Materials Science and Engineering MEng

Core modules:

Skills for Materials Engineers

This module will introduce a core skill set for materials engineers. This will cover the concepts of data analysis, presentation and error. Students will learn basic programming skills. Students will also learn to use a key set of experimental methods and the health and safety around those processes. They will explore how to design and test materials.

20 credits

Thermodynamics of Materials

This module will introduce the concepts of thermodynamics. Basic thermodynamic concepts are covered such as work, heat, internal energy, specific heat, enthalpy, entropy and free energy. How these link to the stability of a material in different environmental conditions will be considered. Students will learn about phase diagrams and how materials mix and how thermodynamics dictates these processes.

10 credits

Biology and Chemistry of Materials

This module introduces the key concepts of chemistry and biology for materials scientists and engineers. This covers aspects of bonding, chemical and biological interactions. It will introduce how this leads to certain molecular shapes and crystal structures observed in materials.

20 credits

Mathematics for Materials Engineers

This module will introduce core mathematical skills essential for materials engineers. Students will learn to use mathematics to solve particular problems appropriate for engineers and scientists and explore how the mathematics can be used to aid their understanding of the subject.

20 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 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 an emphasis on links between processing, microstructure and the mechanical properties of metals

20 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

Sustainability and the Materials Lifecycle

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

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:

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

Advanced Skills for Materials Engineers

This module introduces further concepts around materials selection and evaluation of performance. Students will use a range of tools (experimental, computational, and mathematical) to test and understand the properties of materials.

20 credits

Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials

This module will introduce the concepts of heat and matter transfer and their relationship to the stability and formation of materials. 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.

20 credits

Structure and Characterisation of 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. The module introduces further characterisation techniques in the form of optical and electron microscopy to examine microstructures, phase and chemical analysis.

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

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

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 expands the range of biological systems covered that are core to the Cell and Human Biology element of the 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: investigate 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; Explore 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

Materials and Energy

This unit introduces aspects of the generation and utilisation of energy and its environmental consequences with particular emphasis on materials-related topics. The implications of energy usage for the climate along with electricity transmission and storage are reviewed and you will undertake a review of your personal carbon footprint.  Green technologies for electricity generation including renewables (wind, water, solar, geothermal) and nuclear are reviewed. Battery systems and fuel cells are covered, together with the environmental considerations concerning CO2 emissions, in addition to examples of current industrial 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

Materials Development Group Project

This module aims to familiarise you with current research and development taking place in the materials community from both an academic and an industrial viewpoint. The content will focus on demonstrating how materials research and development is driven by technological need and can drive future technological solutions. Via a group project you will investigate how this interaction between materials developments and technological need has impacted and continues to impact a specific engineering solution.

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

Core modules:

Industrial Placement: Part 1

An Industrial Placement, carried out in a sponsoring company, between May and September, towards the end of Year 3 of the MEng(Ind) course.

The aims of the Industrial Placement are to provide an insight into the work of a Professional Engineer in industry and to enable the student to place into context the subject matter taught within the University-based parts of their course.

The Industrial Placement (and its relevance to Materials Science as a discipline) is viewed as a key component of the MEng course by accrediting Professional Bodies (such as IoMMM) - and is particularly important if you plan in future to attain Chartered Engineer (CEng) professional status as part of your CPD in the Industrial Workplace, post-graduation.

To meet these objectives, it is suggested that an ideal placement might involve the following: 

Induction Period: Health and Safety, Management Structure, Company Products, Processing Sequence. Project Work: Ideally one or two substantive projects which would have the aim of achieving an improvement in processing route, product quality or materials selection. Works Organisation and Business Appreciation: During their period of employment, it is hoped that students would be given the opportunity to gain an awareness of some of the following aspects of the company's activities: Product Development and Design; Quality Assurance Control; Industrial Relations; Cost Control; Marketing; Customer Liaison; Use of Business and Industrial Software; Project Management.

20 credits

Engineering Alloys

This unit covers engineering metallic alloys ranging from alloy steels, stainless steels, light alloys (i.e. aluminium alloys and titanium alloys) and high temperature metallic systems (intermetallics and nickel superalloys). The course centres on the physical metallurgy of such engineering alloys to demonstrate the effect of alloying and its implications for the processing, microstructure and performance of structural components in a range of industrial sectors, but predominantly the automotive and aerospace sectors.

15 credits

Advanced Materials Manufacturing

This unit introduces key concepts with regards to Materials 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution. Modelling and simulation is a key enabling technology within Areospace Technology Institute's strategy to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. Modelling allows for the rapid insertion of new materials and manufacturing processes, in addition to the improved understanding and optimisation of current methods. The course includes key drivers in reaching zero carbon emissions, covering lithium battery manufacturing and coating technologies.

