Introduction to Materials Science

MATS64101 Introduction to Materials Science 15 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Edward Pickering Unit coordinator Department of Materials 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 The development and use of new materials has enabled our modern way of living. Whether it has been through the use of silicon chips in our mobile phones and computers, advanced alloys in aircraft jet engines, or the polymers that package our food, we find that materials technologies are at the centre of nearly everything we come into contact with. Understanding why materials work and developing new materials remains key to tackling many of the challenges our modern world faces. For instance, two of the most important challenges we face are the storage of energy (e.g., through batteries) and the clean generation of energy (e.g., through fusion power). Both battery and fusion technology are being held back by materials technology, and materials scientists are working to find solutions. Materials science is broad subject area, which encompasses the study of many different types of material, including composites, polymers, metals, biomaterials, nanomaterials and ceramics. It also involves the study of processes that affect the properties of materials, such as corrosion, and the methods by which we investigate materials, such as electron microscopy. However, regardless of the particular material, process or technique we are studying, the aims of most materials scientists remain the same: first, to understand why a particular material is behaving the way it is, and second, to apply this understanding to improve the performance of materials or develop new ones. We utilise aspects of physics, chemistry and engineering, from both experimental and theoretical standpoints, to help us achieve these aims. This course aims to give all students a general introduction to what materials science is and the common subject matter that any materials scientist should have a good understanding of. Lectures will cover the following topics:<ul><li>The structural hierarchy of materials (from atoms up)</li><li>The formation of materials structures (what determines a material’s structure)</li><li>The mechanical behaviour of materials (how they deform and break)</li><li>The functional behaviour of materials (e.g., electrical conductivity)</li><li>Structure-property relationships (how their structure determines their performance)</li><li>Characterisation techniques (how we determine a material’s properties)</li></ul>Further to the lectures, workshops will be used to build specific knowledge relevant to each student’s MSc degree through problem-based learning. The development and use of new materials has enabled our modern way of living. Whether it has been through the use of silicon chips in our mobile phones and computers, advanced alloys in aircraft jet engines, or the polymers that package our food, we find that materials technologies are at the centre of nearly everything we come into contact with. Understanding why materials work and developing new materials remains key to tackling many of the challenges our modern world faces. For instance, two of the most important challenges we face are the storage of energy (e.g., through batteries) and the clean generation of energy (e.g., through fusion power). Both battery and fusion technology are being held back by materials technology, and materials scientists are working to find solutions. Materials science is broad subject area, which encompasses the study of many different types of material, including composites, polymers, metals, biomaterials, nanomaterials and ceramics. It also involves the study of processes that affect the properties of materials, such as corrosion, and the methods by which we investigate materials, such as electron microscopy. However, regardless of the particular material, process or technique we are studying, the aims of most materials scientists remain the same: first, to understand why a particular material is behaving the way it is, and second, to apply this understanding to improve the performance of materials or develop new ones. We utilise aspects of physics, chemistry and engineering, from both experimental and theoretical standpoints, to help us achieve these aims. This course aims to give all students a general introduction to what materials science is and the common subject matter that any materials scientist should have a good understanding of. Lectures will cover the following topics:<ul><li>The structural hierarchy of materials (from atoms up)</li><li>The formation of materials structures (what determines a material’s structure)</li><li>The mechanical behaviour of materials (how they deform and break)</li><li>The functional behaviour of materials (e.g., electrical conductivity)</li><li>Structure-property relationships (how their structure determines their performance)</li><li>Characterisation techniques (how we determine a material’s properties)</li></ul>Further to the lectures, workshops will be used to build specific knowledge relevant to each student’s MSc degree through problem-based learning. The unit aims to:<ol><li>Give students an introduction to core topics that any materials scientist should have a good grasp of.</li><li>Develop further introductory knowledge in degree-specific area (specifically, knowledge related to production materials selection for a given application).</li><li>Develop communication and teamwork skills through group assignments. </li><li>Familiarise students (particularly overseas students) with the style of teaching at Manchester. </li></ol> A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:<ul style="color: rgb(60, 60, 60); font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> <li> Knowledge and understanding</li> <li> Intellectual skills</li> <li> Practical skills</li> <li> Transferable skills and personal qualities</li></ul> <ul><li>Discuss the differences in the atomic structures of key material groups (e.g., metals, glasses and polymers)</li><li>Describe the ways in which thermodynamic and kinetic considerations determine the formation of structures in materials.</li><li>Give examples of ways in which the atomic and micro-scale structure of materials determines their macroscopic properties.</li><li>Identify appropriate characterisation methods to measure particular physical properties in materials.</li></ul> <ul><li>Use simple relationships (e.g., Bragg’s law) to determine the physical properties of materials from measurement data.</li><li>Interpret an open-ended problem you are given and determine a list of actions in response (specifically, this will relate to materials selection for a given application).</li></ul> <ul><li>Create informative presentations using computer software packages (e.g., Powerpoint).</li><li>Search for information on a particular topic and combine the information obtained from different sources in an effective manner.</li><li>Use CES EduPack to select materials for a particular application.</li></ul> <ul><li>Work in teams to complete a task given to you.</li><li>Communicate the results of a project effectively to an audience using an electronic presentation (e.g., Powerpoint).</li><li>Write a report that effectively communicates the methodology and results of a problem solving investigation.</li><li>In the context of a materials selection exercise, appraise the sustainability of different materials, including sustainability through their whole lifecycle, and use such considerations in your selection process.</li></ul> <div>This unit is delivered using a blended learning approach, which integrates technology and digital media with traditional classroom activities. A variety of learning and teaching processes will be used including: lectures, discussions, group activities and independent study. Canvas will be used to present online study materials, including videos, lecture notes, guided reading, articles and other information. Canvas will also be used for the submission of assessments.Online video lectures and face-to-face live classes will be used to introduce fundamental concepts and topics in materials science and materials characterisation. Workshops will be used for group learning activities, in which small groups of students will be asked to select materials for a particular application relevant to their subject stream. The results of the materials selection will be communicated through a short presentation, which will be prepared and presented by the group, as well as through an individual written report. Formative feedback will be provided in the team workshop sessions by academic staff and teaching assistants, and will also be available through the completion of an online Canvas quiz, which will take the same form as the final electronic exam.</div> 1 Written exam 70% 3 Report 20% 7 Oral assessment/presentation 10% Feedback given written and verbally. N The recommended reading for this unit can be found on the <a href="https://www.readinglists.manchester.ac.uk/leganto/public/44MAN_INST/lists/338986271390001631?auth=CAS">online unit reading list</a>. Lectures 30 0 120