Course syllabus
Materials Science and Engineering
MTT011 Materialteknik, SP4, 2024/2025, 7.5 HEC
Aims
The aim of the course is for students to attain a basic understanding of materials science and engineering, in particular the relations between the structure, properties and processing of materials. The level of understanding should be such that the students in their profession as engineers should be able to participate in discussions regarding materials selection and choices of processing methods for materials. Materials encountered in the course are polymeric materials, metals and ceramics, primarily for engineering purposes.
Learning outcomes
After the course, the student should be able to:
- Describe how different kinds of materials (polymers, ceramics and metallic materials) are structured in terms of atomic bonding and crystal structure and also describe how the structure will affect some of their properties.
- Describe how the mechanical properties of the materials above can be influenced via a change of the (micro)structure and be able to relate that change to the specific strengthening mechanism.
- Apply phase diagrams and TTT/CCT diagrams; to read them and from the diagram predict the microstructure after different heat treatments.
- Choose suitable manufacturing or heat treatment methods aiming for specific material properties and microstructure and discuss the choices of criteria to reach a good result.
- Understand the mechanical properties of the material and their relation to product functions.
- Obtain preliminary knowledge of other materials; Be able to execute an elementary materials selection.
- Introduce the analyses and evaluate the role of geometrical (product design) aspects in materials selection.
- Make a reflection regarding materials selection for an industrial product with the perspective of environmental sustainability.
Contents
The course starts with basic materials science, aiming to understand the correlation of the structure, the properties and the choice of manufacturing and heat treatment technology. The different material groups are polymers, metals and ceramics. The course in manufacturing technology is built on this course but is linked closer to the manufacturing of products.
The course contains the following parts:
- Basic materials science:
Atomic bonding
Crystal structures
Defects and diffusion
Mechanical properties, fracture and failure
Phase diagrams
- Metallic Materials
Phases and microstructures
Strengthening
Classification
Heat treatment
Properties
Applications
- Ceramics, glass and carbon materials:
Structures
Properties
Applications
- Polymers and composite materials:
Structure and Thermal properties
Thermal and chemical properties
Mechanical, electrical and surface properties
Applications
- Other topics:
Introduction to other materials
Materials selection in product development
Sustainability
Literature
The main literature source is the book:
Donald Askeland, Essentials of Materials Science and Engineering, 4th edition, SI, Cengage, ISBN 978-1-337-62915-7
Osswald, Tim A. Menges, Georg. (2012). Material Science of Polymers for Engineers (3rd Edition). Hanser Publishers (free access on Chalmers Campus or via VPN)
Organisation and Structure
Examiner: Prof. Emmy Yu Cao (EYC) phone: 031-7721252 yu.cao@chalmers.se
Other lecturers: Dr. Marko Bek (MB) marko.bek@chalmers.se
Prof Roland Kádár (RK) roland.kadar@chalmers.se
Course assistant: Sofia Kazi (1 Ass) sofiakaz@chalmers.se
Sahith Kokkirala (övn) sahithk@chalmers.se
TBA
Student representatives
To be announced
Student Administration of department (mainly for exam and general enquiries):
Hanije Safakar phone 031-7721265 e-mail: hanije@chalmers.se
The course includes about 25 lectures, 9 tutorials including group discussions, three experimental classes (Computer-based lab Matter, Optical microscopy and Structure and properties of polymeric materials), one industrial visit and one project. Labs, group discussions, industrial visit and projects are compulsory.
Examination
Passing the course requires passing the final written exam and some other activities.
The written exam is based on materials from both teachings as well as the book on 4th June 2025. Make sure to register for the exam in due time according to what is written in the Study Portal. The exam is formulated in English. Permitted aids are a dictionary and a Chalmers approved calculator. The grading will be as follows: 3 > 40% (20 out of 50), 4 > 60% (30 out of 50), 5 > 80% (37.5 out of 50). Passing the written exam qualifies for 6 credit units.
Getting all laboratory sessions and projects approved, participating in group discussions and the industrial visit qualifies for 1.5 credit units.
Course home page
Handouts from lectures, the latest version of the document, news about lectures etc can be found on the course home page at:
https://chalmers.instructure.com/courses/34150
Basic info on the course is available on:
https://www.student.chalmers.se/sp/course?course_id=39415
Laboratory sessions
Booking of labs can be done at the course homepage from the second week the course starts. It is important to show up at booked times! Note that you must prepare yourself in advance in order to clarify the lab within the lab time and get approved. Please be there on time!
Lab1 (2h): Optical microstructure of steels;
Lab2 (2h): Structure and properties of polymeric materials;
Lab3 (2h): Introduction of computer-based CES EduPack - a set of texts and software tools for materials and manufacturing processes.
Group assignment
Participating in a group assignment is compulsory. You will form a group of a maximum of 5 participants. Each group will have its own scientific/technical topic related to the contents of the course. The topic will be among some pre-defined topics of industrial/technical relevance (informed later in the course). The result of the group assignment should be communicated in a final seminar presentation. No written report is required.
Quizzes
You will find quiz questions in the form of multiple choices from the course webpage.
Schedule
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The enclosed schedule (next page) is preliminary and may be revised depending on circumstances. Updated information will be communicated via the course webpage. Acronyms: L = Lecture, E = Excises and group discussion |
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Course summary:
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