Course unit details:
Composite & Advanced Materials

Course unit fact file
Unit code MATS31301
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 6
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by Department of Materials
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

The unit covers composite materials and structural ceramics and their mechanical behaviour.

Aims

The unit aims to:

  • Provide the student with an understanding of the principles underlying the behaviour of composite materials and advanced structural ceramics.
  • Introduce the basic micromechanics of long and short fibre composites.

Learning outcomes

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

Teaching and learning methods

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.

Knowledge and understanding

  • Describe the nature and behaviour of composite materials.
  • Apply basic micromechanics to describe the mechanical properties of structural ceramics, particulate- and fibre- reinforced composites.
  • Apply basic modelling approaches to describe elastic and post yield behaviour of a range of composite materials.

Intellectual skills

  • Show improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics.
  • Apply simple models to predict the mechanical properties of composite materials.

Practical skills

  • Develop the ability to communicate scientific subjects.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

  • Solve problems utilising methods learned in lecture.
  • Assess results critically by relating learned knowledge with current scientific papers.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written exam 70%
Written assignment (inc essay) 30%

Feedback methods

Feedback given verbal and written

Recommended reading

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

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 20
Practical classes & workshops 2
Independent study hours
Independent study 78

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Venkata Potluri Unit coordinator

Fees and funding

Fees

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.

Policy on additional costs

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).

Scholarships/sponsorships

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.

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