Materials Science and Engineering with a Year in Industry BEng

Core modules:

Introduction to Materials Chemistry

This module begins with the electronic structure of atoms and uses this to introduce the chemistry of the periodic table. Crystal chemistry and crystal structures are then considered, starting with simple metals and then moving to ionic bonding and structures before considering glasses. The second half of the module introduces organic and polymer chemistry. Functional group chemistry and molecular shape are discussed using simple models of bonding. We emphasise the importance of macromolecules, together with the larger-scale shape of polymers. We discuss polymer synthesis and its relation to polymer properties some selected cases. This includes discussion of natural and biopolymers.

20 credits

Introduction to Mechanical Properties and Structural Materials

The basic concepts of stress, strain and moduli are introduced. The links between atomic bonding and the mechanical properties of all the main classes of materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, natural materials and composites) are then explored. Modes of failure, stress concentrations, dislocations, ductility and creep are also covered. The linkages between materials properties and microstructures of materials are investigated with a particular emphasis on metallic crystal structures, defects and dislocations, grain boundaries. 

20 credits

Mathematics (Materials)

This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at Levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the Level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with weekly interactive problem classes.

20 credits

Biomaterials I

This module introduces the human body from an engineering perspective; looking at it as a structure, a mechanism and a sensor. It then introduces both natural and replacement biomaterials discussing properties in relation to function using Ashby charts. Finally, the module discusses lessons that can be learnt from biomaterials by materials engineers in general (biomimetics). 

10 credits

Cradle to ?: Materials and the Environment

The production of all manufactured goods involves the use of materials and will have some environmental impact. For example, energy is used at all stages from extraction of the raw materials through to final manufacture of the product and possibly during use of the product. Through specific materials-based examples this course will introduce students to the energy requirements of different processing routes and products along with some of the complex issues involved in the recycling and re-processing of materials and life-cycle analysis.

10 credits

Digital Skills for Materials

The course is designed to teach students to interpret, analyse and present data using modern computational tools (though packages such as Excel, powerpoint, word, CES and MATLAB). The students will learn how to use such packages for data analysis and then work through different data sets to determine how the software can be used to perform the necessary mathematical functions on the this data and to clearly show trends and conclusions that can be drawn from the data. 

10 credits

Introduction to Materials Properties

This unit considers materials properties as the link between what is done to a material and how the material responds and hence discusses linking properties to devices and structures. In particular: i) Magnetic Materials: Basics of magnetism; effect of magnetic fields on materials. Classification of magnetic materials (dia-, para-, ferro-, antiferro- and ferri-magnetic). ii) Electrical Materials: Conductors, insulators, field gradient, resistivity. Insulators, semi-conductors, metals, mixed conductors and solid electrolytes. iii) Optical Materials: Optical absorption and emission. Bulbs, fluorescent lamps and phosphors. Optical fibres for light, UV, IR. Transparent and translucent materials.

10 credits

Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanomaterials

This module will begin by considering scaling relations in the macro and nano worlds. Examples of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanocomposite bulk materials will be discussed. The use of nanomaterials in novel systems and devices arising from the development of nanomaterials and technology will be considered. Ethical, societal and environmental issues will be discussed.

10 credits

Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Phase Diagrams

This module introduces basic ideas of thermodynamics and kinetics and their respective roles in determining the behaviour of gases, liquids and solids. Empirical gas laws are introduced leading to the concept of the ideal gas and the ideal gas equation of state and progressing to more realistic gas equations of state. Basic thermodynamic concepts are covered such as work, heat, internal energy, specific heat, enthalpy, entropy and free energy. Rate laws, rate constants, reaction orders and the effects of temperature on reaction rates are discussed. Equilibrium binary phase diagrams of important metals are introduced.

10 credits

Global Engineering Challenge Week

The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.

*The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.

Core modules:

Industrial Materials Processing

This course provides a broad overview of the main industrial processing and manufacturing routes for metallic, glass, ceramic and polymeric materials and components. Important engineering principles such as viscosity, heat transfer and fluid flow will be introduced where relevant and a number of case studies will be used in order to highlight the equipment, technology and philosophy behind the choice of process and manufacturing route for these materials.

