| Unit name | Properties of Materials 1 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MENG11101 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Morgan |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
The first year course presents the concepts and fundamentals needed to develop a full understanding of the three traditional types of materials i.e. metals, polymers and ceramics. The course begins by explaining the simple mechanical properties used by engineers to quantify materials behaviour, such as hardness, strength, toughness etc. The course then considers metals, polymers and ceramics in turn, and relates the basic structure of each material type to its observed engineering behaviour. The course is based on developing a conceptual understanding rather than presenting a liturgy of rules, lists and numbers.
Aims:
The objective of the first year course is to present concepts and fundamentals to the student that lay the foundations of understanding about the behaviour and use of the primary materials group viz. metals, polymers and ceramics. The basic structure of each material group is explained, and for a variety of loading conditions representing common engineering situations, the expected and observed deformation for each group is identified.
By the end of the course the students should have a good understanding of most of the technical terms associated with materials and also know how standard measurements on materials can be made. They will also have an insight into how the three classes of materials behave under stress, and how this behaviour may be compromised within different environments.
Students receive a 1-hour lecture each week for approximately 24 weeks. Within this 24-week period they are expected to consolidate and enhance the lecture material by approximately 24 hours of private study. A private study/investigative exercise (compulsory) is included in the course, which is not only to extend their materials knowledge but also to allow them to gain from the experience of being independent, self-directed learners, and to consider the implications of what they study in the light of their overall engineering studies. Bound lecture handouts are given to the students at the start of each term. These handouts contain (a) a detailed syllabus of the subjects to be studied; (b) learning objectives identified for each subject area; (c) key words to help direct private study; and (d) copies of diagrams used in the lectures to save the students having to copy them freehand during the lecture. During the lectures students are requested to listen, think, ask questions and to write keyword notes. Where appropriate, the lectures incorporate the use of modern teaching resources, including the use of overhead projectors and large screen video presentation. Demonstrations and the presentation of case study components are also included in the lecture plans.
Coursework
Investigative exercise
By 3 hour written examination (answer 5 questions from 6) at the end of the year, plus an active learning investigative exercise/essay. (Examination 80%; Exercise/essay 20%).
