Course Details in 2021/22 Session

Module Title	LC Fundamentals of Materials Science
School	Metallurgy and Materials
Department	Metallurgy & Materials
Module Code	04 31173
Module Lead	Dr N Warnken
Level	Certificate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-44 hours Tutorial-8 hours Guided independent study-148 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	The aim of this course is to develop the students’ knowledge in the basic description of crystalline materials in terms of their bonding, crystal structure, phase, grain size, defects and composition. The thermodynamics of solutions will be covered as a basis for phase diagrams with nucleation and growth being exemplified using solidification, whilst thermally activated processes are illustrated through diffusion mechanisms and calculations.These link to the requirements in the QAA Materials benchmark statement of 2017, in particular:3.4.i atomic bonding, crystalline lattices, defects and disorder, amorphous materials 3.4.ii phase equilibria and phase transformations multiphase materials, thermodynamic and kinetic aspects3.4.iii structure on the nano, micro, meso and macro scales
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Use knowledge of basic chemistry and physics to classify materials according to their optical, electronic and mechanical properties; Describe the different types of defects present in crystalline materials and state how these affect properties; Construct simple binary phase diagrams, and use them to predict the presence of phases, their composition, and the resultant microstructure of the material; Describe the thermodynamic basis of phase diagrams, and the equations that describe the Gibbs free energy of ideal solutions; Use nucleation theory to describe the effect of undercooling on grain size during solidificationDescribe the mechanisms of diffusion at the atomic scale, building these concepts up to Fick’s first law of diffusion. These relate to AHEP3 learning outcomes: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, to enable appreciation of its scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies. (SM1); Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline and to enable them to apply mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems. (SM2); Understand engineering principles and the ability to apply them to analyse key engineering processes. (EA1); Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes, or products. (EP2); Understand the use of technical literature and other information sources. (EP4).
Assessment	31173-06 : Tutorial Sheet 1 : Coursework (15%) 31173-07 : Tutorial Sheet 2 : Coursework (15%) 31173-08 : Lab report : Coursework (15%) 31173-09 : Weekly quizzes : Coursework (15%) 31173-10 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (40%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Other
Reading List