Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Study Abroad

The MSE department encourages students to take advantage of the many study abroad opportunities available supported the Engineering International Programs Office.  MSE faculty member Scott Chumbley serves as program coordinator for college exchange programs at the University of Birmingham and Brunel University, both located in England.  The department also runs two summer programs, a six-week, 6-credit experience on the campus of Brunel University in west London and a three-week, 3-credit program conducted in the African country of Mali.

MSE Summer Experience in London

The MSE summer program in London involves a six-week stay on the campus of Brunel University, located in Uxbridge, west London.  Although designed specifically for MSE students, the program is open to all engineering majors.  Students receive instruction in two 3-credit classes, Mat E 391: Women’s Roles in Industry and Mat E 392: Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering.  Mat E 391 is co-taught by an instructor from Brunel University and can be used to satisfy the U.S. Diversity requirement for all engineers. Mat E 392 is taught by faculty from ISU and substitutes for either Mat E 272 or Mat E 215.  By being overseas for six weeks students fulfill the college international perspective requirement.

Left:  Students enjoy a sunny day visiting Tower Bridge  Right:  A guided tour of Parliament.

Students wishing to apply should contact Prof. Scott Chumbley, chumbleyiastate.edu, who manages the program for further details.

International Development in Africa

The program in Africa, Mat E / ME 389x: Applied Methods in Sustainable Engineering and International Development, is a three credit experience taught jointly by MSE and ME faculty.  The program involves a three-week stay in Nana-Kenieba, a village in the west African country of Mali.  The course structure is project based where students work with the local population to develop engineering solutions to satisfy basic human needs such as cooking, heating, sanitation, etc. in an environment where much of the infrastructure we take for granted (e.g. power, clean water, road network) is lacking.  The goal is to get students to think in terms of developing appropriate technology in constrained environments, while at the same time making a difference in the lives of rural Malians.

Left:  MSE student Anne Stockdale assists with forging.  Right:  The village of Nan-Kenieba.

Students wishing to apply should contact Prof. Richarf LeSar, lesariastate.edu, who manages the program for further details.

For more information see the College of Engineering's International programs page.

Students pursue other university exchange programs and locations on their own as well.