University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

The success of our students in their education at UTEP and in building and sustaining a career is our primary interest. Graduates in metallurgical and materials engineering often pursue careers in industries such as oil & gas, R&D, aerospace, primary metals, and biomedical components. The job functions of our engineers include failure analysis, product development, quality assurance, and production management.

Marketable Skills

Students will develop the following marketable skills: 

  1. Communication: Reach mutual understanding through effective exchange of information, ideas, and feelings
  2. Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues in order to solve problems and develop informed opinions
  3. Leadership: Step up, think, and act critically and creatively to bring others together to accomplish a common task
  4. Network building: Project-based learning, tours and formal interactions with industry partners 
  5. Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues
  6. Research: Be able to search, investigate and critically analyze information in response to a specific research question
  7. Teamwork: Participate as an effective, efficient member of a group in order to meet a common goal
  8. Technical expertise: Hands-on experience with testing and analysis equipment

The Metallurgical and Materials Engineering undergraduate curriculum focuses on a strong materials science and engineering foundation, a deep understanding of how materials are processed, and how to tailor materials structure and properties to satisfy industrial needs and performance requirements. Students may choose a concentration in forensic engineering and materials performance, extractive and process metallurgy or biomaterials. 

Vision

Our vision is to provide a modern Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Program of the highest quality.

Mission

The BS degree program in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME) will serve two broad purposes: (1) to provide sufficient theory and hands-on experiences in metallurgical and materials engineering for a graduate to perform effectively, in industry or other employment; and (2) to provide opportunities for all types of students, while maintaining a high level of excellence as students progress through the curriculum. The MME program will also provide basic engineering skills for problem-solving and lifelong learning, along with good communication skills, both oral and written. MME faculty will maintain a balance between the applied and theoretical aspects, and will strive to provide pre-professional employment opportunities (either research experiences or internships) by continuously engaging industry in program activities with students. 

Educational Objectives

  1. Graduates will secure employment and/or admission to a graduate program in metallurgical and materials engineering or related professions
  2. Graduates will advance in their career by continuing lifelong learning and personal/professional development
  3. Graduates work effectively as contributors and leaders on diverse, interdisciplinary teams enabling innovation at the leading edge of technology in an ever-changing global community. 
  4. Graduates will be more competitive as practicing professionals with broad understanding of material systems, associated manufacturing processes and engineering solutions.    

The Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME) program offers a Bachelor of Science MME degree with an option to develop an expertise in one of the four concentrations. If a student does not select a concentration, they are required to complete 4 elective courses (12 credit hours) from the list of all MME electives to satisfy the requirements for the BS MME degree.

  • Concentration 1: Forensic Engineering and Materials Performance
  • Concentration 2: Extractive and Process Metallurgy
  • Concentration 3: Biomaterials
  • Concentration 4: General Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Fast Track

The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs.  Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here

UTEP senior students with at least 90 hours accumulated toward their BSMME degree, a minimum of 24 of those hours at UTEP and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 may be eligible for admission into the following fast-track programs:

  • BS-MME/Master Program in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MS-MME)
  • BS-MME/Master Program in Biomedical Engineering (MS-BME)

Students admitted to these programs take graduate classes that count both toward graduate degree requirements and undergraduate degree requirements, for up to 15 credit hours of graduate courses per approval of the undergraduate and graduate advisors.

Eligible graduate courses come from a list approved for fast-track by the Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME) Faculty.

Students must earn a B or better in the graduate course to count as graduate credit for the Master of Science in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering or for the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. If the grade is a C, it will not count towards the graduate degree but will still count towards the undergraduate degree.

Additional program requirements can be found here.

Degree Plan

BS in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Required Credits: 128

University Core Curriculum
University Core Curriculum requirements (some of which are listed below)42
Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Designated Core (All courses listed require a grade of C or better.)
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Precalculus ((Listed if completed, but not required))
Trigonometry and Conics
Calculus I
Additional Required Courses:
MATH 1411Calculus I4
MATH 1312Calculus II3
MATH 2313Calculus III3
MATH 2326Differential Equations3
PHYS 2320Introductory Mechanics3
PHYS 2120Laboratory for PHYS 23201
PHYS 2321Introductory Electromagnetism3
PHYS 2121Laboratory for PHYS 23211
BSMME (Lower Division) (All courses require a grade of C or better.)
Required Courses:
MME 1205Computation/Graph in Mater Sci2
MME 1405Intro to Metal and Matls Eng4
MME 2303Intro to Materials Sci & Engrg3
MME 2305Material & Energy Balance3
MME 2434Mechanics of Materials4
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (Upper Division and Concentration Courses)
Required Courses:
MME 3195Junior Professional Orintati C1
MME 3306Rate Processes C3
MME 3308Appl Chemical Thermodynamics C3
MME 3309Circuits, Elect Mat & Devices C3
MME 3406Nanofuctnl Physical Metallurgy C4
MME 3407Mechanical Behavior of Matls C4
MME 3413Materials Characterization C4
MME 4219Senior Design Project 12
MME 4220Senior Design Project 22
MME 4303Metals Processing C3
MME 4309Corrosion3
MME 4316Failure Analysis C3
MME 4404Mat. Synthesis & Manufacturing C4
Select one concentration:12
Concentration Elective Course I C
Concentration Elective Course II C
Concentration Elective Course III C
Concentration Elective Course IV C
Total Hours128
c

Courses require a grade of C or better. 

