Engineering Materials module (GA11005)
Cover the mechanical and engineering properties of common materials including metals, polymers, timber, ceramics, composites and concrete, and be introduced to environmental impact considerations
This module provides a thorough grounding in materials science as applied to engineering practice.
You will examine the fundamental structural and mechanical properties of a wide range of materials used in modern engineering and construction, including aluminium and steel, polymers, timber, fired-clay ceramics and glass, polymer matrix composites, and concrete.
The module also introduces the environmental impact of materials and products within the engineering sector, developing your ability to critically evaluate sustainability in material selection.
Practical laboratory work complements the taught content, giving you hands-on experience of experimental techniques and data analysis.
This module is delivered as part of a Graduate Apprenticeship programme, with teaching taking place one day a week on the Dundee city campus.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- Characterise the structural performance of a wide range of engineering materials and understand their role in manufacturing and construction.
- Identify material requirements and define material type, strength and deformation properties for given design parameters.
- Critically evaluate the environmental impact of materials and products within the engineering sector.
- Carry out a practical experiment, analyse the results and compile a technical report.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Characterise the structural performance of a wide range of materials used within engineering and understand the role of engineering materials in modern manufacturing or construction.
- Identify the material requirements, define the material type, strength and deformation properties for a given set of design parameters.
- Critically evaluate the environmental impact of materials and products within the engineering sector.
- Carry out an experiment, analyse the results and compile a report.
Assignments / assessments
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) — 33.3%
- Online MCQ tests designed to reinforce your understanding of materials science theory.
Laboratory Report — 33.3%
- A practical laboratory exercise requiring you to carry out an experiment, analyse results and produce a written report.
Group Assessment — 33.4%
- A group project examining the environmental impact of engineering materials and products.
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Elastic/Plastic Behaviour of Materials |
| 2 | Crack Theory and Dislocations |
| 3 | Microstructure |
| 4 | Aluminium and Steel |
| 5 | Lab Class |
| 6 | Polymers and Timber |
| 7 | Ceramics |
| 8 | Glass and Composites |
| 9 | Introduction to Concrete |
| 10 | Environmental Impact |
| 11 | Group Project |
| 12 | Group Project |