This course is an introduction to functional materials including coverage of electronic structures of materials and how these give rise to basic thermal, electrical and magnetic behaviour. Measurement of magnetic, electrical and thermal properties will be covered. Functional materials, their processing and properties concentrating on magnetism (soft magnets for storage), semiconductors and batteries will be covered.
This links to the 2017 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Materials: 3.4 i atomic bonding, crystalline lattices, defects and disorder, amorphous materials iii structure on the nano, micro, meso and macro scales; v functional behaviour - the control through composition and structure of electrical, optical and magnetic properties as well as biocompatibility; ix techniques for determining electrical, optical and magnetic properties.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Describe the thermal, electrical and magnetic properties of materials, relating them to electronic structure.
Suggest appropriate ways to measure basic electrical, thermal and magnetic properties.
Describe the development and use of magnetic recording media.
Describe the development and use of superconductor materials and devices.
Calculate selected functional properties for a range of materials.
Describe the development and use of batteries and battery technology.
(UK-Spec Learning Outcomes:- US1, E1, P1)
These link to the AHEP v4 learning outcomes:
Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study (C1)
Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles (C2)
Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards (C5)
Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems (C6)
Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks (C10)
Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (C12)
Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (C13)
Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems (M6)
Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks (M10)
Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12)
Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (M13)