MEng Materials Science and Engineering

Functional materials are at the heart of a wide range of consumer and industrial electronic systems, including communications, sensors, control and energy management. The microstructural and compositional variation in these materials has a dramatic impact on their electrical and mechanical properties. 

The course unit aims to:

• Explain the principles underlying the operation of oxide-based functional ceramics in the form of bulk, thin-film, particulate and composite materials;
• Discuss the relationships between chemical composition, crystal structure, microstructure and functional properties;
• Identify the material characteristics required for a variety of applications and environments.
• Devise strategies to optimise the performance of functional ceramics. Correlate different types of functional properties with the underlying mechanisms and processing methods.

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

This unit is delivered using a blended learning approach, which integrates technology and digital media with traditional classroom activities. A variety of learning and teaching processes will be used including: lectures, discussions, group activities and independent study. Canvas will be used to present online study materials, including videos, lecture notes, guided reading, articles and other information. Canvas will also be used for the submission of assessments.

• K1: Demonstrate an understanding of the composition-structure-property relationships in polycrystalline ferroelectrics.
• K2: Describe the main groups of conventional piezoelectric ceramics; identify emerging single-phase and composite materials and their characteristic properties.
• K3: Explain how structural phase transformations in ferroelectrics can be exploited in the development of new and improved materials.
• K4: Discuss principles of operation of solid oxide fuel cells and ceramic sensors (Thermistors, Varistors and Gas sensors). In this context, describe the effect of chemical composition, crystal structure and microstructure on their functional properties.
• K5: Apply the above knowledge of fuel cells and ceramic sensors to estimate their basic operational parameters.
• K6: Evaluate factors limiting the performance of a particular fuel cell or ceramic sensor and suggest measures of performance optimisation.

• I1: Devise strategies to optimise the performance of functional ceramics with respect to specific applications.
• I2: Correlate different types of functional properties with the underlying mechanisms and processing methods.

Not applicable

• T1: Analytical capability
• T2: Problem-solving skills

Written and verbal

The recommended reading for this unit can be found on the online unit reading list.

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £41,900 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our the Department funding pages.