• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

Fundamentals of Materials

Module description

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.

Module 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.

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education.

Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.

The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module (shown in brackets):

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. ILOs 1, 19 and 37 - Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (B,1, C1 & M1)
• 2. ILOs 2, 20 and 38 - Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions (B2, C2 & M2)
• 3. ILOs 3, 21 and 39 - Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems (B3, C3 & M3)

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. ILOs 12, 30 & 48 - (B12, C12 & M12) - Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems
• 5. ILOs 13, 31 & 49 - Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (M13)

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

Syllabus plan

Material failure
Failure types
Stress intensity factor Role of cracks Fracture toughness
Application of fracture toughness in engineering design Creep and stress relaxation
Fatigue

Other topics
Additive Manufacturing
Metals
Ceramics
Polymers
Quality and Sustainability

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Referred and deferred assignments will mirror the original modes of assessment.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Jones, D. R. H., & Ashby, M. F. (2019). Engineering Materials 1 - An Introduction to Properties, Applications and Design (5th Edition) (Fifth edition.). Elsevier
• Callister, W.D.J. & Rethwisch, D.G. (2018). Materials science and engineering: An introduction (10th ed). Wiley.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE.

Key words search

Material science, Material engineering, Material properties, Material structures, Material failure