Course description
Students choose seven short-course modules from nineteen currently available. These cover metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, nanomaterials, analytical techniques, bonding, modelling, surfaces, corrosion, fracture, fatigue and research methods. Each module is followed by an open book assessment. The work is to be completed within six months of the end of the course week by part-time students, and within six weeks by full-time students. Each assessment is intended to take 120 hours.
A materials-based project is also undertaken for the MSc. The project is assessed by the thesis and viva voce examination. There are no formal written examinations.
This MSc has led to promotions, new jobs and PhDs. It is excellent for career development and continuing education. Many part-time students are funded by their employers.
MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Advanced Materials Module overview
Of the seven short-course modules that make an MSc in Advanced Materials, one is compulsory and six selected from a range of optional modules.
Compulsory Module
Research Methods
An introduction to the general principles and practices associated with planning, undertaking and reporting research in the engineering or physical sciences.
Optional Modules
There are optional modules examining all the main classes of materials in detail. There are also groups of modules focusing on particular areas such as surfaces, adhesive bonding, metals, composites and nanomaterials. Modules include:
-Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
-Introduction to Composite Materials Science
-Introduction to Physical Metallurgy
-Ceramics and Ceramic Matrix Composites
-Polymers for Advanced Applications
-Numerical Modelling in Materials Engineering
-Surface Engineering
-Materials for Biomedical Engineering Applications
-Managing Materials Cycles
-Adhesive Bonding Technology
-Materials Under Stress - An Introduction to Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue
-The Science of Adhesion
-Corrosion Engineering
-Composite Technology and Smart Systems
-Nanomaterials
-Scanning Probe Microscopy
-Surface Analysis by Electron Spectroscopy - An Introduction to XPS, SIMS and Scanning Auger Microscopy
-Characterisation of Advanced Materials
-Light Metals and Alloys
All of the modules are taught by experts from the University. Almost all of them also include lectures and presentations from users of the technology in industry and research organisations. Most modules include practical demonstrations or laboratory work, as well as tutorial sessions. Some also include site visits to see processes in operation. Modules usually start on Monday morning and finish at Friday lunchtime.
The project and dissertation, approximately 20 weeks of work, are undertaken in the Faculty laboratories by full-time students and in their place of work by part-time students, working on a project which is part of their normal work. Part-time students who do not have access to experimental facilities may take an Independent Study option and write a dissertation which is a review or a theoretical piece of work. This carries less credits than an experimentally based project, so the student will take two additional short-course modules.
