I would be willing to bet money that your teacher is a specialist that does not deal with metals.

The one bad thing about college is that most professors are opinionated specialists who think that their particular field of study is the center of the universe and everything else isn't important.

Untrue - professors recognize that the center of the universe also includes the broader field of study occupied by their own profs and their students and friends.

I just took a course in Mat Sci last term, it was pretty interesting, but not as in depth as I had hoped. I'd recommend it to anyone dealing with metals and alloys though. Even just the stress/strain/elastic modulus stuff comes in handy when mentally analyzing stuff.

Gerry, On and off till 1982 long time ago. Things have changed, many more young girls in engineering these days. When I was there had something like a 12/1 ratio woman/men, no PCs, sitll used Key punch cards ......

Anyone go to CSOM Colorado School of Mines?

MPD - I was there 68-72, I decided right then that computers wouldn't make it because of those unweildy punch cards, there were 5 identifiable women. I wound up in plastics, only missing the sweet spot by about 10 years.

Still just outside of Troy, waiting for the snow to melt and the rain to wash the salt so the Carrera and I can tke a ride.

Colorado School of Mines?

- a friend of mine teaches physics there... terrible little office they stuck him in -- but he doesn't seem to care since he has two big workstations to futz around with. He seems to pretty much live inside them.

Interesting, I asked because a childhood friend of mine teaches/taught (not sure if he's still there) there as well. He taught Metallurgical and Material Engineering. Haven't heard from him since he was 20 or so. I imagine he's in his mid 30's now. His name is John Wise. Since you guys were on "his" topic I was hoping for a small-world connection:)

I'll second Carroll Smith's Engineer to Win book. Good tips on a few alloys and where to use them and why.

Say can anyone tell me the chemical symbol for Unobtainium? ;)

I think it's $¢

B of Material Science and Engineering with an option in Polymer Science from PSU here.

With my focus on polymer science and all I didn't get a ton of metals or ceramics, but a lot of chemistry. I will say if you take the time to actually understand even a basic intro to matsce book, specifically packing structures etc. you will be light years ahead of most.

If you take your time, you will find it easy and enjoyable!

Arrg i am a geek...

no, it is... Rsr

Yup!

1992 - 1998. The wife did the same and is commuting back and forth for her phd.

Fun little school - great town to be 'stuck' in for 6 years if you're from Michigan.

The name Wise in the MME department rings a bell, but I haven't darkened those halls for (ack!) 7 years now.

That is definitely when we was there. It appears he has moved on now though as his email there is nonfunctional.

I've been a Metallurgist for 9 years now and I will say it has come in handy. When applying to your passion, I agree with 1980 911sc, it is enjoyable but I'm not a geek!!!

Ask her if the basics of metalurgy aren't taught, how is transparent aluminum going to get invented?

I have a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. It's a bit of an obscure field. I didn't even know it existed as an area of study (after working as a machinist !?!) until my second year of engineering school, and then I had to change schools in order to take it.