Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide engineering, science and environmental sciences graduates with the overall knowledge base required for a career in materials science related activities within industry, business or public sector organisations, and to develop the understanding, skills and competencies required to enable master's degree students to expand and enhance their professional expertise. The course will enable you, depending on your preferences: * to gain an understanding of nanomaterials processing, including synthesis, deposition, use and characterisation of physical properties with a particular interest in ceramics and inorganic luminescent materials; * to gain an understanding of new carbon related materials processing, ie carbon nano tubes, fullerences, diamond like carbon and luminescent organic materials, including synthesis, deposition, use and characterisation of physical properties; * to gain an understanding of the basic properties of materials in relation to their manufacturing processes; * to gain a view of current research methodologies in developing processing technologies for metals, polymers, composites and ceramics; * to be able to process polymeric materials with modern nano materials in order to improve the material's individual characteristics; * to develop an understanding of 'the dynamic structures of liquid metals and alloys', the 'theory of solidification (including nucleation and crystal growth) under intensive forced convection' and 'new solidification processing technologies'.
Course description
Course Summary
The primary aim of this programme is to create self motivated master's degree graduates who are capable of entering a research and development post in academia or industry with a specialist knowledge of nanomaterials synthesis and processing.
You will gain knowledge of the important aspects of specification of materials for processability and final use, together with an understanding of the environmental impact of polymer and inorganic materials. You will create new opportunities for employers by bringing the output of current research into industrial use.
Course Details
The course offers two modules in the broad areas of 'inorganic materials processing' and 'polymer, MEMS and metals processing'.
The programme will provide opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A knowledge and understanding of:
* The theoretical principles of light emission from inorganic materials.
* The synthetic approaches to preparing inorganic and ceramic nanomaterials
* The overall basis for the study of luminescent materials.
* The theoretical basis and practical implementation of materials characterisation with emphasis on inorganic, ceramic and polymeric materials.
* Printing and deposition techniques employed for the deposition of nanomaterials.
* The important physical properties of materials in relationship to their processing properties.
* Advanced and developing processing technologies for metals, polymers, composites and ceramics.
* The preparation and use of carbon nano tubes and diamond like carbon in modern applications.
* Emissive organic materials in the displays and lighting industry MEMS device processing and uses.
* The physical properties of molten metals and alloys.
* Improved casting methods of metals and alloys.
At the cognitive level you will be able to:
* Understand modern materials and apply them in new settings.
* Evaluate an industrial materials process such as (polymer processing) and design a solution to a problem.
* Evaluate the environmental effects of materials use and design solutions.
* Analyse and evaluate materials characterisation data and develop new processes.
* Plan and evaluate personal projects.
* Assemble and critically analyse relevant primary and secondary data.
* Select and use appropriate investigative techniques.
In terms of personal/transferable skills you will be able to:
* Select and adapt appropriate motivational methods.
* Define and organise a substantial investigation.
* Select and employ appropriate research methods.
* Organise technical information into a concise, coherent document.
* Employ conventional methods of technical communication.
* Manage personal projects.
* Develop a thesis by following a coherent argument.
Modules (all core)
* Inorganic Nanomaterials Processing
* Polymer and Metals Processing
* Advanced Analysis: 'Seeing the Nanoscale'
* Research Methodology
* Mini Project
* Research Project
Special Features
The course combines the materials production experience of the Wolfson Centre for Materials Processing with the stae-of-the-art analytical expertise of the Experimental Techniques Centre. There will also be contributions from another Specialist Research Centre - the Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Tehnnology - and a range of areas in the School of Design and Engineering.
Careers
Graduates will be capable of entering the production and research and development centres of materials manufacturing and processing companies.
