Module manager: Dr N Hondow
Email: n.hondow@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| CAPE2710 | Materials Synthesis and Characterisation |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will 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. Have knowledge of and understanding of the engineering use of materials, such as in the selection of materials of construction, corrosion protection, and design of novel products.
7. Understand and be able to quantify the effect of processing steps on the state of the material being processed, and its transformation to the end product in terms of its composition, morphology and functionality.
8. Be able to find and apply, with judgement, information from technical literature and other sources.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Critical thinking and problem solving
b. Technical skills
c. Written communication
- 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;
- Examples of contemporary research in materials synthesis and characterisation.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Lecture | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Private study hours | 158 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 42 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Feedback from online formative tests. Coursework feedback at several points throughout the academic year.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| 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
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team