Contemporary Advanced Materials Research - 2019 entry

In this module, you will have the chance to learn from active material scientists about the practical methods they have used in their specific materials related scientific research. In particular, the thinking behind and multidisciplinary knowledge involved in tackling different research subjects in material science and engineering. Through the demonstration of a large amount of exemplar case studies, covering a diverse topics including functional materials, nanodevices, porous materials, auxetic materials, renewable materials, polymers, composites, etc. that  are being actively pursued in our college currently, you will be able to acquire the advanced and practical research skills essential for material science. Through the series of example presentations, the senior level students will learn how to organise relevant background data (literature review), choose and establish key experimental methodologies, set-up experiments, analyse and validate experiment results, and identify the ideal journal for publications. Carefully designed case studies and lab demonstrations will help the students to strengthen what they have learned in the class. Students will also be able to develop critical skills to review unpublished and access the quality of published works in materials science and engineering. Communication and presentation skills will be trained via presenting your findings in classes.

The purpose of this module is to rapidly develop practical skills for you to carry out material researches, built on previous acquired broad and general knowledge in materials science and engineering from relevant modules. Through the explicitly story-telling presentation of typical cases by module presenters’ own recently representative publication, the research methodologies and other stories behind, including funding and facility limitations, the students will be guided to experience the whole process of successful materials research subjects with the supplement of the dedicated practical studies in the lab. The critical thinking, key technique selection, result analysis and validation, research communication and presentation skills will be the main focuses of this module.  

This is a constituent module of one or more degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council.

The learning outcomes for this module have been mapped to the output standards required for an accredited programme, as listed in the current version of the Engineering Council’s ‘Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ document (AHEP-V3).

This module contributes to learning outcomes: SM1m, SM1fl, SM3m, SM4m, SM2fl, EA1m, EA5m, EA2fl, D4m, D7m, D2fl, D8m, D3fl, ET1m, ET1fl, ET3m, ET3fl, EP2m, EP1fl, EP11m, EP4fl, G1m, G1fl.

A full list of the referenced outcomes is provided online: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/subjects/engineering/accreditation/

The AHEP document can be viewed in full on the Engineering Council’s website, at http://www.engc.org.uk/

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM1m, SM1fl, SM3m, SM4m, SM2fl, EA1m, D4m, D7m, D2fl, D8m, D3fl

1. grasp the general research skills for materials science and engineering;

2. develop the ability to design and validate material researches on selected topic;

3. critically appraise published research works independently.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: EA5m, EA2fl, ET1m, ET1fl, ET3m, ET3fl, EP2m, EP1fl

4.assess research in materials science and engineering;

5. appreciate materials science within sectors of the modern technological world.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge: EP11m, EP4fl, G1m, G1fl

6. demonstrate the ability to analysis the synthesized information cross disciplines and source types;

7. communicate in writing at a professional standard

8. work as a member of an engineering team to exercise initiative and personal responsibility

• Introduction: general methods in scientific research
• Brief summarize different research methods in material science and engineering
• Typical case studies on research methods for different material types which have been actively pursued in college currently, including:
  • porous materials;
  • nanomaterials,
  • polymers;
  • ceramics;
  • auxetic materials;
  • composites.

This module is assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will be by assignment.
 

Basic reading:

Indicative learning resources - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Relevant primary sources, including research papers and review articles, will be provided during the course.

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module: