FRS 002M — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 52940 — T 11:00 – 1:00 pm — 25 Wellman
A Cradle to Grave Look at Materials in Technological Sciences

Instructor: Subhash Risbud, Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, College of Engineering

Description: This course addresses the role of materials in technological societies and their huge impact on our way of living. We will talk about how materials are extracted from the earth, processed, and shaped into products. The cradle of materials selection and choices will be illustrated by choosing examples selected from consumer products (cars, aluminum foils, and plastics), hi-tech devices (computers, TV), and the fashion industry (clothing, creams and powders used for cosmetics). Disposal of materials into graves (landfills) and preferably their re-use will be discussed by citing examples from glass bottle and plastic. Information will be presented through informal lectures, readings, discussion, and laboratory visits.

Format: The seminar will meet for two hours each week for eight weeks. The time will be divided between informal lecture presentations, discussion, laboratory demos, and student presentations. Reading material will be provided. There is no text for the course. Grading: Students will be required to prepare a short paper on a topic to be chosen in consultation with the instructor. The course grade will be based on the quality of their written (1/3) and oral (1/3) presentations and on the frequency and quality of their participation in class discussion (1/3).

About the Instructor: Professor Risbud is a member of the faculty in the Department of CHMS. His research interests include the science, engineering and utilization of materials in products for the consumer and in technology. His teaching interests include increasing the awareness of everyone that attention to the cradle to grave "materials cycle" is fundamental to our survival and society depends on how we make, shape, and discard materials.