Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Structure of material
• The mechanical properties of various material categories and the most important tests for measuring these properties
• The capabilities and limitations of various materials in the context of product manufacturing
• How material properties are affected when processing joints, and by the surrounding environment during their usage time

Skills

The candidate can:

• Make materials-related choices on the basis of mechanical, environmental and economic requirements
• Perform materials testing using standardized methods

General competence

The candidate:

• Understands the importance of materials with respect to safety, health and the environment

Course Description

The course covers the following subjects:

The relationship between material structures and physical properties. This relationship is understood and reviewed through crystallography, the atomic model and atomic binding forces, the structure of crystalline substances, imperfections in structures, diffusion, dislocations and hardening mechanisms, failure mechanisms, phase diagrams, phase transformations, the application and manufacture of metal alloys such as steel and aluminium, the structures and properties of ceramics, the application and processing of ceramics, polymeric structure, characteristics and use and the production of polymers, composites, corrosion and thermal properties. The course will also review the economic, environmental and social aspects of the use of materials as well as some of the standard descriptions of the most common materials.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The learning outcomes are ensured through a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises and exercises.

Assessment Methods

The course includes 5 written assignments; at last 4 of these must be approved before the candidate will be allowed to take the final examination. .

Continuous assessment counts for 30% of the course grade, and the final examination counts for 70%.

The laboratory exercises must be approved and the final examination must receive a passing grade in order for the student to receive a passing grade for the course.

Individual grades are given (A-F).

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean