| Unit name | Materials: Fundamental properties and applications |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS30050 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Hayden |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
PHYS10012 Core Physics I: Classical, Quantum and Thermal Physics PHYS20040 From Classical to Modern Physics |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) | |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
- |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
This course shows the underlying physics behind the properties of materials and how we use them to transform the world around us. Modern technology relies on materials having specific "functional" properties. For example, the flow of current through a transistor can be controlled with an external potential and the strength of a steel used in a bridge depends on its microstructure. Scientists continue to discover and engineer new materials which can be used in technology. This unit is important because materials are at the heart of solving societies key challenges such as the production, storage and distribution of clean energy, sustainable transportation and buildings.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit forms part of the third year options portfolio for physics students; a suite of options designed to explore the wider applications of physics as well as further depth in specific areas. Your choice of options will help to shape the physicist you will become.
An overview of content
This unit will introduce you to matter at the quantum level and how structure and interactions at this level ultimately affect the physical properties of materials. You will learn how fundamental properties such as the transport of charge and heat, and the existence of magnetic order can be understood in terms of symmetry and microscopic interactions. You will learn about the microscopic and quantum properties of solids (and liquids) and the structure and properties of materials at the macroscale. You will also learn the theories behind deformation and failure, and the material features which ultimately control properties such as strength and toughness. We will explore how materials enable different technologies. e.g. case studies on the stability of bridges, buildings and aircrafts, and learning what makes a material order magnetically.
Fundamental properties of matter, including:
Applications of materials, including:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
By the end of this unit, you appreciate how physics is used to understand the properties of materials.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
The unit is organised through our on-line learning environment (OLE). This is where you will find information about the unit, lecture notes, any pre-recorded videos, recordings of lectures and live sessions, access to online quizzes (where appropriate) and other learning resources.
All teaching activities will be delivered face-to-face (barring intervention from exceptional events), and it is an expectation that you engage with these activities. Learning activities will be split across in-class activities (lectures, problems classes) and those around your own private study (for example online quizzes, videos, textbook references etc.).
The unit will consist of around 30 hours of content delivery with 10 hours of problems support. Along with this time there is an expectation of personal study in line with the University statement on student workloads.
Some sessions may require preparation beforehand (e.g. watching a video, reading a textbook chapter or journal article or similar); where these materials are provided, you should aim to spend around one hour of preparation time for one hour of face-to-face teaching. This will allow you to make the most of class discussions and activities.
In problems classes you will be able to discuss problem illustrating the course material with the lecturer or other experts.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
There will be regular problems classes, allowing you to ask questions of the facilitator to help you quantify your own understanding and that of others, and to gain verbal feedback on your problem solving skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
You will complete an examination (100%, all ILOs).
When assessment does not go to plan
If you do not pass the examination, you may have the opportunity to take the examination in the next available reassessment period. *
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYS30050).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
