Materials science undergraduate course laboratory in which students perform original research

Abstract

A materials science course laboratory, in which undergraduate students perform original experimental research studies of properties of materials which evidently have not been studied elsewhere, has been implemented at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in the College of Engineering. It is suggested that a materials science course laboratory is a uniquely well-suited place in an undergraduate curriculum for allowing students to participate in an original research experience while they continue to acquire basic knowledge and skills. The motivations for planning such a student laboratory are discussed, and the manner in which this laboratory was implemented is described. The students carried out experimental measurements, reduced data, did literature surveys, and presented their results in the form of original research papers. The class was divided into a number of small groups. Each group was given a different rare earth alloy or metal to study. Measurements were made of electrical and mechanical properties. Data taken by each group were made available to the whole class. The laboratory is subjectively evaluated as a teaching/learning experience.