BSc Materials Science and Engineering

This unit provides an overview of the application of different types of materials, and how they perform in extreme conditions, to reinforce the knowledge learnt in first semester units by a combination of taught examples and self-learning through applying concepts in the form of case studies.

• Reinforce the basic knowledge and theories learnt in first year units.
• Improve confidence in the use of skills, team working, peer review and communication of ideas.
• Provide an overview of the applications of different types of materials, why they are selected and how they are designed to perform in extreme conditions.

A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Intellectual skills
• Practical skills
• Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Discuss the general factors driving new materials developments
• Understand the thought processes and complexities involved in balancing a range of material property requirements for a demanding application, including mechanical performance, degradation in the environment, cost, environmental issues and the production process.
• Apply basic materials’ concepts to understanding in developing new materials for demanding applications.
• Discuss the unique microstructure and property balance that determines the applications of different types of important advanced structural and functional materials.
• Discuss of the unique property balance that has evolved in natural materials and underpins their biological function.

• Show improved logical reasoning and problem solving.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the effect of changing the chemistry and microstructure/architecture of a material on its properties 

• Research literature sources
• Design and créate an e-media file / e-book 

• Work effectively in a team with defined roles to solve problems.
• Plan, prioritise, delegate/distribute and deliver a programme of work within a team.
• Communication of ideas in an oral and video format.

Feedback given verbal + written

• “Stuff Matters: The Strange Stories of the Marvellous Materials that Shape Our Man-made World”. M. Miodnownik, Penguine, 2013.
• “Materials Science and Engineering - An Introduction”, W. D. Callister, D. G. Rethwisch, Pub. Wiley, 2010.
• “Materials engineering, science, processing and design”,  M.F. Ashby, H.R. Shercliff and D. Cebon. Butterworth-Heinemann, 3rd edition, 2013.
• “Materials and Design: The Art and Science of Material Selection in Product Design” M.F. Ashby, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2010.
• “Corrosion Engineering”, M.G. Fontana, McGraw-Hill, 2005.