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School of Life Sciences

Introduction to Materials (F1098)

Introduction to Materials

Module F1098

Module details for 2022/23.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 4

Module Outline

One of the main justifications for investment in chemistry over the last century has been the development of new materials. The very rapid growth in polymers, glasses, ceramics and alloys has fuelled growth in every area of technology, and materials science has emerged as a separate discipline over the last 50 years.

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to materials in terms of their atomic, molecular and electronic structures and how these influence bulk properties. About half of the module will focus on solid materials in general. This will concentrate on the three principal types of bonding for perfect solids and their effect on mechanical and electrical properties. The effects of imperfections will be discussed with special reference to defects and alloys. The other half of the module will focus specifically on organic materials, particularly polymers, which are by far the largest volume products of the chemical industry. The usefulness of the science will be emphasised by reference to contemporary materials, including nanoscience.

Module learning outcomes

Understand the structures of crystals and materials and their properties

Ability to use modern instrumentation to be able to identify metal and polymer materials

Be able to describe methods to produce common polymers

Demonstrate an understanding of how polymer structure can influence their chemical and/or physical properties

TypeTimingWeighting
Computer Based ExamSemester 1 Assessment60.00%
Coursework40.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
ReportT1 Week 11 75.00%
Problem SetT1 Week 9 25.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour22222222222
Autumn SemesterWorkshop1 hour00111001110
Autumn SemesterLaboratory4 hours00000001110

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Qiao Chen

Assess convenor
/profiles/213956

Dr Barnaby Greenland

Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/427963

Ms Kristy Flowers

Convenor
/profiles/365014

Mr Chris Baker

Convenor
/profiles/579932

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