[15MECH60C] Introduction to Materials Science

and Engineering 2015/2016

Module Code:15MECH60C Title:Introduction to Materials Scienceand

Engineering
Modular weight:10 Examination weighting:60%
Prerequisite modules:
Reassessment: No restrictions
Module Leader:Dr Ayman Abbas
Semester taught:One
Key words:material science, material engineering
Addresses programme ILOs: 1, 15, 23
Date of latest revision:May 2014

Aims
The aim of this module is to provide first year students with basic knowledge of material
science and engineering necessary for all engineers in addition to selective topics of
significance to major engineering specialisation. This module emphasises differences
between material types (metallic systems, polymers and ceramics), basic structure of
material, and material properties of relevance to engineering applications. The lab work
covers the basic tools necessary for material characterization from structure and
property points of view as well as save trends in handling lab equipment.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

1. define basic structure of materials and structure-properties relationship;
2. describe mechanical properties and the engineering tests used to determine these
properties;
3. explain concepts of engineering materials (metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics,
composites), and explain their behaviour, and appropriateness for engineering
applications;

Subject-specific cognitive skills

4. produce data from phase diagrams and hence interpret microstructural observations
in metals and alloyswith reference to heating and cooling conditions;
5. interpret and analyse data from tensile, impact toughness and hardness tests and
determine the mechanical properties;

Subject-specific practical skills

6. prepare samples for metallography and mechanical tests and produce data and from
relevant laboratory tests;

Key/transferable skills
7. use lab equipment and handle materials safely;
8. present and discuss data from a variety of sources (including laboratory work) to
explain materials properties and applications.

Content

Types of engineering materials (polymers, ceramics, and metals and alloys), atomic
structure of matter, amorphous and crystalline structures, formation of structure by
solidification and polymerisation, diffusion, theory of alloys, thermal equilibrium
diagrams, iron carbon diagrams, heat treatments, carbon steels, alloy steels, cast
iron, non-ferrous metals and alloys, ceramics and polymeric materials, basic
mechanical properties and testing (tension, impact toughness, and hardness),
fundamentals of failure and degradation causes.

Methods of Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Total student effort for the module: 100 hours on average over 1 semester.

Type of session Student Effort

Number in the Semester/s Hours per week normally Total hours
Lecture 11 2 22
Tutorial 10 1 10
Laboratories 3 2 6
Private study 62

Assessment
Exam/
ILOs Exam Written
Assessment Focus Weight % Assessment Type
Assessed Semester Coursework
Length
one problem 20% Coursework 4,5
based
 assignment
supported by
student’s
analysis
one lab report 20% Group report with 5% for 6,7,8 5-10
based on individual discussion. pages
attending four
lab sessions
Unseen 60% Final exam 1, 2, 3, 2hrs
4, 5

Method of Feedback
In response to assessed work:

 Individual written feedback on coursework;

 Feedback discussed as part of a tutorial.

Developmental feedback generated through teaching activities:

 Dialogue between students and staff in tutorials;

 Individual feedback provided in tutorials.

Indicative Reading List

 William F. Smith, "Principles of Materials Science and Engineering", McGraw-Hill,
ISBN: 0070591695 (1990)
 W. Bolton, "Engineering Materials Technology", Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN:
0750639172 (1998)
 William D. Callister, "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction ", Wiley,
(2006)