Master of Engineering: Polymer Engineering (Online)

EPD 634 — INTRODUCTION TO POLYMER CHEMISTRY

2 credits.

Introduction to the chemistry of polymeric materials. Concepts of polymer chemistry and synthetic methods are introduced. Knowledge of introductory general chemistry and thermodynamics [such as CHEM 104] required.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing

EPD 636 — INTRODUCTION TO POLYMER PHYSICS

2 credits.

Introduction to the physics of polymeric materials. Concepts of polymer physical properties are introduced; including molecular weight, chain conformation, solution thermodynamics, the glass transition, crystallinity, basic rheology and viscoelasticity. Knowledge of introductory general chemistry and thermodynamics [such as CHEM 104] required.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing

EPD 637 — POLYMER CHARACTERIZATION

3 credits.

Basic principles used for both quantitative and qualitative characterization of polymeric materials, including both assessment of their synthesis and of their structural features at different length scales. Discussion of techniques such as NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography), thermal characterization, rheological characterization, as well as scattering of various types of electromagnetic radiation. Introduction to characterization methods used in industry and polymer crystallography.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing

EPD 639 — PLASTICS RECYCLING & SUSTAINABILITY

2 credits.

Examine sustainability and recycling practices for plastics and polymeric materials, including textiles. Analyze environmental impacts and plastic waste using life cycle assessment. Explore traditional and emerging recycling technologies, along with bio-based and degradable plastics. Critically evaluate media coverage to identify “greenwashing” and improve understanding of sustainability issues.

Requisites: E P D 634 or 636

EPD 640 — INTRODUCTORY POLYMER RHEOLOGY

3 credits.

Introduction to polymer rheology. Concepts of continuum mechanics are introduced, specifically the fluid dynamics of non-Newtonian and linear viscoelastic fluids. Material functions, constitutive equations and rheometry and experimental methods for measuring material functions (rheometry) are discussed. Knowledge of linear differential equations [such as MATH 319 or 320] and fluid mechanics [such as M E 363] or momentum transfer [such as CBE 320] required.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing

EPD 650 — INTRODUCTION TO POLYMERS PROCESSING

3 credits.

Introduction to the principles of polymer processing. Review of the basic techniques primarily in use by industry as well as foundational principles of polymer physics, viscoelasticity and rheology. Focus on understanding how design of process is used to achieve desired structure and properties. Includes introduction to topics such as 3-d printing and recycling of polymer waste in the context of reprocessing such materials.

Requisites: E P D 636 and (E P D 640 or CHEM/​M S & E 421, or concurrent enrollment), or declared in Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing

EPD 652 — QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING

3 credits.

Review of topics for engineering applications, including vector calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, complex analysis, Laplace and Fourier transforms, optimization, and numerical methods.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing

EPD 522 — GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

3 credits.

Comprehensive coverage of AI-powered chatbots, from understanding generative AI fundamentals to developing sophisticated chatbot applications. Hands-on experience with generative AI tools. Explore retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques. Examine critical aspects such as security, privacy, and memory models. Knowledge of Python [such as COMP SCI 220 or E P D 455] strongly recommended.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Data Analytics

ISYE 516 — INTRODUCTION TO DECISION ANALYSIS

3 credits.

Overview of modeling techniques and methods used in decision analysis, including multiattribute utility models, decision trees, and Bayesian models. Psychological components of decision making are discussed. Elicitation techniques for model building are emphasized. Practical applications through real world model building are described and conducted.

Requisites: (STAT/​MATH 309, STAT 311, or STAT/​MATH 431), graduate/professional standing, member of Engineering Guest Students, or declared in Capstone Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Data Analytics

ISYE 521 — MACHINE LEARNING IN ACTION FOR INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS

3 credits.

Principles, algorithms, and industrial engineering applications of machine learning. Predictive analytics, with a focus on combining data and models to improve decision-making. Methods include: statistics, linear regression, logistic regression, regularization, over-fitting, clustering, classification and regression trees, boosting, bagging, deep learning, and neural networks. Applications areas include: healthcare, transportation, and the public sector.