20 credits

Microstructure and Thermodynamics of Materials

This course will consider the thermodynamics of materials, emphasising the free energies of mixtures and solutions and their relation to phase diagrams, particularly eutectics. It will then consider how the microstructure of a range of materials (including metals and metallic alloys, ceramics and selected polymers) and thus their mechanical, physical and chemical properties are influenced by composition and phase constitution and by mechanical processing and/or heat treatment. Characterisation methods such as SEM, TEM and optical microscopy will be introduced, including discussions of specimen preparation and interpretation of images.

20 credits

Deformation and Failure of Materials

This course describes the plastic deformation of metals, polymers and glasses indicating the fundamental mechanisms that give rise to sample strain in response to applied stress or arising from thermally induced effects. The deformation mechanisms are related to microstructure and processing and the implications for design considered. 

10 credits

Functional Materials

This course is concerned with the physical properties of materials, other than mechanical, and their functions. The application of wave mechanics, the effects of structural anisotropy, and the response of systems to AC electric fields are all used in the analysis of thermal, electrical, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of materials. Particular materials applications based on these properties are discussed including electronic materials and pn junctions, magnetic materials and data storage media, dielectric materials including capacitors, piezo- and pyro-electrics, and optical materials for imaging.

10 credits

Heat Transfer and Diffusion

This module introduces students to diffusion and heat transfer. In the diffusion part topics covered in atomic motion, the diffusion constant, Fick's laws and the mechanisms of atomic transport in the bulk and at the surface of materials. There is also discussion of the role of diffusion in the evolution of materials, their growth and crystallisation. The heat transfer part of the course is intended to develop an understanding of the basic physics of conductive, convective and radiative heat transfer and its relevance to materials processing. To this end, the course concentrates on 'simple' analytic approaches to heat transfer problems.

10 credits

Materials Selection and Fracture Mechanics

The first half of the course aims to build a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationship between materials selection, materials processing, product design and product performance in order to develop a holistic approach to optimum selection of materials for engineering and industrial applications. Topics examined include methods of materials and process selection through an applied open-ended project.This module also introduces students to fracture mechanics. In the fracture mechanics topics covered in some detail include linear elastic fracture mechanics, cyclic fatigue, stress corrosion and failure prediction. A brief introduction to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is also included.

10 credits

Mathematics II (Materials)

This module is part of a series of second-level modules designed for the particular group of engineers shown in brackets in the module title. Each module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical techniques relevant to the particular engineering discipline.

10 credits

Structure of Solid Materials

This module introduces the crystallography of solids: Particular emphasis is on advanced symmetry elements, point groups and space groups. Crystallographical classifications and their relations to physical properties are discussed. This is then related to principles, the practice and application of X-ray crystallography, particularly powder diffraction techniques. A brief introduction to crystallography of 2D materials and interfaces between materials is also provided.

10 credits

Engineering - You're Hired

The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project. The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.

Optional modules:

Biology and Chemistry of Living Systems II

This course builds on the knowledge gained in MAT1520 and expands the range of biological systems covered that are core to the Cell and Human Biology element of the Materials Science and Engineering (Biomaterials) and Bioengineering courses. The following are included: the extracellular matrix; cell adhesion and spreading; cell communication and signalling; cytokines and HIV: complement activation and development of new biomaterials to improve biocompatibility; toxicity and toxicology including information on mutagenic effects, teratomas, carcinogens and neurotoxicity; classification of tumours, spread of tumours and clinical relevance. Two practical classes cover hands-on in vitro cell culture and toxicity testing of biomaterials. This unit aims to: Further investigate (following on from MAT1510) the extracellular matrix and its many functions; Investigate cell adhesion and spreading and how they are influenced by the physico-chemical characteristics of the underlying substrata; Provide an introduction to cell communication and cell-signalling, including information on hormones, local mediators, contact-dependent signalling molecules, and neurotransmitters; Further explore (following on from MAT1520) the biological defences available at the cellular and systems level to injury, infection and materials; Provide a detailed knowledge of toxicity and toxicology, including information on mutagenic effects, teratomas, carcinogens and neurotoxicity.