Concentrations

Forensic Engineering and Materials Performance

BSMME- Forensic Engineering and Materials Performance
Choice of 4 courses from the following:
MME 4315Metallogrphy and Micro Inter *c3
MME 4317Advanced Failure Analysis3
MME 4331Non-Destructive Examination c3
MME 4332Root Cause Analysis c3
MME 4333Fracture Mechanics c3
MME 4334Biomed Product Performance c3
MME 4335Functional Failure Analysis c3
MME 4390Special Topics in MME c3
*

Required Courses.

C

Courses require a grade of C or better.

Extractive  and Process Metallurgy

BSMME- Extractive Metallurgy
Choice of 4 courses from the following:
MME 4315Metallogrphy and Micro Inter *c3
MME 4340Mineral Processing c3
MME 4341Recycling Processes c3
MME 4342Hydrometallurgy *c3
MME 4350Material Joining Technologies c3
MME 4390Special Topics in MME c3
GEOL 4315Topics in Geological Sciences c3
*

Required Courses.

c

Courses require a grade of C or better.

Biomaterials

BSMME- Biomaterials
Choice of 4 courses from the following:
BME 3303Fundamentals of BME I c3
BME 3305Fundamentals of BME II c3
MME 4304Printable Materials c3
MME 4310Polymer Engineering c3
MME 4312Biomaterials Science and Eng *c3
MME 4314Composite Materials c3
MME 4334Biomed Product Performance c3
MME 4390Special Topics in MME c3
*

Required Courses. 

c

Courses require a grade of C or better.

General MME 

BSMME- General
Choice of 3 courses from the following and 1 course from another MME concentration:
MME 4310Polymer Engineering c3
MME 4314Composite Materials c3
MME 4315Metallogrphy and Micro Inter c3
MME 4321Engineering Alloys c3
MME 4331Non-Destructive Examination c3
MME 4350Material Joining Technologies c3
MME 4390Special Topics in MME c3
*

Required Courses. 

c

Course require a grade of C or better. 

University Core Curriculum

The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.

All courses require a C or better

I. Communication (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
Select six hours of the following: 6
For students whose secondary education was in English:
Written and Oral Communication
Writing About Literature
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition 2
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm
For students whose secondary education was not in English:
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl
Total Hours6

II. American History (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role.
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
Total Hours6

III. Language, Philosophy & Culture  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-African Amer Studies
Latina/o Presence in the U.S.
English Literature
English Literature
Intro to American Fiction
Intro to American Drama
Intro to American Poetry
Making of the "Other" Americas
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics
Introduct to Religious Studies
Seeing & Naming: Conversations
Introduction to Womens Studies
Global Feminisms
Total Hours3

IV. Mathematics  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience.
Select one of the following:3
College Algebra
Trigonometry and Conics
Math in the Modern World
Math for Social Sciences I
Calculus I
Precalculus 1,2
Math for Social Sciences II
Statistical Literacy
Elementary Statistical Methods
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted.
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement.
Total Hours3

V. Life & Physical Sciences  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences.
Select one of the following:1-4
Astronomy Lab I
Elem Astronomy-Solar System
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies
Introductory Biology Lab
Human Biology Laboratory
Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Introductory Biology
Human Biology
General Biology
Organismal Biology
Human Anat/Physio Lab I
Human Anat/Physio Lab II
Human Anat/Physiology I
Human Anat/Physiology II
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Intro General Chemistry Lab
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Intro to General Chemistry
Intro Organic & Biochemistry
Environmental Sci. Lab
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301
Intro to Environment Science 2
Intro to Environmental Sci
Laboratory for GEOG 1306
Physical Geography
Lab for GEOL 1313
Lab for GEOL 1314
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
Laboratory for Geology 1212
Principles of Earth Sciences
Principles of Earth Science
The Blue Planet
Natural Hazards
Intro to Physical Geology
Intro to Historical Geol
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Wellness Dynamics
Microorganisms and Disease
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Introductory Mechanics
Introductory Electromagnetism
Total Hours 6

VI. Political Science  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations.
Required Courses:
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Total Hours6

VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog
Intro-Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Geography
Intro to Linguistics
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Intro to Chicano Studies
Asian American Studies
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Ed Psychology
Action Research in Classrooms
Introduction to Linguistics
Cultural Geography
Community Service
An Intro. to Linguistics
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Geography
Total Hours3

VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat
Dance Appreciation
Intro-Art of Motion Pict.
Music Appreciation
Jazz to Rock
Music, Culture, and Society
Introduction to Theatre
Total Hours3