This unit aims to provide knowledge and experience of advanced manufacturing techniques that will underpin the UK's future advanced materials manufacturing base and obtain knowledge and experience of advanced manufacturing process and material modelling to solve industrial problems.

15 credits

Industrial Training Programme: Inorganic Materials

This unit will provide an insight into the design, manufacturing technology and failure analysis of inorganic materials in a relevant industrial sector. This will be in collaboration with a company working in the area of glasses or ceramics. The company will set a real technical challenge and small group sizes will undertake modelling and/or experimental work and present a report that will require an in-depth literature review. 

15 credits

Surface Degradation and Protection

This course considers the processes that lead to chemical and mechanical degradation of the surfaces of materials and this can be controlled by a range of surface engineering techniques. In the first part of the course the focus will be to understand the process of electrochemical corrosion of metals and metal oxides, and how electrochemical passivation can be used to prevent corrosion. The use of tools such as Ellingham and Pourbaix diagrams in the prediction of corrosion will be explored, in addition to developing an understanding of the interlinked effects of stress and corrosion on materials. The second part of the course focuses on the role of wear and friction on the degradation of materials, and how these effects can be minimised, for example, by design.

10 credits

Introduction to Finite Element Modelling

Finite Element Modelling (FEM) is a powerful tool used by companies in materials and device modelling providing a cheap and effective route to new and improved processes and devices. This course will introduce you 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

Industrial Training Programme: Nuclear Materials

In this module you will undertake an 'open ended project'. You will have the opportunity to develop technical research skills, including undertaking lab work, processing and analysing data, presenting and discussing results, and reporting your findings as a technical presentation to industry partners and as a technical report. The industry partners for your project are the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). UKAEA are leading development of the UKs commercial fusion power programme, and the project you will undertake will be aligned to this programme. In addition to the regular support offered by your lectures, representatives from UKAEA will also be available throughout the semester to provide guidance. 

In this module, you will develop professional skills, which you will use when in discussion with scientists and engineers from UKAEA and also when holding regular group project meetings. All of the projects are 'open-ended' therefore, there is no one right answer. 

This module gives you an opportunity to:

develop creative thinking;develop project management skills;use the fundamental knowledge gained in years 1 and 2 and apply it to real-life situations;develop problem solving skills;to work together as a team.

15 credits

Accounting and Law for Engineers

The module is designed to introduce engineering students to key areas of accounting and legal risk that engineers should be aware of in their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, 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 enhance their 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.

10 credits

Optional modules (1 from 2):

Advanced Ceramics

This unit covers inorganic and functional materials building on earlier courses in years one and two. The course will focus on materials processing, crystal and defect chemistry, electrical transport, industrial application requirements and assessment of materials development strategies.

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
A 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

Core modules:

Research Project & Literature Review

Project work is carried out on an individual basis over two Semesters by level 4 MEng students. The project will be in the specific subject of the specialist degree. Project work is carried out with the supervision of a member or members of the academic staff and comprises an original research investigation. The project should be regarded as research training, and is chosen from a list drawn up so that students are able to pursue their own interests relating to course choices. The final year report will incorporate an introduction, relevant literature review, results and discussion and conclusions.

45 credits

Industrial Placement: Part 2

The four year M.Eng course is for those who wish to pursue careers in the materials producing and using industries as process technologists, managers or researchers. A distinctive and important feature of the course is an industrial placement undertaken towards the end of year 3.The work placement will provide an insight into the work of a professional materials engineer in industry and will enable the student to put into context the material taught within the University-based part of the course.

15 credits

Optional modules (4 from 9):

Nuclear Reactor Engineering

The module provides a broad base introduction to the theory and practice of nuclear reactors for power production. This includes those aspects of physics which represent the source of nuclear energy and the factors governing its release as well as the key issues involved in the critical operation of nuclear cores. The relation of the science underlying successful operation with the needs for fuel preparation and engineering designs is emphasised. The unit aims to provide students with a clear grasp of those aspects relevant to the design and operation of nuclear reactors along with an understanding of the principles of reactor design. The unit will cover the techniques used to prepare nuclear fuels and process spent fuel. Students will develop an understanding of the present and future roles of nuclear reactors in energy provision.

15 credits

Glasses and Cements

The materials science and technology of 1) glasses and 2) cement and concrete. 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. Types of cement, their manufacture, and their reaction processes in setting/hardening and in service are discussed, and the importance of understanding glass chemistry in optimising modern cements is highlighted.

