Instruction in materials science and engineering: modern technology and the new role of the teacher

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) has been created by combining disci plines that are several thousands years old (Metallurgical Engineering) wit h quite recent ones (Solid State Physics). It includes atomic and molecular interactions and structures, synthetic chemistry, phase equilibria and pha se diagrams, a variety of characterization methods, mechanical testing and fracture mechanics, visco-elasticity, rheology, materials processing from f orging through sintering to injection molding, as well as prepreg making an d composite manufacturing. Different sub-disciplines of MSE often require d ifferent instructional approaches. Teaching a single basic MSE course requi res a combination of approaches. Fortunately, we have an increasing number of instructional tools: computer modeling (watching a known process); compu ter simulations (learning about an insufficiently understood process); inte ractive computer programs; TV broadcasting of lectures followed by discussi ons by phone, both video-recorded; the world wide web information accessibl e via search engines; the Journal of Materials Education; and traditional t extbooks and class lecture notes. Moreover, MSE also exhibits certain unify ing features (not limited to just, say, metals or semiconductors); these fe atures are also discussed. The most important consequence of the existence of new technologies is the change in the role of the instructor. Instead of mostly dispensing knowledge, the instructor now has to make decisions. Par ticularly important in the new role of the teacher is his/her capability to make the student manage his/her time in a much more efficient way. (C) 200 1 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.