CQUniversity Unit Profile
ENEG11008 Materials for Engineers
Materials for Engineers
All details in this unit profile for ENEG11008 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

ENEG11008: Materials for Engineers introduces you to the essential knowledge of materials science and the ways in which engineers understand, select and use materials and processes for engineering applications. In this unit, you will gain knowledge of engineering materials, microstructure and its effect on the material properties. You will learn how to identify and explain the properties of engineering materials and processes and how to classify these materials. You will also learn how to select engineering materials and processes for engineering applications, as well as to conduct material tests and report on their results. Throughout this unit, you will develop teamwork, research and communication skills. In this unit, you must complete compulsory practical activities. Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for proposed dates.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 3 - 2023

Mixed Mode

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
3. Practical and Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
4. Online Test
Weighting: 35%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE unit comments report and self-observation

Feedback

Technical issues associated with ISL arose early weeks of the term.

Recommendation

The unit coordinator should arrange testing sessions with Teaching Technology Support before the term starts. Each local lecturer should be assigned as a co-host to address issues without disrupting the central delivery.

Feedback from SUTE unit comments report and self-observation

Feedback

The delivery of its residential school component was inconsistent across campuses due to staffing and equipment.

Recommendation

Students should be provided with more flexible options. Residential school activities will be arranged based on local specialties.

Feedback from SUTE unit comments report

Feedback

Students commented on calculation questions which were pushed to tutorial classes, instead of discussing them in detail during lectures.

Recommendation

The unit coordinator should provide one sample calculation question while ensuring local lecturers cover multiple examples for a firm understanding.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Define the atomic and microstructure of engineering materials and their relationship to physical behaviour
  2. Classify engineering materials into metals, ceramics, polymers and composites
  3. Characterise materials for mechanical properties based on Australian Standards and ASTM methods
  4. Explain the role of mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of materials in engineering
  5. Apply the frameworks used to select materials for engineering applications.

The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Introductory
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. (LO: 1N 3N)
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. (LO: 2N 4N 5N)
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1N 2N 3N 5N)
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 1N 2N 3N 4N 5N)
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. (LO: 1N 5N)
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. (LO: 5N)
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 1N 2N 3N 4N 5N)
3.4 Professional use and management of information. (LO: 5N)
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. (LO: 5N)
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership. (LO: 5N)
Intermediate
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2N 3I 4N)
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 2N 4I 5N)
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (LO: 3N 4N 5I)
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 5I)

Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information 
https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 25%
3 - Practical and Written Assessment - 20%
4 - Online Test - 35%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Materials Science and Engineering: an introduction

Edition: 10th edn (2019)
Authors: David G. Rethwisch and William Callister
John Wiley & Sons
Milton Milton , QLD , Australia
ISBN: 9781119594178
Binding: Paperback

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Neamul Khandoker Unit Coordinator
n.khandoker@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

  • Introduction to the unit and information session
  • Introduction to materials science and engineering
  • Materials classification and their key characteristics

Chapter

  • Chapter 1: 1.2 - 1.5
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

  • Mechanical properties of materials
  • Standards for materials testing

Chapter

  • Chapter 6: 6.1 - 6.3, 6.5 - 6.7 & 6.10
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

  • Failure of engineering materials: ductile and brittle failure
  • Examples and case studies

Chapter

  • Chapter 8: 8.1 - 8.6
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

  • Online Quiz #1 opens.
Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

  • Principles of materials selection and materials selection process
  • Introduction to Granta EduPack
  • Examples and case studies

Chapter

  • Unit Moodle page and lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

  • Online Quiz #1 closes.
  • Residential school.
Vacation Week Begin Date: 04 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 11 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

  • Microstructural aspects of engineering materials: bonding
  • Microstructural aspects of engineering materials: crystal structures

Chapter

  • Chapter 2: 2.1 - 2.7
  • Chapter 3: 3.1 - 3.5, 3.7 & 3.13 - 3.15
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 18 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

  • Microstructural aspects of engineering materials: Imperfection in solids
  • Dislocations and strengthening mechanisms
  • Applications and processing

Chapter

  • Chapter 4: 4.1 - 4.4
  • Chapter 7: 7.1 - 7.4, 7.6 & 7.8 - 7.13
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

  • Online Quiz #2 opens.
Vacation Week Begin Date: 25 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 01 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

  • Microstructural aspects of engineering materials: Diffusion in solids
  • Fick's first law
  • Fick's second law

Chapter

  • Chapter 5: 5.1 - 5.3 & 5.5
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

  • Online Quiz #2 closes.

