This online course provides a comprehensive examination of emerging materials that define the frontier of modern engineering and science.

New materials are no longer discovered passively, but are engineered at molecular levels to achieve specific functionalities. Next generation materials such as carbon nanotubes, shape-memory alloys, and biomimetic polymers represent this shift, offer improved performance, such as being both high strength and low weight, or flexibility and electrical conductivity. The evolution from classical materials to next-generation systems reflects the necessity of a multidisciplinary, design-informed approach to material innovation. Emphasizing foundational principles and engineering applications, this course explores innovations such as nanomaterials, advanced polymers, metamaterials, biomaterials, and smart structures.

This course is applicable to materials, mechanical, civil, aerospace, electrical, and biomedical engineers, as well as other professionals who are seeking to deepen their understanding of next-generation materials.

Learning Objectives:

• Familiarity with the properties and categories of next generation engineering materials
• Learn the processing techniques and structural applications of advanced polymers, ceramics, composites, and metals
• Understand the behavior and potential of nanostructured and smart materials
• Know how to integrate material science principles into modern engineering challenges
• Recognize the implications of additive manufacturing and digital fabrication for future material usage
• Understand the environmental, economic, and lifecycle considerations of new materials