The Evolution of Engineering Materials

This paper describes the development of an upper level engineering elective entitled “The Evolution of Engineering Materials.” The course considers how the discovery of new materials and the ability of process materials in new ways has influenced the course of history, shaping both human societies and their surrounding environments, from the Stone Age to the Modern Era. Students become familiar with a variety of still-relevant technical content through the consideration of historical activity, from smelting and coking to polymerization reactions and cross linking. The course addresses a variety of ABET outcomes while also supporting the development of global competency through an increased appreciation of world history. Although this course was developed for and taught in the context of a three-week study abroad trip to Europe, the engaging and accessible nature of the content could also make it valuable as a service course for non-engineering majors. The course is currently serving as the inspiration for a new collaborative effort between the School of Engineering and the history department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.