Postgraduate Courses
SMMG
Smart Manufacturing
- SMMG 5100Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Fabrication Technology[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000CExclusion(s)MSSM 5012DescriptionMicroelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) combine electrical and mechanical components on a single chip, enabling the sensing of phenomena such as temperature, pressure, movement, and acceleration, as well as emitting signals via light or sound. These systems are essential for modern technologies, including smartphones, AR/VR platforms, and wearable electronics, and they are foundational for innovations like micro-robots. This course covers the fundamentals of microfabrication for MEMS, including techniques from integrated circuit (IC) fabrication and methods tailored to MEMS-specific challenges. It provides a comprehensive toolbox for both research-level prototyping and mass production in the MEMS industry. The curriculum includes a review of crucial microfabrication methods and case studies on micro- and nano-scale devices, focusing on their fabrication processes.
- SMMG 5110Introduction to Precision Engineering[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000FDescriptionThis course covers the fundamentals and capabilities in precision engineering, including tool materials, mechanics of cutting, ultra-precision machine elements, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoscale additive manufacturing. Based on these accumulations, this course introduces the industry growth, global state and analyzes the future of precision engineering.
- SMMG 5120Computerized Numerical Control Technology[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000GExclusion(s)MSSM 5011DescriptionThis course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and applications of Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) technology, focusing on the fundamental concepts and mechanisms of numerically controlled machines. Key topics include the essential components of numerical control, such as interpreters, interpolators, acceleration and deceleration control, and position control systems, along with advancements in deep learning-enabled CNC technology. The course also examines the characteristics and industrial applications of various CNC controllers. The material is applicable to a diverse range of motion control equipment, including multi-axis machine tools, industrial robots, 3D printers, laser processing machines, and lithography systems. This course is ideal for students seeking to understand the foundational theories and practical applications of motion control and CNC systems in an industrial context.
- SMMG 5130Functional Microdevice Manufacturing[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000HDescriptionFunctional microdevices are tiny devices that are used to create functional and interactive components on a microscopic level. They are used in a variety of applications, such as microelectronics, flexible or wearable devices, drug delivery, and more. This course provides students with the latest knowledge about functional microscale devices fabrication techniques and the underlying physics, including flexible electronics fabrication and applications, transfer printing techniques, 3D printing, and micro/nanoscale mechanics. Students will gain practical knowledge of these topics and develop the ability to apply this knowledge in real-world multifunctional manufacturing applications.
- SMMG 5140Introduction to Engineering Data Analytics[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000KExclusion(s)MSSM 5004DescriptionThis course focuses on the sensing and data analytics techniques for modeling, monitoring, and optimization of advanced manufacturing processes. The techniques introduced in this course can find wide applications in manufacturing industries such as semiconductor and ceramics industries. This course will provide the students with understanding of the fundamental and advanced data analytics and statistical learning methodologies, and the ability of formulating and solving real problems with the appropriate modeling strategies and statistical principles.
- SMMG 5150System Simulation[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000PDescriptionSimulation is the creation of a virtual model of a real-world system or process to study and analyze its behavior under various conditions. It is widely used in industrial systems to optimize design, improve processes, and test scenarios without the cost and risk of physical experimentation. This course will cover basic concepts and theories of simulation, discuss models and applications of discrete-event simulation in manufacturing systems. Students will learn to develop and analyze simulations, and test scenarios of real-world industrial systems. Additionally, this course will introduce the emerging concept of the digital twin and reinforcement learning in Smart Manufacturing, preparing students for opportunities in the evolving industrial revolution.
- SMMG 5200Global Manufacturing[3-0-0:3]DescriptionTopics include globalization and manufacturing paradigms, product-process-business integration, product invention strategy, customized, personalized and reconfigurable products, mass production and lean production, mathematical analysis of mass customization, traditional manufacturing systems, reconfigurable manufacturing systems, reconfigurable machines, system configuration analysis, responsive business models, enterprise globalization strategies, and the global integrated enterprise.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define globalization and different manufacturing paradigms.
- 2.Describe product invention and development strategies.
- 3.Analyze mass customization as compared to mass production.
- 4.Analyze traditional manufacturing systems in technical and economic aspects.
- 5.Explain the features of reconfigurable manufacturing machines and systems.
- 6.Analyze and optimize the configuration of reconfigurable systems.
- 7.Describe the structure and strategies of global manufacturing enterprise.
- SMMG 5300Nanotechnology: Fundamentals and Applications[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000DDescriptionThis course introduces the basics of nanofabrication and nanocharacterization methods as well as typical applications of nanotechnology in commercial products.
- SMMG 5400Design for Additive Manufacturing[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000ADescriptionThis course provides knowledge and skills on how to develop, optimize, and implement different design strategies in additive manufacturing (AM). Through hands-on instructional activities and case studies, students will learn to select the appropriate AM technologies for specific design-manufacturing applications; explain challenges in design and manufacturing and provide solutions; identify and utilize proper software tools to analyze and evaluate designs; and design parts that fully leverage the strengths of AM.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe and compare the different additive manufacturing (AM) processes.
- 2.Apply computational tools for design, analysis and optimization of AM parts.
