Structural Materials 1: (Metals and Minerals)

Course aim

At the completion of this course students will:
- Uunderstand fundamental differences in solid state structures and how these relate to behaviour;
- Have an appreciation of the different analytical approaches for examination of solid state structure and will be able to design methodologies for identification of materials performance issues;
- Recognise differences between metals, minerals and ceramics, their applications and structural characteristics that effect behaviour and performance.

Course content

Solid-state bonding structure and how this affects solid state electronic properties;
Crystals, amorphous, symmetry ;
Common characterisation techniques of crystals and amorphous in lab and their basics, interaction of X-ray and matter;
Synchrotron based techniques (X-ray diffraction, scattering and spectroscopy), neutron based techniques (scattering and diffraction);
Microscopy and spectroscopy techniques including SEM, TEM, XPS, FIB, LA-ICP-MS;
Ferrous metals – history of use, current applications, phases, structure;
Non-ferrous metals and high tech alloys – history of development, uses, phases, structure;
Corrosion, strain and cracking of metals;
Metallic annealing and tempering – changes in microstructure and how this affects characteristics;
Ceramics, history of use, structures, uses and characteristics;
Ceramics, formation, sintering and how this affects behaviour;
Use of minerals and their properties and crystallography;
Applications of minerals as piezoelectrics, molecular sieves, solar cells, gemstones etc.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Essay, Examination, Quiz, Report

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.