10 credits

Biomaterials II

This course will explore the range of materials, both synthetic and natural, that can be used as implants in the human body, from a materials science perspective. This course will highlight the materials properties of implant materials, and will give an overview of possible host responses to the implant materials. Additionally, both physical and chemical routes to reduce the host response will be discussed. Case studies of hard and soft tissue implants will be discussed. Finally, the course will highlight the use of artificial organs. 

10 credits

Materials and Energy

This unit introduces students to aspects of the generation and utilisation of energy and its environmental consequences with particular emphasis on materials-related topics. An overview of electricity generation and utilisation is given covering both conventional technologies (fossil fuel), nuclear and renewable (wind, water, solar, biomass, geothermal). Battery systems and fuel cells are covered, together with the use of coatings in various energy generation, conservation and storage systems and the environmental considerations concerning CO2 emissions and methods for its sequestration.

10 credits

Perspectives in Materials Research

This module aims to provide students with access to the real and current research taking place in the materials community from an academic/industrial viewpoint. Content will focus on demonstrating how particular core material feeds into research areas and how this drives future technological solutions. The students will also learn about the concepts of selling research ideas and the skills of explaining concepts succinctly in order to engage others to buy into their research field.

10 credits

Core modules:

Year in Industry

The course enables students to spend, typically, their third year of a BEng or fourth year of an MEng working in a 'course relevant' role in industry. This provides them with wide ranging experiences and opportunities that put their academic studies into context and improve their skills and employability. Students will also benefit from experiencing the culture in industry, making contacts, and the placement will support them in their preparation for subsequent employment.

120 credits

Core modules:

Literature Survey and Project

The projects all take the same form but are specific to the particular degree for which the candidate is registered. The project is chosen from a list drawn up so that students are able to pursue their own interests related to course choices. It is an original research investigation carried out individually under the supervision of one or more members of the academic staff. Students carry out a Literature Survey involving the reading of original papers and review articles in Learned Society Journals and Conferance Proceedings. Most projects involve extensive laboratory work although some may be based primarily on a survey of the published literature or computational studies. Each student spends about 10 hours per week for 30 weeks, of which only part is specifically timetabled, on this work. The assessment of the project includes a verbal presentation on the work carried out before staff and other students and a written dissertation.

30 credits

Finance and Law for Engineers

​​The module is designed to introduce engineering students to​ ​key areas of financial and legal risk​ ​that engineers should be aware of in​ ​their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, raising finance, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time the module will develop students​'​ understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products and an awareness of environmental regulation, liability for negligence,​ ​intellectual property rights and the importance of data protection. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice. There will be a heavy emphasis on group working, report writing and presentation as part of the assessment supplemented by online exercises and an individual portfolio.

10 credits

Introduction to Finite Element Modelling

Industrial demands on advanced materials design and product optimization has been increasing over the last years. Modelling is a powerful tool used by companies is materials and device modelling providing a cheap and effective route to new and improved processes and devices. This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of materials modelling and its different fields of application using state of the art software used by companies and research groups.

10 credits

Surface Degradation and Protection

This course considers the mechanical and chemical properties that can be influenced and controlled by surface engineering techniques, their respective capabilities and the properties of the coated or treated surface that they can be used to produce. It also focuses on the wear, frictional response and corrosion, protection and degradation of metallic materials. The electrochemical nature of the corrosion of metals, standard electrode potentials and kinetics will be reviewed. Polarisation will be defined and corrosion properties investigated. Concepts such as passivation and Pourbaix diagrams will be introduced or expanded upon, leading to an understanding of mechanisms such as pitting corrosion. Wear and Corrosion prevention and control will be discussed along with the application of design to minimising/mitigating corrosion.