Requisites: (COMP SCI 200, 220, or place into COMP SCI 300),(I SY E 323 or I SY E/​COMP SCI/​E C E 524), and (I SY E 210, STAT 311, 324, STAT/​MATH 309, or 431), grad/prof standing, member of Engr Guest Stdnts, or declared in Capstone Cert in AI for Engr Data Analytics

EPD 416 — ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF STATISTICS

3 credits.

Provides knowledge and skills to apply statistics to many types of engineering problems. Focuses on developing statistically-based experimental techniques and tests for measures of validity, application of computer-based statistical tools, and approaches to distillation of data.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Data Analytics

EPD 605 — FUNDAMENTALS OF TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

1 credit.

Learn techniques to plan, execute, and deliver projects with desired scope on time and on budget. Document clear project objectives and goals, accurately estimate project time and costs, schedule and allocate time-critical resources, and establish feedback systems for optimal project control. Best paired with a work experience, such as an internship or co-op, where you can apply these project management skills.

Requisites: Junior standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Applied Engineering Management. Not open to students with credit for E P D 612.

EPD 606 — LEADING & MANAGING TECHNICAL TEAMS

1 credit.

Key team management concepts, principles, and practices. Team dynamics, team roles, leading and facilitating teamwork, and managing team conflict in the context of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)-related work.

Requisites: Junior standing

EPD 611 – ENGINEERING ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

3 credits.

Addresses principles and practices of interpreting financial information and performing engineering-related economic analyses. Focuses on the practical use of economic information for decision-making.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Applied Engineering Management

EPD 612 — TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

3 credits.

Learn key principles and tools of project management applicable to a broad range of engineering projects. Covers techniques for project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and project tracking, as well as the interface between projects and the organizations within which they are executed.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing

EPD 638 — POLYMER COATINGS & ADHESIVES

3 credits.

Introduction to coatings and adhesives, with a focus on the polymer science and chemistry underlying these materials. Topics include film formation, adhesion mechanisms, material characterization, application techniques, and the role of additives in common formulations.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing

EPD 660 — CORE COMPETENCIES OF SUSTAINABILITY

3 credits.

Introduces real-world pragmatic skills and applications in sustainability competencies. Content reaches across engineering expertise, from chemical engineering to buildings to product design and energy. Modules cover ecological footprinting, lifecycle assessment, resource use and integrated engineering practice.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing

EPD 678 — SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT FOR ENGINEERS

3 credits.

Examines concepts, management techniques, and current trends in the field of supply chain management with emphasis on topics relevant to engineers. Topics include global logistics, logistics engineering techniques, new product introduction process, purchasing strategy, managing transportation providers, distribution center technology and operations, outsourcing supply chain functions, and an introduction to supply chain information systems.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing

EPD 701 — WRITING FOR PROFESSIONALS

1 credit.

Preparation to produce effective written communication that is suitable for inter-professional and inter-disciplinary audiences in a variety of workplaces. Apply these strategies and tools.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Applied Engineering Management

EPD 702 — PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS

1 credit.

Sharpen your ability to create, edit, review, and present information in an efficient, clear, and effective way for your audiences. Develop your presentation skills through a series of presentations related to your professional interests and work.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Applied Engineering Management

EPD 704 — ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION & PROBLEM SOLVING

1 credit.

Improve your problem solving within complex organizations, with a special emphasis on case studies and improving communication, using cross-disciplinary sources.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Foundations of Professional Development

EPD 706 — CHANGE MANAGEMENT

1 credit.

Provides emerging and practicing professionals foundational knowledge to develop a change management strategy and implement it using proven processes and tools. Become better prepared to deliver effective organizational performance. Applies contemporary concepts and methods in change management through student-selected projects.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Foundations of Professional Development

EPD 708 — CREATING BREAKTHROUGH INNOVATIONS

1 credit.

Explore innovation and how design thinking is a driver of innovation. Learn to use various design thinking methods and tools for analysis and decision-making.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Foundations of Professional Development

EPD 710 — FOUNDATIONS OF ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP

2 credits.

