MEng Materials Science and Engineering

The unit aims to apply and extend metallurgical knowledge through exploring the science behind advanced processing technologies and showing how they can be used to obtain novel microstructures and unique properties in metallic alloys. Topics include:

• Overview of the industrial drivers for processing difficult to shape advanced materials and the socio-economic benefits. 
• Solidification Processing.
  - Revision and extension of solidification theory; e.g. solidification diagrams.
  - Advanced casting techniques, e.g. micromills, thixoforming, single crystal growth
  - Rapid solidification & manufacture/solidification of powders.
  - Melt pool solidification and welding processes
  - Additive manufacturing, technologies, microstructure development and control
• Deformation Processing. 
  - Principles of texture and microstructure control
  - Forming - principles and advanced techniques technologies: e.g. precision forging, warm & hydro forming, superplasticity
• Powder processing 
  - Powder metallurgy: principles; powder packing, pressing, sintering – techniques; e.g. HIPing, powder injection moulding, mechanical alloying
  - Lecture by Industrial Expert

The unit aims to:

1. Provide an overview of advanced metal processing technologies used to produce components in high value added products (e.g. aerospace), including their applications, and advantages and disadvantages: with a focus on near-net-shape.
2. Explore the metallurgical science behind advanced processing - the effect of the process conditions on a materials’ microstructure and the resultant component performance.
3. Discuss how specialised metal processing can be used to obtain novel microstructures and unique properties in metallic alloys.

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.

• Discuss the industrial drivers for processing difficult to shape advanced materials.
• Have a broad knowledge of the different technologies available for advanced processing semi-finished products and their advantages, disadvantages and applications.
• Understand the general metallurgical principles involved in each process to make them work and the mechanisms involved.
• Understand the issues, problems, and limitations of each process.
• Understand how the processes interact with the materials to change their microstructure and how this can be exploited to optimise the process and improve component performance.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles exploited in advanced processing of industrial alloys to overcome the challenges the materials present, design microstructures and develop improved properties.
• Have awareness of the applications of advanced processing technologies and the socio-economic benefits.

• Show improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the effect of changing the chemistry and microstructure/architecture of a material on its properties.
• Apply simple models to predict processing conditions and material behaviours.

Feedback given (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).

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