Lab worksheet Due: Week 7 Monday (1 Jan 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 08 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

  • Phase diagram and phase transformations
  • Alteration of mechanical properties

Chapter

  • Chapter 9: 9.1 - 9.13, 9.6 - 9.12, 9.18
  • Chapter 10: 10.5, 10.7
  • Chapter 11: 11.1 - 11.3
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 15 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

  • Thermal properties of materials
  • Electrical and magnetic properties of materials

Chapter

  • Chapter 18: 18.2, 18.3, 18.7, 18.8, 18.11, 18.13, 18.15, 18.18
  • Chapter 19: 19.1 - 19.5
  • Chapter 20: 20.2, 20.7, 20.9 & 20.11
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

  • Online Quiz #3 opens.

Materials selection process Due: Week 9 Monday (15 Jan 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 22 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

  • Non-metallic materials: ceramic, polymers and composites
  • Environmental issues and recycling of materials

Chapter

  • Tutorial materials
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

  • Online Quiz #3 closes.
Week 11 Begin Date: 29 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

  • Materials in the resources industry

Chapter

  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 05 Feb 2024

Module/Topic

  • Corrosion and materials for batteries
  • Unit review and tips on preparing for the final test

Chapter

  • Chapter 17: 17.2 - 17.10
  • Lecture note

Events and Submissions/Topic

  • Online Quiz #4 opens.
Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Feb 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

  • Online Quiz #4 closes.
  • End of term online test.
Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Tri-weekly online quiz

Task Description

This assessment consists of four tri-weekly online quizzes which can be accessed via the unit's Moodle site. A set of multiple-choice, short answer, drag-and-drop, and calculation questions is assigned every three weeks (viz. weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12). Each online quiz will cover the contents in the previous two weeks and the corresponding week (e.g. Online quiz 1 covers the contents in Weeks 1 to 3).

Each online quiz will remain open from Wednesday in the testing weeks until midnight Sunday in the following weeks so that you can take the online quizzes whenever you are available and ready. You will be allowed to attempt each quiz twice and the highest mark of the two attempts will be registered in Moodle Grade. There will be a time limit of an hour for 12 questions for each quiz. Once started, it cannot be paused and it will become inaccessible after its closure. There is no restriction on the venue and materials you can use. However, you are strongly recommended to prepare for the quizzes due to their time limit.


Number of Quizzes

4


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Four tri-weekly online quizzes are held in Weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12.


Return Date to Students

Students will receive their marks immediately after the due date of each quiz.


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

  • The total marks of each of four online quizzes will be scaled to out of 5 marks for the unit total.
  • Numerical answers must be entered to 3 significant figures.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Students can submit their attempt to check their answer or it will be submitted by itself on the due date.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Define the atomic and microstructure of engineering materials and their relationship to physical behaviour
  • Classify engineering materials into metals, ceramics, polymers and composites

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Materials selection process

Task Description

Your task is to complete the Part - A, and Part - B of materials selection process template by analyzing a product / application of your interest and suggesting an alternative material(s) to improve its design for any purpose (e.g. process and/or manufacturing cost, performance, better use and environmental friendliness, improved safety, improved operation conditions, etc.).

