Materials Properties and Applications

Code: Q4099     Acronym: Q4099     Level: 400

Keywords
Classification Keyword
OFICIAL Chemistry

Instance: 2022/2023 - 1S

Active? Yes
Responsible unit: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Course/CS Responsible: Master in Nanomaterials Science and Technology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym No. of Students Study Plan Curricular Years Credits UCN Credits ECTS Contact hours Total Time
M:CTN 10 Official Study Plan since 2020_M:CTN 1 - 6 42 162
2
M:Q 2 Official study plan until 2022/2023 2 - 6 42 162

Teaching language

English

Objectives

Materials Properties and Applications is a generalist course which aims at providing the students with an understanding of the materials properties of different classes of materials (at different scales, from atomic-molecular level to macroscopic), from the chemical and physical and to the mechanical properties, and also the functionalities and applications of materials.

Learning outcomes and competences

It is intended that at the end of the course the student is able to:
(i) identify the different classes of materials;
(ii) describe their internal structure, properties and functionalities;
(iii) describe preparation techniques, processing and characterization of materials;
(iv) apply acquired knowledge to describe the most current materials of daily, industrial and technological use.

Working method

Presencial

Program

PART 1 - INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS

1.1 Materials Science and relationship between Material Science and Materials Engineering. Historical note on the evolution of materials and state of the art. Competition between materials.
1.2 Classification of different materials. Characterization of the different materials classes.

PART 2 - STRUCTURE, PROPRETIES AND FUNCTIONALITY

2.1 Structure and chemical bond. Supramolecular structure of solids, liquids and mesophases.
2.2 Crystalline structures and their classification.
2.3 Phase diagrams. Examples of phase diagrams of applied significance.
2.4 Properties of the materials. Chemical properties, physical properties.

PART 3 - CHARACTERIZATION, PROCESSING AND APPLICATIONS

3.1 Methods for characterization of materials. Functionality characterization of materials.
3.2 Processing Techniques. Processing of metals, ceramics, polymeric and composite materials.
3.3 Advanced Applications. Discussion and presentation of practical applications.

Mandatory literature

Callister Jr. William D.; Materials science and engineering. ISBN: 978-0-470-50586-1

Complementary Bibliography

Ozin Geoffrey A.; Nanochemistry. ISBN: 978-1-84755-895-4
Bokstein Boris S.; Thermodynamics and kinetics in materials science. ISBN: 0-19-852804-3

Teaching methods and learning activities

1 - Theoretical classes have an expository and interactive character according to the above-mentioned program.

2 – Theoretical-practical (TP) classes
(A) Preparation and discussion of oral presentations on different classes of materials (structure, properties, applications), individual presentation. There are three stages of evaluation: 1st presentation (generic) - 7 slides, 7 min; 2nd presentation (intermediate) - 15 slides, 10 min; 3rd presentation (final) - 20 slides, 20 min.
(B) Discussion, consolidation and deepening of theoretical subjects, with quantitative problem solving (essentially for Part 2 of the program).
(C) Visits to research laboratories and CEMUP.
(D) Realization/participation in a small research project in the area of materials characterization.


The methodology and teaching strategy proposed for this course is adapted to the interdisciplinary nature of its syllabus.For this, a great effort is made to promote students’ self-learning. Several study visits are organized to research laboratories, mechanical and electronic workshops and laboratories of structural characterization of materials. The theoretical-practical classes are used to promote the debate and self-learning, where students build and present a specific topic that they will have progressively developed and matured during the semester. The task / presentation created progressively leads to the involvement and competitive motivation for learning, which promotes the sharing and discussion of multidisciplinary content efficiently.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico 25,00
Exame 50,00
Participação presencial 25,00
Total: 100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico 26,00
Estudo autónomo 80,00
Frequência das aulas 56,00
Total: 162,00

Eligibility for exams

The students must attend a minimum of 3/4 of the number of the theoretical-practical classes foreseen in the calendar.

Calculation formula of final grade

The evaluation is carried out based on: continuous assessment of student’s performance in tutorial classes (NTP); exam classification (NEX).

Criteria for approval in the UC:
1. The final presentation (NTP) is Mandatory 
2. Exam grade (NEx) higher than 9 values (9 out of 20)

Final classification (NF): NF = 0.50 x NTP + 0.50 x NEx