ENN531 Advanced Materials and Engineering Applications


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:ENN531
Credit points:12
Coordinator:Cheng Yan | c2.yan@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

The unit introducing recent development of materials and their potential applications. The advances in microanalysis and modelling techniques will be also covered. The unit teaches the inter-relationships amongst the microstructure, properties and processing so that the fundamental principle of structure-property relationship and materials selection can be understood. The unit also provides students an opportunity to apply the knowledge to analyze a typical material problem through project work and practice class. Understanding of the fundamental relationships between the microstructure and properties in materials is critical to development of robust designs and/or manufacturing methods. This unit provides knowledge in advanced materials, their properties, application, processing, characterization and simulation. This is an advanced unit which is relevant and built on other materials and manufacturing units.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. The ability to describe the fundamental structure-property relationship in materials.
  2. Analysis and selection materials for different applications.
  3. The ability to discuss several groups of novel materials and potential applications.
  4. Application of modern characterization and simulation techniques.
  5. Effective written and oral communication in the field of materials.

Content

The major topics to be covered in this unit and their consequent skills acquired include:

  • Introduction of advances in materials science and engineering
  • Fundamental principles of structure-property relation in materials
  • Selection of materials
  • Nanomaterials
  • Biomaterials
  • Smart materials
  • Composites
  • Materials for energy and environment
  • Advanced characterization and simulation techniques

Learning Approaches

The technical content of the unit will be taught using the following teaching tools:

Online lectures: will cover the theory with emphasise on some practical applications of advanced material. Additional learning will be achieved by reading the recommended reference texts. Lecture slides and some additional readings will be made available on-line using the Canvas website prior to lectures.

Project: One major assignment related to materials selection or development of new materials will be given in week 3/4. This assignment will be done in groups and will involve writing a report of about 2000 words on a selected topic. Submission of final report will be in week 12. 

Laboratories: There are two online prac demonstrations. You will be introduced to materials characterisations (such as XRD, AFM, electron microscopy, optical, etc) and/or testing of some advanced materials. You will be provided with experimental data for the final report. 

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Assessment in this unit is based on Criterion Referenced Assessment. Formative oral feedback will be provided in lab and project meetings and written feedback will be given on the project report, laboratory reports (and final examination on request).

Assessment

Overview

This unit incorporates three items of assessment:

Pracs (20%): You will do 1 prac that consists of 3~4 tasks for this unit. You need to write a final report and submit by week 12.  

Project (30%): You will be provided a list of projects to select. A small team will be form to work on the selected project for the whole semester. Your written report will be assessed. Your collaborative work and contribution to your team are important and group members are expected to make equivalent contributions. Marks will be deducted if your contribution is significantly lower. Each group must fill in the 'Statement of Contribution Form'. Final submission of the report is on Friday in week 12.  

Final Exam (50%): Timed online assessment will be given at the end of the semester. The exam problems will be released via Canvas during a specified period (3 hours). You need to write the answers, scanned and uploaded through Turnitin during the period. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory/Practical

You are required to engage in online laboratory practical demonstration sessions, take notes or measurements and write a report using data provided.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 20
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): One week after pracs
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3, 4, 5

Assessment: Project

You will be involved in a group project that will solve a typical material problem (e.g. selection of materials for a particular application or development of a novel material).

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): Week 12
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5

Assessment: End of Semester Timed Online Assessment

You will answer questions and solve problems related to key concepts in materials and characterization techniques covered in this unit..

Weight: 50
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 3:10 - Including 10 minute perusal
Exam Period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

There is no prescribed text book for this unit. The relevant lecture slides and handouts will be posted in the Canvas for easy access.

A list of reference books and other useful websites will be provided in week 1. The Cambridge Engineering Materials Selector Software (EDUPACK2019) is available to the students for project and lecture learning. 

Risk Assessment Statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the remote mode via online resources. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

You will be required to undertake practical sessions in an online or virtual laboratory environment. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components.

You are encouraged to complete a health and safety induction to gain the knowledge for using a real lab for materials characterisation and testing. 

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

EN50 Master of Engineering

  1. Apply advanced discipline knowledge, concepts and practices in engineering systems and processes.
    Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, End of Semester Timed Online Assessment
  2. Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering problems to achieve research informed solutions.
    Relates to: Project, End of Semester Timed Online Assessment
  3. Apply systematic approaches to plan, design, execute and manage an engineering project.
    Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Project
  4. Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non-specialist audiences.
    Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Project
  5. Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering decision making and professional accountability.
    Relates to: Project

EN55 Master of Professional Engineering

  1. Apply advanced and specialist knowledge, concepts and practices in engineering design, analysis management and sustainability.
    Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Project, End of Semester Timed Online Assessment
  2. Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering problems to achieve research informed solutions.
    Relates to: Project, End of Semester Timed Online Assessment
  3. Apply systematic approaches to plan, design, execute and manage an engineering project.
    Relates to: Project
  4. Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non specialist audiences.
    Relates to: Laboratory/Practical, Project
  5. Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering decision making and professional accountability.
    Relates to: Project