. | true | Fall | Graduate | 2-2-5 | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.109 | Materials and Fabrication for Architecture | Provides the material system knowledge and fabrication process skills to successfully engage with all areas of the shop, from precision handwork to multi-axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining. Progresses through a series of basic exercises that introduce the material and workflow, concluding with more complex problems that explore opportunities and issues specific to architecture. Limited to 12; preference to first-year MArch students. | true | IAP | Graduate | 0-3-6 [P/D/F] | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.110 | Design Across Scales and Disciplines | Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames' canonical Powers of Ten, explores the relationship between science and engineering through the lens of design. Examines how transformations in science and technology have influenced design thinking and vice versa. Provides interdisciplinary skills and methods to represent, model, design and fabricate objects, machines, and systems using new computational and fabrication tools. Aims to develop methodologies for design research of interdisciplinary problems. Enrollment limited; preference to Course 4-B majors and Course 4 minors. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 2-2-8 | null | null | false | false | false | False | Arts | False |
4.117 | Creative Computation | Dedicated to bridging the gap between the virtual and physical world, the subject embraces modes of computation that hold resonance with materials and methods that beg to be computed. Students engage in bi-weekly exercises to solve complex design problems. Each exercise is dedicated to a different computation approach (recursion, parametric, genetic algorithms, particle-spring systems, etc.) that is married to a physical challenge, thereby learning the advantages and disadvantages to each approach while verifying the results in physical and digitally fabricated prototypes. Through the tools of computation and fabrication, it empowers students to design as architects, engineers and craftspeople. Additional work required of student taking for graduate credit. Enrollment limited; preference to MArch students. | true | Spring | Graduate | rranged | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.118 | Creative Computation | Dedicated to bridging the gap between the virtual and physical world, the subject embraces modes of computation that hold resonance with materials and methods that beg to be computed. Students engage in bi-weekly exercises to solve complex design problems. Each exercise is dedicated to a different computation approach (recursion, parametric, genetic algorithms, particle-spring systems, etc.) that is married to a physical challenge, thereby learning the advantages and disadvantages to each approach while verifying the results in physical and digitally fabricated prototypes. Through the tools of computation and fabrication, it empowers students to design as architects, engineers and craftspeople. Additional work required of student taking for graduate credit. Enrollment limited; preference to 4-B majors and Design minors. | true | Spring | Undergraduate | 3-0-9 | 4.500 or permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.120 | Furniture Making Workshop | Provides instruction in designing and building a functional piece of furniture from an original design. Develops woodworking techniques from use of traditional hand tools to digital fabrication. Gives students the opportunity to practice design without using a building program or code. Surveys the history of furniture making. Additional work required of students taking for graduate credit. Limited to 12; preference to graduate Course 4 students. | true | Spring | Graduate | 2-2-5 | Permission of instructor | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.123 | Architectural Assemblies | Fosters a holistic understanding of the architectural-building cycle, enabling students to build upon the history of design and construction to make informed decisions towards developing innovative building systems. Includes an overview of materials, processing methods, and their formation into building systems across cultures. Looks at developing innovative architectural systems focusing on the building envelope. Seeks to adapt processes from the aerospace and automotive industries to investigate buildings as prefabricated design and engineering assemblies. Synthesizes knowledge in building design and construction systems, environmental and structural design, and geometric and computational approaches. | true | Spring | Graduate | 2-2-5 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.125 | Furniture Making Workshop | Provides instruction in designing and building a functional piece of furniture from an original design. Develops woodworking techniques from use of traditional hand tools to digital fabrication. Gives students the opportunity to practice design without using a building program or code. Surveys the history of furniture making and includes site visits to local collections and artists/craftsmen. Additional work required of students taking for graduate credit. Limited to 12; preference to undergraduate Course 4 and 4B majors and Design and Architecture minors. | true | Fall | Undergraduate | 2-2-5 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
4.130 | Architectural Design Theory and Methodologies | Studies design as an interrogative technique to examine material sciences, media arts and technology, cultural studies, computation and emerging fabrication protocols. Provides in-depth, theoretical grounding to the notion of 'design' in architecture, and to the consideration of contemporary design methodologies, while encouraging speculation on emerging design thinking. Topical focus varies with instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of department. | true | Fall | Graduate | 3-3-6 | null | null | false | false | false | False | False | False |
Subsets and Splits