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Materials & Mechanics - ELE00033C

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Module co-ordinator: Mr. Martin Coulton
  • Credit value: 30 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module summary

A detailed understanding of the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of solid materials is fundamental to the design and construction of microelectromechanical systems. Through a series of lectures and laboratory classes, this module will provide an introduction to materials with a particular focus on the mechanical properties of materials subject to static and dynamic forces.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22 to Summer Term 2021-22

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To develop an understanding of the fundamentals of engineering mechanics.

  • To introduce the wide range of materials used in engineering and their fundamental, physical properties

  • To develop problem solving skills in engineering mechanics through the application of concepts in statics and dynamics to real world problems.

  • To introduce the standards and associated measurements that regulate the use of engineering materials.

  • To provide reinforcement of learning using laboratory investigations  

 

Graduate skills aims:

  • To develop skills in basic numeric and algebraic techniques

  • To instil professional laboratory working practice

Module learning outcomes

Subject content learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental physical concepts that underpin static and dynamic mechanics, including vector vs scalar, force, energy, work, power, stress, strain and elasticity.

  • Be able to describe a wide range of materials, including metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and composites and understand their physical (mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical) properties.

  • Understand corrosion, wear and failure in common engineering materials.

  • Apply fundamentals of static mechanics to calculate the forces, stress and strain of a solid body under simple loading and to apply this to basic structural analysis.

  • Apply Newtonian mechanics to quantitatively analyse simple dynamic systems subject to an external force.

  • To learn the basics of oscillation and vibration in simple mechanical systems.

  • Appreciate the standards and regulatory requirements that control the use of engineering materials.

  • Understand reasons for and best practice in professional laboratory working practices (safety, use of logbooks, experimental record keeping and measurement techniques)

 

Graduate skills learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Communicate basic technical concepts concisely and accurately.

  • Apply a range of commonly ­encountered mathematical techniques to given problems.

  • Plan and manage their time in a laboratory setting

Module content

Professional Practice embedded into this module:

  • Health and Safety

  • Laboratory Practice

  • Personal and Group Skills

  • Design for Manufacturability (understanding of tolerances, material  limitations)

  • Engineering standards and Regulation - visiting lecturers

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Continuous Assessment		 N/A 25
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Materials & Mechanics		 8 hours 75

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Materials & Mechanics		 8 hours 100

Module feedback

The Department of Electronic Engineering aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme.  In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. Students are provided with their examination results within 20 working days of the end of any given examination period.  The Department will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline. The Department would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The Department will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum.  Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date

Indicative reading

W.D. Callister Jr; “Materials Science and Engineering and Introduction”, 7th Edition, J. Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ (2007). ISBN 0471736961

Ray Julse & Jack Cain, “Structural mechanics”, Palgrave (2000), ISBN: 0333804570

Beer, Johnson, Mazurek, “Vector Mechanics for Engineers Statics and Dynamics”, McGraw Hill (2018), ISBN:1260085007


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.