Module Catalogue 2024/25

CME8118 : Stability and Sustainability of Materials

CME8118 : Stability and Sustainability of Materials

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Mark Geoghegan
  • Lecturer: Dr Adriana Sierra Romero
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
  • Capacity limit: 40 student places
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
CME1020Chemistry
CME2028Thermodynamics 2
Pre Requisite Comment

Students wishing to study this course are expected to have a good background on physical or materials/inorganic chemistry and thermodynamics. This knowledge will be assumed by the instructors of the course.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The course aims to provide the student with an understanding and knowledge of the degradation of materials in their environment..

This is important because chemical engineering requires materials that are fit for purpose. Metal pipes, for example, will corrode and one needs to ensure that this process is understood for economic and safety reasons. Sustainability applications often benefit from materials that will degrade safety at the end of their useful lives, and biodegradation is an important means to this end.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will cover the underlying physical concepts behind corrosion, including

Materials compatibility, degradation and corrosion
Definitions of different kinds of corrosion and corrosion failure – Health and Safety Implications Thermodynamics and electrochemical materials chemistry
The electrochemical series and stability diagrams Pourbaix Diagrams for materials stability Electrochemical kinetics and corrosion rates Corrosion Protection
Theoretical analysis of corrosion

The module will outline the materials used for biodegradation and the mechanisms by which it occurs.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module the student will be able to: describe the underpinning physical principles involved in corrosion as well as its importance (M1). They will be able to outline the applications and mechanisms involved in biodegradation. (M1)

Intended Skill Outcomes

The skills Outcomes are centred around the analytical tools to recognise a problem and identify the means to resolve it. This involves some basic mathematics.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:00Lectures, tutorials and revision sessions.
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion125:0025:00Preparation and completion of assessments including sitting the exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery41:004:00Office Hours
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study151:0051:00Review lecture material, prepare for tutorials
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The dominant method of delivery by lectures is appropriate for the module which has a largely theoretical bias. The tutorial sessions provide an opportunity for the students to practise the numerical methods required for calculations.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination901A100N/A
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
Description When Set Comment
Computer assessmentMPass/Fail Canvas Quiz to test knowledge and understanding of material.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A 100% written exam at the end of the course is the most appropriate means of assessing the learning outcomes. A pass/fail Canvas quiz in the middle is necessary to ensure that students engage with the course from the outset.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.