This module provides a foundational understanding of material structures, properties, and compositions, enabling learners to test, analyze, and evaluate materials through hands-on experimentation and theoretical analysis. Students will explore manufacturing methods, reverse engineering, and sustainability considerations to make informed decisions about material selection and application.
Laboratory-Based Learning
Focused on hands-on exploration of materials, this part of the module allows students to discover and analyse material properties through structured experimentation, develop confidence in reverse engineering techniques, and evaluate materials from a sustainability perspective. Verbal communication of findings is emphasised through in-lab presentations, group discussions, and reporting exercises.
• Practical testing of a range of materials: natural (e.g. bone, collagen, cartilage) and synthetic (e.g. plastics, metals, composites)
• Observation and analysis of mechanical behaviours: strength, stiffness, ductility, failure characteristics
• Component dismantling and reverse engineering to determine material choice and likely manufacturing methods
• Investigation of material sustainability: sourcing, processing, recyclability, environmental impact
• Development of communication skills: presenting experimental results and design insights verbally and in written form
• Group work and collaborative analysis to encourage critical thinking and interpretation of experimental data
Lecture-Based Content
This component introduces students to the broader theoretical and contextual understanding of materials in engineering and product design. It supports lab activities by providing the scientific background and introduces core concepts related to manufacturing, materials selection, and structural behaviour.
• Introduction to material types and structures: metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and natural materials
• Material composition and structure-property relationships
• Overview of manufacturing techniques: forming, casting, machining, additive manufacturing, etc.
• Principles of material selection for function, performance, and sustainability
• Introduction to mechanical deformation processes and strengthening mechanisms
• Comparison of different composite materials and prediction of composite properties (e.g. Rule of Mixtures)
• Overview of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, phase diagrams, and heat treatment• Consideration of ethical, regulatory, and environmental impacts in material and process selection
