Materials scientists are responsible for innovation in a variety of areas, including manufacturing processes, sustainability, and new product development. To be successful, a materials scientist must understand not only the relevant technology, but also how its implementation is affected by patent law, the economics of manufacturing, and effective communication with the public, other scientists, and engineers. At Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Materials Project Laboratory course (3.042), prepares students by providing interdisciplinary training focused on real-world challenges. Students solve problems by creating new materials that address specific needs in medicine, construction, consumer goods and other areas; they execute a project from theory to patent and marketing research, culminating in the production and presentation of working materials. Along the way, students write and speak about their plans and progress, communicating on a regular basis with experienced professionals in their field. Because technical work, research, and communications are inextricably intertwined, they gain practice in working as professionals, solving problems not only in the lab but also n teamwork and leadership. Having experienced the challenges of working on complex problems, they complete the course ready to dvance knowledge in the development of new materials.
Proceedings of the 9th International CDIO Conference, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, June 9 – 13, 2013