Aims

This module aims to:
• Introduce the basic concepts used in materials science, materials classification, structure at different length-scales, how the structure influences materials properties and principles of materials selection;

Outline Of Syllabus

• Basic concepts: states of matter, atoms and molecules, energy and entropy, phase diagrams, basic crystallography, defects in solids;
• Materials classification: crystalline vs. amorphous, metals, ceramics, polymers, composites;
• Properties of engineering materials: stress and strain, elastic modulus, strength, hardness, fracture of materials, fatigue of materials, corrosion of metals, thermal properties;
• Principles of materials selection.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Online materials will be used to introduce the main topics. Scheduled lectures will be used to deliver material not covered in the recorded lectures and also to revise the content of the online materials.
Tutorials are sessions in which the students apply the knowledge gained during lectures and private study and they can discuss their progress with the instructor.
Practical sessions (Microscopy, Tensile Testing and Materials Selection) enable students to attain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, to observe microstructure, measure mechanical properties and to select materials using digital databases.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The formative assessment (canvas quizzes) will familiarize the students with questions typical to materials science and
allow them to estimate the expected depth of learning and associated workload.
The written exam provide an appropriate way to assess both theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills.
Practical skills are assessed by laboratory worksheets or canvas quizzes.