Module: Materials Engineering

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Materials Engineering
Module Code	EEG1006 (ITS: EM115)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This is an introductory module for 1st year engineering students to the area of engineering materials. The module aims to introduce the structure and application of engineering materials used in all areas of engineering including, mechanical, manufacturing, bioengineering and electronic. It introduces students to a variety of materials including metals, polymers, ceramics and composites and discusses the variation of physical properties of each. The module introduces students to materials related concepts such as metallic phase diagrams, heat treatment, biomaterials, semiconductors and electrochemistry. The module introduces aspects of sustainable use of materials and resources, as well as impacts of materials with respect to UN SDG 2, 12,13, 14 & 15.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the properties of engineering materials (metals and non-metals), how they are measured, and how they relate to material microstructure
2. Read a phase diagram, and determine structure from the composition and thermal history of an alloy
3. The learner will be familiar with the characteristics of metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, diodes, biomaterials, electrochemistry and basics of solid mechanics
4. Conduct material performance related experiments, collect and analyse data and write technical reports.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	12	Weekly lectures on Materials Engineering
Tutorial	24	Tutorials in Materials Engineering
Laboratory	5	Lab work for Materials
Independent Study	84	Research and revision
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10189	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Owen Clarkin	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	Laboratory experimentation and calculations correlating tensile properties to hardness and toughness	40%	n/a
Loop Quiz	A series of 6 quizzes, covering 2 chapters each (10% each)	60%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Materials Engineering
Introduces the structure and application of engineering materials and the properties and selection of materials for manufacturing products. The structure and properties of metals, ceramics, alloys and polymers are covered along with materials used in applications such as bioengineering, electronics, electrochemistry and solid mechanics. Selection is also based on ethical and recyclability functions.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

James F. Shackelford: 0, Introduction to materials science for engineers, 0-13-127619-0
William D. Callister, Jr: 2003, Materials science and engineering, Wiley, New York, 0-471-22471-5
Vernon John: 0, Introduction to Engineering Materials, 0-333-94917-7

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None