IX. Component Area Option (six hours)

a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice.
Intro to Global Business
Public Speaking
Business/Profession Comm
Intro-Computational Thinking
Computer Programming Sci/Engr
Eng Innovation and Leadership
Introduction to Leadership
Inquiry in Math & Science
Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Total Hours0
 

4-Year Sample Degree Plan

BS Materials and Metallurgical Engineering (Starting with Pre-Calculus)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATERIALS AND METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING
Summer
(if needed)
MATH 1508Precalculus +^5
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I +3
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 +
4
MATH 1411Calculus I +^4
MME 1405Intro to Metal and Matls Eng +4
Spring
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 2 +3
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 1865 +3
CHEM 1306General Chemistry +3
UNIV 1301Seminar/Critical Inquiry3
MME 1205Computation/Graph in Mater Sci2
MATH 1312Calculus II +^3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 1865 +3
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists +3
PHYS 2320Introductory Mechanics3
PHYS 2120Laboratory for PHYS 23201
MME 2303Intro to Materials Sci & Engrg +3
MATH 2313Calculus III +3
Spring
Creative Arts Elective 2, +3
PHYS 2321Introductory Electromagnetism3
PHYS 2121Laboratory for PHYS 23211
MME 2434Mechanics of Materials +4
MME 2305Material & Energy Balance +3
MATH 2326Differential Equations +3
JUNIOR
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics +3
MME 3309Circuits, Elect Mat & Devices +3
MME 3308Appl Chemical Thermodynamics +3
MME 3406Nanofuctnl Physical Metallurgy +4
MME 3195Junior Professional Orintati +1
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics +3
COMM 1302Business/Profession Comm3
MME 3306Rate Processes +3
MME 3413Materials Characterization +4
MME 3407Mechanical Behavior of Matls +4
SENIOR
Fall
Language Philosophy & Culture 3, +3
MME 4316Failure Analysis3
MME 4303Metals Processing3
Concentration I 43
Concentration II 43
MME 4219Senior Design Project 12
Spring
MME 4220Senior Design Project 22
MME 4404Mat. Synthesis & Manufacturing4
MME 4309Corrosion3
Concentration III 43
Concentration VI 43
Notes:
+ Grade "C" or better required. A "C" or better is required in MME courses through the junior level
^ MATH 1508 or MATH 1310 do not count towards the 128-hour degree, but must be taken if not placed into MATH 1411.
1 Component Area: UNIV 1301 and COMM 1302
2 Visual and Performing Arts menu.
3 Language, Philosophy and Culture menu
4 Concentration Option from (1) Forensic Engineering and Materials Performance, (2) Extractive and Process Metallurgy, (3) Biomaterials and (4) General MME Concentrations.
Total Hours133

BS Materials and Metallurgical Engineering (Starting with Calculus)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATERIALS AND METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING
FRESHMAN
Fall
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 +
4
MATH 1411Calculus I +^4
MME 1405Intro to Metal and Matls Eng +4
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I +3
Spring
CHEM 1306General Chemistry +3
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 1865 +3
MATH 1312Calculus II +^3
MME 1205Computation/Graph in Mater Sci2
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 2 +3
UNIV 1301Seminar/Critical Inquiry3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists +3
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 1865 +3
MATH 2313Calculus III +3
MME 2303Intro to Materials Sci & Engrg +3
PHYS 2320Introductory Mechanics3
PHYS 2120Laboratory for PHYS 23201
Spring
MATH 2326Differential Equations +3
MME 2305Material & Energy Balance +3
MME 2434Mechanics of Materials +4
PHYS 2321Introductory Electromagnetism3
PHYS 2121Laboratory for PHYS 23211
Creative Arts Elective 2, +3
JUNIOR
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics +3
MME 3309Circuits, Elect Mat & Devices +3
MME 3308Appl Chemical Thermodynamics +3
MME 3406Nanofuctnl Physical Metallurgy +4
MME 3195Junior Professional Orintati +1
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics +3
COMM 1302Business/Profession Comm3
MME 3306Rate Processes +3
MME 3407Mechanical Behavior of Matls +4
MME 3413Materials Characterization +4
SENIOR
Fall
Language Philosophy & Culture 3, +3
MME 4316Failure Analysis3
MME 4303Metals Processing3
Concentration I 43
Concentration II 43
MME 4219Senior Design Project 12
Spring
MME 4220Senior Design Project 22
MME 4404Mat. Synthesis & Manufacturing4
MME 4309Corrosion3
Concentration III 43
Concentration VI 43
Notes:
+ Grade "C" or better required. A "C" or better is required in MME courses through the junior level
^ MATH 1508 or MATH 1310 do not count towards the 128-hour degree, but must be taken if not placed into MATH 1411.
1 Component Area: UNIV 1301 and COMM 1302
2 Visual and Performing Arts menu.
3 Language, Philosophy and Culture menu
4 Concentration Option from (1) Forensic Engineering and Materials Performance, (2) Extractive and Process Metallurgy, (3) Biomaterials and (4) General MME Concentrations.
Total Hours128