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Study information

Fundamentals of Materials - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEFundamentals of Materials CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENG1008 MODULE CONVENERDr Junning Chen (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 240
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module is one of three engineering fundamentals modules that will introduce engineering concepts and theory across the areas of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics and will provide you with a solid grounding on which to build in later modules. In this module we focus on two sub-disciplines, material science and material engineering, with topics spamming from material properties, material structures, material failure and material applications. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object’s response to the applied conditions, whether it is the allowed stress level to avoid catastrophic failure of pressurised vessels, or altering material micro- and nanostructures to provide improved ductility, strength, or resistance to fracture. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding basic materials.
 
You will work through new topics each week with the aid of extensive learning materials, lectures, tutorials, and experimental activities. You will undertake numerous elements of online continuous assessment throughout the module which will allow you to evaluate your understanding of the material and diagnose areas that require further attention. Continuous assessments provide ongoing feedback and support you to actively manage your learning.
 
The module is taught using a flipped learning methodology. Each week, you will review background materials and complete question sheets in preparation for tutorial sessions with your lecturers. A flipped learning methodology allows you to extract more benefit from guided tutorials, but also requires more upfront work by you in preparation.
AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to equip you with fundamental knowledge and skills in Materials. It also consolidates a common knowledge base, and begins the development of a learning methodology appropriate to a professional engineer. Through both continuous assessment and the end of year exams, the module encourages you to actively manage your own learning and seeks to develop your ability to communicate your understanding of engineering theory and concepts in a professional manner.
 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:

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

ILO.1: demonstrate knowledge of the principles of material properties and behaviours

ILO.2: carry out structural and mechanical characterisation of the materials

ILO.3: solve basic problems in determining materials' responses the applied external conditions by using 1D Hooke's law

ILO.4: demonstrate knowledge of mechanical properties of materials and their implications

ILO.5: use the knowledge of material properties to anticipate the engineering component failure and improving the material safety

ILO.6: use knowledge of material structures and applying different techniques in improving material performance, including strain hardening and solid solution

ILO.7: utilise laboratory equipment correctly and safely, to make simple measurements

ILO.8: record and interpret the results of laboratory experiments

ILO.9: apply theoretical models to practical problems

ILO.10: write clear accounts of laboratory experiments

ILO.11: carry out directed private study using textbooks, and other provided resources

ILO.12: set out calculations demonstrating solution of problems using theoretical models

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Introduction to Materials
  • History of materials
  • Material science and material engineering
  • Material processing, structure, property, and performance Classification of materials
  • Multiscale of material structure
  • 6 categories of material properties
 
Elastic Material Mechanics
  • Introduction to stress and strain in 1D Hooke's law
  • Elastic properties of materials
  • Material deformation in the given mechanical environment
 
Material Structure
  • Atomic structure and interatomic bonding Crystalline structure
  • Imperfection in the crystalline structure Evaluate atomic vacancy
  • Solid solution and Hume-Rothery rule
 
Plastic Material Mechanics
  • Material response beyond the elastic range Yielding
  • Strain Hardening Necking
  • Fracture
  • Elastic recovery and reloading Dislocation and hardening
 
Material Failure
  • Failure types
  • Stress intensity factor Role of cracks Fracture toughness
  • Application of fracture toughness in engineering design Creep and stress relaxation
  • Fatigue
 
Construction Materials
  • Generalities of Wood and Masonry for Construction
  • Generalities of Steel and Portland Cement, manufacturing process
  • Non-destructive testing of civil engineering materials
  • Introduction to Reinforced Concrete
  • Introduction to retrofit of structures

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 44 Guided Independent Study 106 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

The module is delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous lectures and tutorials.

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

None

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam 60 2 hours (Summer) 1-6, 12 Cohort level feedback. Individual students can request feedback after exam
Coursework – Instron Characterisation of Material Properties 20 8 hours 7-10, 12 Marked coursework returned with feedback
Coursework – Continuous assessment worksheets 20 8 hours 1-5, 11 Online worksheets with immediate feedback

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
All above Written Exam (100% - 2 hours) All
Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%.

RESOURCES
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

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Ashby, M. F. and Jones, D. R. H. Engineering Materials
Set Callister, W. D. Materials Science & Engineering
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Wednesday 23rd June 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 4th October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH None defined

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.