MAT ENG 7110 - Fundamentals of Materials
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code MAT ENG 7110 Course Fundamentals of Materials Coordinating Unit Materials Engineering Term Semester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Assessment Assignments, quizzes, tests, final examination Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Wenjie Tian
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of materials, especially nanomaterials, including size effects, surface energy, and quantum confinement.
- Understanding the suitable characterization techniques to analyze (nano)material structure and properties.
- Correlate nanoscale structure and morphology with physical, optical, and catalytic properties.
- Evaluate the performance of nanomaterials in real-world applications, including energy, catalysis, and environmental remediation.
- Communicate scientific results clearly through written formats, demonstrating teamwork and investigative skills relevant to nanoscience and nanotechnology.
University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1, 2, 3 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
1, 2, 4 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
5 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
3, 4 Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency
Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.
5 Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
5 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
1, 2, 3, 5 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
All required resources will be provided through MyUni.Recommended Resources
All recommended resources will be provided through MyUni.Online Learning
Online learning resources will be provided through MyUni. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Teaching and learning in this course are based on a combination of lectures, tutorials, online learning, laboratory practices, and independent study.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
Students are expected to attend lectures and laboratory sessions regularly, and complete three laboratory reports and one final project report. These activities are designed to develop both theoretical understanding and hands-on skills in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and analysis.Learning Activities Summary
Students will engage in a combination of lectures, tutorials, online learning, and laboratory practices designed to build both theoretical understanding and practical skills in nanomaterials.
Lectures introduce core concepts and fundamental principles, while tutorials and online learning activities reinforce understanding through discussion and problem-solving.
Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and analysis.
Independent study and report preparation further develop students’ ability to investigate, interpret, and communicate scientific findings. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Tasks Weighting (%) Individual/group Formative/summative Due (Week) Learning outcomes Practice report 15 Group Formative Week 14 3, 4, 5 Practice report 15 Group Formative Week 16 3, 4, 5 Practice report 15 Group Formative Week 19 3, 4, 5 Final Project 55 Individual Summative Week 20 1, 2, 3, 5 Total 100
Assessment Related Requirements
Students will complete three practice reports as group assignments to encourage teamwork and collaborative learning. The final project report will be completed individually to assess each student’s independent understanding and analytical ability.Assessment Detail
No information currently available.
Submission
No information currently available.
Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