Build the foundations for developing, refining, and strengthening your effectiveness as a leader of engineering teams, projects, and organizations. Enhance your understanding of how to match your leadership style to a team’s focus, organization, and culture. Grow your understanding of your strengths and weaknesses as a leader using proven assessment tools. Develop a plan for growing your leadership competency.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in Capstone Certificate in Applied Engineering Management

EPD 711 — STRATEGIC & ETHICAL COMMUNICATION FOR ENGINEERS

3 credits.

Builds communication expertise in engineering practice by emphasizing items such as clarity, audience awareness, and ethical judgment in the exchange of technical and managerial decisions and information. Treats ethics as a foundational element of effective and responsible professional communication, integrating behavioral science, ethical reasoning, and professional codes to support transparency, trust, and sound decision-making. Develops communication problem-solving for common workplace communication challenges.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing

EPD/​GENBUS/​MHR 785 — EFFECTIVE NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES

1 credit.

Improves students’ negotiating skills, doing so by providing a theoretical underpinning that will help them to understand the sources of effective and ineffective approaches to negotiations.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing or declared in graduate Business Exchange program

ISYE 618 — QUALITY ENGINEERING & QUALITY MANAGEMENT

3 credits.

Strategic quality planning, change management, problem identification and solving, process improvement, and performance evaluation. Business and decision-making skills related to quality systems and process improvement.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing

ME 417 — TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN POLYMER PROCESSING

3 credits.

Description of the physical, thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of polymeric materials relevant to their processing behavior. Review of the basic transport phenomena equations: mass, momentum, and energy. Analysis of various processing operations for the manufacture of polymeric articles, with particular emphasis on: extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, compression molding and additive manufacturing. Discussion of plastics recycling and environmental issues.

Requisites: Senior standing or member of Engineering Guest Students

ME 418 — ENGINEERING DESIGN WITH POLYMERS

3 credits.

Implications for plastics part design of polymer classification, structure, melt rheology, mixing, polymer blends, anisotropy, solidification, mechanical behavior, failure. Plastics design for electrical, optical, acoustic and barrier properties.

Requisites: Senior standing, declared in Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing & Manufacturing, or member of Engineering Guest Students

ME 419 — FUNDAMENTALS OF INJECTION MOLDING

3 credits.

All major aspects of injection molding with emphases on materials, design, processing, process physics, computer-aided engineering (CAE), troubleshooting, and advanced molding processes.

Requisites: M E 310, M S & E 331, CHEM/​M S & E 421, member of Engineering Guest Students, declared in Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing and Manufacturing, or graduate/professional standing

ME/​CIVENGR/​EMA 508 — COMPOSITE MATERIALS

3 credits.

Physical properties and mechanical behavior of polymer, metal, ceramic, cementitious, cellulosic and biological composite systems; micro- and macro-mechanics; lamination and strength analyses; static and transient loading; fabrication; recycling; design; analytical-experimental correlation; applications.

Requisites: (E M A 303 or M E 306), graduate/professional standing, or member of Engineering Guest Students

ME 514 — POLYMER ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

3 credits.

A quantitative and qualitative study of additive manufacturing processes. Emphasis on proper additive manufacturing technique selection for optimized final product design and properties, as well as presentation of emerging additive manufacturing techniques.

Requisites: Senior standing and (M E 310 or 313), graduate/professional standing, member of Engineering Guest Students, or declared in Capstone Certificate in Polymer Processing and Manufacturing

ME/​EMA 570 — EXPERIMENTAL MECHANICS

3 credits.

Experimental methods for design and analysis of mechanical components, structures and materials. Electrically and optically recorded stress, strain and deformation data; computer acquisition/reduction/presentation techniques; applications to static and transient events, sensors, transducer design, NDT, fracture and residual stresses.

Requisites: Senior standing and (M E 306, E M A 303 or 304) or graduate/professional standing, or member of Engineering Guest Students

ME 699 — ADVANCED INDEPENDENT STUDY

1-3 credits.

Directed study projects as arranged with instructor.

Requisites: Consent of instructor

ME/​EMA 722 — INTRODUCTION TO POLYMER RHEOLOGY

3 credits.

Formulation of constitutive equations using embedded base vectors. Viscosity, normal stress differences, stress relaxation, elastic recoil. Polymer rheology; homogeneous strain history. Knowledge of differential equations [such as MATH 320] strongly encouraged.

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing