WIM provides opportunities for science students to differentiate their coursework and widen their experience with sophisticated instrumentation.
Through WIM students can take courses in materials and/or minor in the Physics of Materials. All courses emphasize general theoretical and practical applications of materials. Laboratory work stresses the use of sophisticated instrumentation and the understanding of processes used in the semiconductor and optoelectronics industries (optical and electrical measurements, polymer synthesis and evaluation, photolithography, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, computer modeling, and thin film preparation of metals, polymers, and semiconducting materials).
As part of an Advanced Study summer course, students also have the opportunity to use additional sophisticated instrumentation at Cornell University's Center for Materials Research.
A minor in physics of materials exposes students to some of the key topics in materials science and provides an opportunity to participate in materials research. The experience and knowledge gained are particularly relevant because technological advances in all areas, from growing artificial skin to developing faster computers, are critically dependent on innovations in materials research. Therefore, this minor is particularly appropriate for biology, chemistry, or biochemistry majors or premedical (veterinary or dental) students. The minor will enhance and differentiate a student's background and experience, and will help her prepare for a career in high-tech industry or certain areas of medical research.
Twenty credits chosen as follows:
| Course no. | Course title |
|---|---|
| PHYS 112 | Fundamentals of Physics I |
| PHYS 113 | Fundamentals of Physics II |
| PHYS 120 | Materials: Properties |
| - or - | |
| PHYS 121 | Materials: Structure |
| PHYS 201 | Wave Phenomena and Introduction to Modern Physics |
| Course no. | Course title |
|---|---|
| PHYS 120 | Materials: Properties |
| PHYS 121 | Materials: Structure |
| PHYS 210 | Imaging of Materials |
| PHYS 220 | Materials Modeling |
| PHYS 300 | Mechanics |
| PHYS 305 | Electricity and Magnetism |
| PHYS 310 | Materials Research Methods I |
| PHYS 311 | Materials Research Methods II |
| PHYS 320 | Advanced Instrumentation for Materials Characterization* |
| PHYS 331 | Thermodynamics and Kinetics |
| PHYS 332 | Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure |
Asterisk Key
* - taught at Cornell during the summer