15 credits

Metallurgical Processing

This module examines three areas of materials engineering where significant improvement in performance in-service can be obtained via their use. First, the module provides an introduction to the processes and technologies involved in the production of steel. Secondly, methodologies of how microstructure can be significantly improved via thermomechanical processing are investigated and aims to build insight into the operation and capabilities of thermomechanical processing techniques. Finally, this module will describe in detail the underlying engineering principles of plastic forming and focus on some of the main metallic production techniques such as extrusion, rolling and wire drawing. 

15 credits

Atomistic and Mesoscale Modelling of Materials

This unit discusses materials modelling and its application to the understanding and prediction of the structure and properties of materials. Computational workshops and a group project introduce students to the practical use of standard modelling methods. The overarching aim is to foster an appreciation for the relevant length and timescales of the available modelling tools, and knowledge of how to combine several of them to solve a multiscale problem in materials engineering. All the modelling tools are based on particle methods - either atomistic simulation or Smooth Particle Applied Dynamics simulation. The latter technique is different in formulation from the usual continuum-based tools: Finite Element or Computational Fluid Dynamics tools, but more versatile and powerful. This module will teach students some of the fundamental theory that underpins the methods, give them a sound understanding of the algorithms and structure used in the code, while providing ample examples of where they can be applied in the field of Materials Engineering. 

15 credits

Design and Manufacture of Composites

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of both the design and manufacture of polymer composites and is presented in two sections. First, the design of composites is taught via tutorials on classical laminate theory. An extended series of worked examples provides you with the basic tools you need to design effective composite parts. Second, the manufacture of composites is taught via lectures. You will learn multiple routes for making composite parts alongside practical issues such as defects, machining/joints, failure, testing and non destructive testing, repair and SMART composites.

15 credits

Polymer Processing

This module provides you with a detailed description of advanced polymer processing as applied to modern industrial applications. The fundamental concepts behind polymer melt dynamics and solidification will be explored and will provide the theoretical basis for the forming processes. The manufacturing processes themselves will be described giving you the ability to choose between them allowing informed decisions regarding commercial applications. The use of real-world case studies and reverse engineering examples in dedicated problem classes will provide practical experience of decision making in polymer processing.

15 credits

Composite Materials and Micromechanics

This module starts with an introduction to the different types of composite materials that either exist in nature or are man-made. Reinforcing theories are discussed as are the strengths and weaknesses of composite materials. The aim is to acquaint students with the constituents of composite materials, fibres and matrices. Running parallel to this is an examination of composite materials from a micromechanics point of view. Fibre statistics, classical laminate theory and shear lag theory (and more) are used to predict and understand the properties of composites. A series of problem classes are used to help students practise using the equations and interpreting the output.

 

15 credits

Nanostructures and Nano-structuring

This course aims to provide a combined introduction to important groups of nanostructured materials along with the key technologies of how to fabricate and characterise nanostructures. On the materials side, the focus is on  free-standing nanoobjects or assemblies of these, ranging from functional nanoparticles (semiconducting, oxidic, metallic), over carbon nanotubes to metallic and insulating nanowires, to conclude with nanoporous materials. On the methodology side, methods of nanopatterning, nanocharacterisation, nanomanipulation or nanometrology are presented, including Focused Ion Beam microscopy, Scanning Probe microscopy, and piezoelectric actuation. Examples of application fields presented include electronic circuit elements, field emission, solar cells, energy storage, biomedical usage, structural composites, photonic crystals, and environmental remediation.

15 credits

Advanced Nuclear Systems

The aims of this module are to develop an understanding of the role of materials science and engineering in nuclear systems. The module will explore advanced nuclear concepts, including:
(a.) Materials for nuclear energy systems: metallic systems for the reactor core, nuclear graphite, phase diagram of UO2* / PuO2* system, microstructure and chemistry of irradiated UO2*fuel.
(b.) Advanced nuclear systems: materials for Generation IV systems, future fuels, fusion systems, advanced fuel cycle concepts.
(c.) Nuclear materials performance: swelling, voiding; stress corrosion cracking, creep, and hydride formation.
(d.) Radiation damage: fundamental physics of radiation damage processes, models for damage accumulation, impact on mechanical properties.
(e.) The impact on materials design from nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima.

*(UO2 is chemical formula for uranium dioxide. PuO2 is the chemical formula for plutonium dioxide. Both are oxide materials that can be used to make nuclear fuel.)

The module will be taught primarily through lectures, with contribution from external experts. 

15 credits