Module manager: Dr N Hondow
Email: n.hondow@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module with cover the synthesis and characterisation of a range of metals, ceramics and polymers.
The objectives of this module are to provide students with:
- a sound understanding of the physical and chemical principles which underpin both the synthesis of materials and their characterisation;
- the knowledge to be able to select appropriate processing routes with a view to producing materials with a desired combination of properties;
- the ability to select an appropriate range of advanced materials characterisation techniques, and analyse the data generated by these, in order to determine whether a particular processing route has resulted in the desired materials composition and microstructure.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Understand the thermodynamic, kinetic and morphological principles underpinning materials synthesis.
2. Be able to apply these principles in understanding the design and capabilities of materials processing techniques.
3. Be able to design an appropriate processing route to synthesize a material with a controlled microstructure to deliver the required properties.
4. Understand the principles, applications and limitations of advanced materials characterisation techniques.
5. Be able to select a range of advanced materials characterisation techniques, and analyse the data generated by these, to characterise (chemically and structurally) the product from a materials synthesis process.
6. Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study.
7. Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.
8. Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems.
9. Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
10. Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.
11. Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks.
12. Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.
13. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
14. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team.
15. Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Critical thinking and problem solving
b. Teamwork and written communication
c. Technical skills
- Synthesis via phase transformations;
- Elements of a phase transformation;
- Order of a phase transformation;
- Thermodynamics and kinetics of first and second order phase transformations, including interfaces and transport processes;
- Microstructural development during transformations from the vapour, liquid and solid states and during crystallisation from solution;
- Microstructural control in materials processing via phase transformations;
- Microscopy: principles and applications of light and electron microscopy techniques;
- X-ray diffraction and characterisation;
- Scanning probe techniques;
- Spectroscopy and surface analysis;
- Examples of contemporary research in materials synthesis and characterisation.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 4 | 0.5 | 2 |
| Lecture | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Private study hours | 158 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 42 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Performance and feedback from formative online tests.
Feedback on progress in the group project at three points throughout the year.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Online | 10 |
| Group Project | Group report | 30 |
| In-course Assessment | Online | 10 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
An individual project will be available for students who are required to re-sit the group project which assesses the same learning outcomes but which will require an appropriately reduced time to complete.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team