Stanford Root

Schedule

Stanford Root

Schedule

MATSCI 156

Solar Cells, Fuel Cells, and Batteries: Materials for the Energy Solution

UNITS:3-4
GRADING:Letter or Credit/No Credit
LEVEL:Undergrad
GER:WAY-AQR

This course introduces students to emerging technological solutions to address the pressing energy demands of the world. The primary focus will be on the fundamental physics and chemistry of solar cells, fuel cells, and batteries from a materials science perspective. Students will learn about the operating principles, structure, composition, performance, and life cycle of these devices. The promise of materials research for providing next generation solutions will be highlighted by guest speakers developing innovative energy technologies. Prerequisites: It is strongly recommended that students take MATSCI MATSCI 144 (thermodynamics). Other coursework in introductory materials science (e.g., ENGR 50) and electromagnetism (e.g., PHYSICS MATSCI 23/MATSCI 43) are also recommended. Undergraduates register in MATSCI 156 for 4 units; graduates register in MATSCI 256 for 3 units.

Syllabus for selected term:
View Spring 2027 Syllabus

Sections

1 Term
Lecture 1Open
ID: 27009
0 / 30 enrolled
DAYS:Tuesday, Thursday
TIME:1:30 PM – 2:50 PM
LOCATION:TBD
INSTRUCTOR:
Chen, Enze
units

MATSCI 156: Solar Cells, Fuel Cells, and Batteries: Materials for the Energy Solution

3-4 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-AQR

This course introduces students to emerging technological solutions to address the pressing energy demands of the world. The primary focus will be on the fundamental physics and chemistry of solar cells, fuel cells, and batteries from a materials science perspective. Students will learn about the operating principles, structure, composition, performance, and life cycle of these devices. The promise of materials research for providing next generation solutions will be highlighted by guest speakers developing innovative energy technologies. Prerequisites: It is strongly recommended that students take MATSCI 144 (thermodynamics). Other coursework in introductory materials science (e.g., ENGR 50) and electromagnetism (e.g., PHYSICS 23/43) are also recommended. Undergraduates register in 156 for 4 units; graduates register in 256 for 3 units.

Offered in Spring 2027 at Stanford University.

Spring 2027 sections

  • Lecture — Tuesday Thursday 1:30 PM – 2:50 PM — Chen, Enze (Undergrad)

More MATSCI courses

  • MATSCI 144: Thermodynamic Evaluation of Green Energy Technologies
  • MATSCI 144S: STEMentors: Thermodynamic Evaluation of Green Energy Technologies
  • MATSCI 145: Kinetics of Materials Synthesis
  • MATSCI 150: Undergraduate Research
  • MATSCI 151: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties (MATSCI 251)
  • MATSCI 152: Electronic Materials Engineering
  • MATSCI 159Q: Japanese Companies and Japanese Society (ENGR 159Q)
  • MATSCI 160: Nanomaterials Design (MATSCI 170)
  • MATSCI 161: Energy Materials Laboratory (MATSCI 171)
  • MATSCI 162: X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory (MATSCI 172, PHOTON 172)
  • MATSCI 163: Mechanical Behavior Laboratory (MATSCI 173)
  • MATSCI 164: Electronic and Photonic Materials and Devices Laboratory (MATSCI 174)

All MATSCI courses · All departments