Your approach to this task should include (but not be limited to):

  • Choose an engineering design (application) of your interest. This can be ANYTHING that is composed of materials. It can range from a small and simple object, such as a ballpoint pen or a bicycle, to a complex engineering structure, such as a spaceship or a modern building
  • Investigate the chosen application to identify materials used and select a material (up to two) that has more room to improve
  • Analyse the material(s) to identify its design requirements as per the following criteria: Function- What does the component do?, Constraints- What non-negotiable conditions must be met? What are negotiable?, Objective- What is to be maximised or minimised?, and Free variables- What parameters of the problem is the designer free to change?
  • Look for possible alternatives and eliminate those that cannot meet the criteria set earlier
  • Rank the short-listed materials after screening
  • Further investigation into the top-ranked material to support
  • Report your findings and the rationale behind your objectives and detail the procedures


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Monday (15 Jan 2024) 11:45 pm AEST

Students will complete and submit the materials selection process template to the link provided in the unit's Moodle site.


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (29 Jan 2024)

Students can check their mark and feedback through the link used for submission.


Weighting
25%

Assessment Criteria

  • Title of the project – 5%
  • Requirements of the chosen product / application / design – 5%
  • Suitability of current material choice for the chosen product / application / design – 7%
  • Material price and environment friendliness – 5%
  • Benchmarking with related engineering standards – 5%
  • Desirable material properties – 8%
  • Classifying properties of currently available materials – 10%
  • Translation of requirements for material selection process – 10%
  • Demonstration of screening stage of material selection process – 10%
  • Demonstration of ranking stage of material selection process – 10%
  • Presentation of supporting information for material selection process – 10%
  • Recommendations – 5%
  • Conclusion – 10%


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the role of mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of materials in engineering
  • Apply the frameworks used to select materials for engineering applications.

3 Practical and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Lab worksheet

Task Description

This assessment pertains to the completion and submission of a laboratory worksheet. Four laboratory activities will be carried out as a group: Tensile test, Hardness test, Charpy impact test, and Piano wires. You will attend the residential school, participate in the activity, perform experiments, collect data and then carry out related tasks based on the experimental activity. You, as an individual, will be required to fill out the lab worksheet that will be provided on the unit's Moodle site for these four laboratory activities.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Monday (1 Jan 2024) 11:45 pm AEST

Students will submit it to the unit's Moodle site.


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Monday (15 Jan 2024)

Students can check their marks and feedback from the unit's Moodle site.


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Each of the tasks given in the lab worksheet template will be assessed for

  • Accurate results
  • Accurate plots with correct axis titles and legends
  • Use of correct units and significant figures
  • Relevant discussions with supporting references


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Define the atomic and microstructure of engineering materials and their relationship to physical behaviour
  • Characterise materials for mechanical properties based on Australian Standards and ASTM methods

4 Online Test

Assessment Title
End of term online test

Task Description

This final online test as a summative assessment will test your achievement of the learning outcomes. It will consist of various types of questions, including calculation questions, drag-and-drop questions, multiple-choice questions, short & long description questions, etc. This final online test will cover all contents from Week 1 to Week 12, including the assignment and laboratory items. You could sit for this online test wherever you want while it is a synchronous timed online test for three hours which means every student starts at the same time. Only one attempt is allowed and it will be a three-hour online test. You are required to upload your workings for calculation questions to the unit's Moodle page after you finish the test.


Assessment Due Date

Students will be notified of the exact date and time for this assessment towards the end of the term.


Return Date to Students

Students will be able to access their results on the grade certification day.


Weighting
35%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Students will be assessed for the correctness of their answers to the questions given in the final test. Drag-and-drop and multiple-choice questions will be marked automatically while short and long description questions will be marked manually. Your understanding and own interpretation of the topics will be sought. You will need to present your answer for the calculation questions with correct units and relevant significant figures. You are required to upload your workings for the calculation questions after the test to prove your genuine attempt and to receive partial marks where applicable.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
A link for this final online test will be provided on the day of this test. You will be informed of further instructions.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Classify engineering materials into metals, ceramics, polymers and composites
  • Characterise materials for mechanical properties based on Australian Standards and ASTM methods
  • Explain the role of mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of materials in engineering
  • Apply the frameworks used to select materials for engineering applications.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?