ENG1051 · Materials for energy and sustainability

Overview

The key engineering challenge in the 21st century and beyond is the efficient use of energy and the Earth's resources. Energy supply drives our daily life, and there exist challenges in all of clean energy, renewable energy, energy transmission, energy storage, light materials, and energy-efficient manufacturing. In addition, the physical infrastructure on which our daily lives depend requires the sustainable use of the finite resources at our disposal. All of these issues are Materials Engineering issues. In this unit, the fundamentals of the structure, design, and application of materials are covered. Attributes such as modulus, strength, toughness, chemical stability, electrical, magnetic, and thermal properties are explained in terms of atomic bonding, crystal defects and polycrystalline microstructure - and how this relates to end users. A particular focus will be given to "processing-structure-property" relationships, which is at the core of Materials Engineering, with the subjects' concepts elaborated in the context of materials for the efficient use of energy and other resources. Examples will include aerospace materials and functional materials, amongst others.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% This unit contains a hurdle requirement that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify the impact of materials science and engineering on issues relating to energy and sustainability.
2. Describe processing-structure-property relationships for a wide range of materials.
3. Identify how the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of materials are important in energy and sustainability applications.
4. Select an appropriate material for a given application based on appropriate selection tools and appreciation of the properties of a range of material classes.
5. Record experimental observations and undertake further research in order to prepare a report.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.