10 credits

Optional modules:

Advanced Ceramics

This unit covers six topics in inorganic and functional materials building on earlier course. Topics are thin/thick film and bulk electroceramic materials, devices and applications. Coverage will focus on materials processing, industrial application requirements and state of the art assessment of materials development strategies.

10 credits

Advanced Functional Materials

This unit is concerned with three groups of inorganic and organic materials, all three are important for their functional applications; electroceramics, liquid crystals and magnetic materials.. The functional materials topics build on courses delivered at first and second year level and provide a more in-depth presentation of specific materials properties and their industrial applications. .

10 credits

Advanced Materials Manufacturing: Part I

This unit covers a range of advanced material manufacturing techniques,  focusing upon the use of process modelling to accelerate the design, optimisation, and failure investigation of manufacturing processes. The students learn how to simulate bulk metal forming using a commercial finite element package.

10 credits

Composite Materials and Micromechanics

This course is split into two halves, the first half deals with composite materials, the second half deals with composite micromechanics.

The composite materials part of the course starts with an introduction to composite materials, what are composites, why are composites used and the distinction between man-made and natural composites. This is followed by looking at the different types of composites available. Next, the individual fibres are discussed (glass, carbon, polymeric) and the available matrices (thermoplastic, thermosetting). Manufacturing of composites is dealt with followed by a look at fibre architectures, failure mechanisms, impact failure and toughening.

The composite micromechanics part of the course describes multiple methods to predict the properties of composite materials, beginning with a look at fibre failure statistics using the Weibull method. This is followed by a treatment of classical laminate theory from a laminate compliance perspective and how to predict the properties of short fibre composites using shear lag theory. Finally, the strength of composites and composite fatigue are investigated.

10 credits

Glasses

The materials science and technology of glasses. The nature of amorphous glass structures for silicates, borates and phosphates is examined in some detail, along with the processes required to produce them. The mechanical properties of glasses and ways to improve them are detailed. 

10 credits

Materials for Biological Applications

This module will explore contemporary biomaterials science and will focus on state of the art production methods for biomaterials manufacture. We will look at: rapid prototyping techniques for biomaterials manufacture, e.g. stereolithography, plasma coating techniques, electrospinning and fibres, foams for scaffolds, metal foams, metal coatings, ceramics processing/analysis, bioactive glasses and bioprinting. For all these, examples of recent literature will be used. The module will examine how the properties of the materials determine it's function and which processing techniques are optimum for specific applications, with a focus on implant materials and tissue engineering scaffolds. 

10 credits

Metals

This course builds on the fundamental physical metallurgy of alloy steels, stainless steels, aluminium and titanium alloys to demonstrate the purpose and effect of alloying and its implications for the processing, microstructure and performance of structural aerospace components. The aim is to provide insight into the design and manufacture of steels for structural aerospace applications. Topics covered will include physical metallurgy, secondary processing, heat treatment, machining, fabrication and finishing of the main classes of alloy employed, as well as relationships between processing, microstructure and performance, and their implication for alloy design.

The fundamental characteristics of aluminium, magnesium and titanium to demonstrate the purpose and effects of alloying and its implications for processing, properties and applications will also be discussed. It aims to provide an overview of the basic characteristics, processing, structure, properties and applications of engineering light metals and alloys. Applications and case studies are biased towards the automotive and aerospace indus

10 credits

Nuclear Science, Engineering and Technology

This unit is designed to introduce key principles of nuclear science, engineering and technology, in the context of applications, including:-Energy from nuclear reactions-Diagnostics and therapy in medicine-Radioactive waste treatment and disposal-Nuclear defence and non-proliferation-Radiation protection. These topics will be studied in relation to their socio-economic and environmental impact. The module will be taught primarily through lectures and inquiry based case studies, with contribution from external experts.

The aims of this module are to develop:

- An understanding of the structure of the atomic nucleus and radioactive decay processes

- An holistic understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle

- An understanding of the nuclear reactor systems and power generation

- An understanding of materials design and performance parameters for nuclear applications

10 credits