Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

MEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering

Academic Year: 2018/19

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Department of Materials
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body
Final award MEng/ MEng+DIS/ MEng+DIntS
Programme title Materials Science and Engineering
Programme code MPUM01
Length of programme The duration of the programme is eight semesters, or ten semesters if students undertake industrial training leading to the award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies, or study at a University abroad leading to the award of the Diploma in International Studies. These normally occur between Part B and Part C.
UCAS code J502, J503
Admissions criteria

MEng - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/j502

MEng+DIS/ MEng+DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/j503

Date at which the programme specification was published Wed, 22 Aug 2018 16:02:58 BST

1. Programme Aims

  • To provide an honours degree programme in the field of Materials Science and Materials Engineering which satisfies the needs of industry for potential future leaders of outstanding ability with very strong academic, problem solving, business, interactive and interpersonal skills.
  • To provide a broad range and in-depth education based on detailed knowledge in topics relevant to Materials Science and Engineering.
  • To develop the students’ responsibility and competence in Materials Science and Engineering related testing, analysis and design and offer opportunities for industrial training.
  • Provide open-ended, multi-disciplinary, individual project work and group work with increasing emphasis on commercial and industrial constraints and the ability to make progress independently.
  • To encourage students to manage their own learning, communicate effectively using a range of methods and make effective use of primary source materials including technical literature and industrial standards.
  • To develop the students’ commitment to life-long learning and enthusiasm for Materials Science and Engineering through the provision of an exciting, current and challenging programme informed by the department’s research activities and industrial input.
  • To demonstrate the importance of professional engineering and highlight and encourage the route to professional registration.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
  • QAA Benchmark Statements for Materials

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

  • Relevant mathematical and statistical methods and principles of materials science as applicable to materials science and engineering;
  • Specialist science and engineering topics connected with the characterisation, testing, properties, processing, and applications of materials;
  • The role of information technology and library resources in providing support for materials engineers and scientists;
  • Science and engineering principles relevant to materials selection;
  • The materials and engineering aspects of design;
  • The professional and engineering responsibilities of materials scientists and engineers;
  • A systematic understanding and critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at the forefront of materials science and engineering practice.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Apply appropriate material and process selection procedures for the design of a component;
  • Utilise materials science and engineering principles to develop new materials/processing routes for improved performance of engineering systems;
  • Devise and test innovative solutions to materials-related problems, and where appropriate, propose new hypotheses;
  • Select and apply appropriate IT tools to a variety of materials problems;
  • Select materials from an environmentally appreciative viewpoint;
  • Analyse materials aspects of bulk, raw materials as well as finished components;
  • Evaluate numerical data and apply sophisticated mathematical methods to the analysis of materials science and engineering problems.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Use appropriate testing and analysis methods for the study of materials;
  • Manipulate systems for the processing of a range of material types;
  • Use appropriate computer software for design and modelling exercises to predict materials properties and behaviour;
  • Evaluate and present experimental or modelling data in a format that shows originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques are used to create and interpret materials knowledge;
  • Interpret and critique experimental results in terms of theoretical mechanisms and concepts;
  • Create clear and well-structured technical reports in an appropriate format using technical language specific to materials science and engineering;
  • Critically evaluate current materials science and engineering research;
  • Demonstrate project management skills either individually or as part of a group.
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Apply constructive, creative, and structured approaches to complex problem solving;
  • Exercise the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development;
  • Make informed and responsible decisions in complex and unpredictable situations;
  • Work effectively, both as part of a team and/or independently;
  • Organise and manage time and resources effectively; for short-term and longer-term commitments;
  • Possess skills needed to communicate effectively through a variety of media;
  • Demonstrate a high level of numeracy, appropriate to the cognitive skills required.

4. Programme structure

Part A - All modules are compulsory. 

Module code

Title

Credits

Semester

MPA201

Introductory Materials Science

10

1

MPA202

Experimentation and Practical Skills

20

1 and 2

MPA203

CAD and Engineering Drawing

10

1

MPA204

Engineering Analysis and Modelling

10

2

MPA205

Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria

10

1

MPA207

Mechanics for Materials 1

10

2

MPA210

Introduction to Product Design 

10

1

MAA101 

Mathematics for Materials 1

10

1

MAA201

Mathematics for Materials 2

10

2

MPA321

Introduction to Materials Processing

10

2

MPA322

Materials Applications

10

2

 

Part B - 110 credits of compulsory modules, 10 credits of optional modules

Module code

Title

Credits

Semester

Compulsory/optional

MAB101

Mathematics for Materials 3

10

1

C

MPB208

Fracture Mechanics of Materials

10

2

C

MPB311

Materials Modelling

10

1

C

MPB210

Group Design Project

10

1

C

MAB206

Statistics

10

2

C

MPB209

Materials Characterisation

10

2

C

MPB321

Mechanics for Materials 2

10

2

C

MPB312

Materials Processing

30

1 and 2

C

MPB313

Materials in Service

10

1

C

TTA107

Vehicle Design and Development

10

1

O

LAN---

Language module of appropriate level

10

1 or 2

O

MPB231

Biomaterials 1

10

2

O

MPB322

Phase Transformations in Solids

10

2

O

TTB107

Vehicle Loading and Suspensions

10

2

O

  

Part I –   Diploma in Industrial Studies and Diploma in International Studies Modules

Code

Semester

Title

Modular Weight

MPI001

1 and 2

Industrial Training Placement (DIS, non-credit bearing)

120

MPI002

1 and 2

Overseas University Placement (DIntS, non-credit bearing

120

 

Part C - 100 credits of compulsory modules, 20 credits of optional modules

Module code

Title

Credits

Semester

Compulsory/optional

MPC312

Nano Materials

10

1

C

MPC311

Advanced Processing Methods

10

1

C

MPD110

Project

40

1 and 2

C

MPC114

Composite Materials

10

2

C

MPC312

Functional Materials

10

2

C

MPC111

Advanced Principles of Materials

10

1

C

MPC108

Surface Engineering

10

1

C

BSC522

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

10

1

O

LAN---

Language module of appropriate level

10

1 or 2

O

MPC120

Vehicle and Component Design

30

1 and 2

O

BSC144

Project Management

10

2

O

MPB123

Automotive Crash Protection

10

1

O

 

Part D - 90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules

Module code

Title

Credits

Semester

Compulsory/optional

MPP551

Advanced Characterisation Techniques

15

1

C

MPP556

Materials Modelling

15

2

C

MPD101

Group Design Project

50

1 and 2

C

MPD321

Energy Materials

10

2

C

MPD311

Crystallographic analysis of Materials

10

3

O

MPD105

Advanced Materials Dissertation

10

1

O

BSD523

Enterprise Technology

10

1

O

MPD322

Elasticity

10

2

O

MPD014

Polymer Engineering - Properties and Design

10

1

O

MPD102

Industrial Case Studies

10

2

O

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to part C and from Part C to part D and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also must gain credit (≥40%) in the modules MAA101 Mathematics for Materials 1 and MAA201 Mathematics for Materials 2 together with an overall average of 55% for Parts B, C and D.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidate’s final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B, C, and D in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX. The average percentages for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20 : Part C 40 : Part D 40 to determine the overall average percentage mark.

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