- 3.Analyze and apply design for AM (DfAM) principles to various AM processes.
- 4.Apply topology optimization to AM parts.
- 5.Create lattice and zero-mean curvature structures for AM.
- 6.Create AM parts using generative design.
- SMMG 5500Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000EExclusion(s)MSSM 5001DescriptionThis course aims to introduce the fundamentals of various additive manufacturing techniques, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), two-photon lithography, stereolithography (SLA), etc. The additive manufacturing process (FDM or SLA as an example) will be illustrated by actual model design, system setup and fabrication of parts.
- SMMG 5600Fundamental Theories and Algorithms of CAD/CAM[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)MSSM 5009DescriptionThis course covers topics such as curves and surfaces, geometric modeling basics, data structures in CAD/CAM, optimization, multi-axis path planning in NC machining and additive manufacturing, and projects. In addition to lectures, a 3-hour lab in SolidWorks and MATLAB programming will be offered.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Have a thorough understanding of the fundamental mathematical theories and computer algorithms underlying today’s CAD/CAM technologies.
- 2.Design and implement computer programs of moderate complexity for CAD/CAM tasks.
- SMMG 5700Fundamentals in Metal Processing[3-0-0:3]BackgroundFluid mechanics, Heat transfer, and Engineering materials knowledge is preferred.DescriptionThis course introduces a wide range of manufacturing processes for metal materials, including machining, casting, 3D printing, and heat treatment; and explains the fundamental and practical aspects of manufacturing at scale. For each process, this course explains the underlying physical principles, provides several examples and demonstrations. The course concludes with a perspective on sustainability and the worldwide trajectory of metal manufacturing.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the major metal processing techniques and their advantages and limitations.
- 2.Demonstrate understanding of the challenges in current metallic materials design and manufacturing, and the opportunities of metallurgy in industry and academia.
- 3.Identify the physics and key processing parameters in current metal manufacturing techniques.
- 4.Obtain systematic understanding of process-structure-property relationships across different length scales in metal manufacturing.
- 5.Acquire the skills and confidence to create innovative solutions using metallurgy knowledge across a vast opportunity space.
- 6.Acquire a cutting-edge perspective on digital transformation of metals and metal matrix composites, and the future manufacturing.
- SMMG 5800Industrial Automation and Analytics[3-0-0:3]BackgroundManufacturing processes and statistics knowledge is preferred.DescriptionIndustrial automation and analytics embrace a wide range of subject matters and draws from several quite distinct disciplines. This course introduces basic concepts and applications that are useful for understanding the insight of industrial automation and analytics, such as the impact on advanced manufacturing. The main focuses include basic programming for robotics, applications of programmable logic control, sensor technology and its application in complex systems, and advanced analytics for manufacturing. The data analytics will cover some basic machine learning modeling, such as predictive modeling, forecasting, neural network, segmentation, and anomaly detection, as well as their applications in process monitoring and control for advanced manufacturing processes (additive manufacturing).Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe how sensors work for process monitoring;
- 2.Execute data analytic tools for complex systems;
- 3.Define the scope of different data analytics tools, and compare/clarify their differences and similarities;
- 4.Understand the fundamental principles of manufacturing systems;
- 5.Communicate effectively in oral presentation and written project report.
- SMMG 5900Advanced Metal Additive Manufacturing[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)SMMG 6000BExclusion(s)MSSM 5002BackgroundMechanical design and college math. Basic fluid mechanics and heat transfer knowledge is preferred.DescriptionThis course provides students with the latest knowledge and skills for metal additive manufacturing (AM) techniques and implications, as well as the fundamental understanding of process-structure-property relationships in material processing using AM.
- SMMG 6000Special Topics in Smart Manufacturing[3-0-0:3]DescriptionSelected topics in smart manufacturing of current interest in emerging areas and not covered by existing courses. May be repeated for credit if different topics are covered.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the knowledge of the selected topics in the field of smart manufacturing.
- SMMG 6100Independent Study[1-3 credit(s)]DescriptionSelected topics in smart manufacturing studied under the supervision of a faculty member.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills in the selected topics related to smart manufacturing.
- 2.Apply an interdisciplinary approach in examining the selected topics.
- 3.Critically evaluate different aspects of the selected topics.
- 4.Communicate findings effectively in written reports.
- SMMG 6800Seminar in Smart Manufacturing[0-1-0:0]DescriptionSeminar topics presented by students, faculty and guest speakers. Students are expected to attend regularly and demonstrate proficiency in presentation in accordance with the program requirements. Graded P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate effective presentation skills in seminar presentations.
- 2.Understand current research trends and applications.
- 3.Engage argumentative and critical thinking skills.
- SMMG 6990MPhil Thesis ResearchDescriptionMaster's thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Design, develop and conduct crossdisciplinary research in Smart
Manufacturing. - 2.Communicate research findings effectively in written and oral
presentations.
- SMMG 7990Doctoral Thesis ResearchDescriptionOriginal and independent doctoral thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Design, develop and conduct crossdisciplinary research in Smart
Manufacturing. - 2.Communicate research findings effectively in written and oral
presentations.
