ENG1506 : Properties and Behaviours of Engineering Materials
ENG1506 : Properties and Behaviours of Engineering Materials
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Mr Deepak Makwana
- Lecturer: Dr Adrian Oila, Dr Stevin Pramana, Professor Katarina Novakovic, Dr Johannes Gausden
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module provides an introduction to the fundamental properties and behaviour of engineering materials. Fundamental aspects of common ferrous and non-ferrous engineering materials, relevant to selection, design and manufacture are discussed. The influence of structure-scales and processing methods on materials properties are discussed.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics include:
- Introduction to materials science and engineering
- Structure of solids: crystalline and amorphous, defects
- Mechanical properties of materials: elastic and plastic deformation
- Diffusion and phase diagrams, solubility
- Metal and alloys: ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, common heat treatments for Fe and Al alloys
- Failure of metals and alloys: fracture, fatigue, corrosion and oxidation
- Fundamentals of ceramic materials
- Fundamentals of polymers and plastics
- Introduction to composite materials: particulate and fibre composites
- Electronic materials and electronic properties
- Magnetic materials and magnetic properties
- Changing the conductivity of semiconductors
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes is indicated as [Cx] below.
On completing this module, learners will be able to:
- identify the relationship between manufacturing route – structure – properties – applications of crystalline and amorphous materials [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
- Identify materials properties (mechanical, chemical and physical) and evaluate their importance in materials selection and engineering design. [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
This module meets the following Degree Apprenticeship knowledge outcomes:
K1, K2, K6
Intended Skill Outcomes
The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes is indicated as [Cx] below.
At the end of the module, learners will be able to:
- evaluate engineering materials properties through calculations [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
- select and recommend the most suitable material for a specific engineering application [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
- identify the most common types of failure and distinguish between brittle and ductile fracture [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
- take responsibility for developing and maintaining of own technical knowledge.
- determine the type and level of technical data and information required to complete the project or task outcome.
This module meets the following Degree Apprenticeship skill outcomes:
S1, S15
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Examination 1 (computer based online) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 19 | 1:00 | 19:00 | Revision for assessments |
| Placement/Study Abroad | Employer-based learning | 90 | 1:00 | 90:00 | Distance Learning - Work Based Degree Apprenticeship |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lectures (recorded) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Examination 2 (computer based online) |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Background reading and investigation associated with the module content. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Practical Exercise |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Tutorial |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | Recommended regular personal study throughout teaching period to follow up taught classes |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Recorded lectures will be used to introduce the main topics.
Lectures will be used to revise the content of recorded lectures and present relevant examples.
The tutorials are sessions in which the students apply the knowledge that they gain during lectures and private study, and they can discuss their progress with the instructor.
Practical sessions enable students to attain hands-on experience in experimental techniques.
Degree Apprenticeship learners will spend significant time in the work place. Therefore, substantial recorded material will be made available for learners to study flexibly whilst off-campus.
Time for distance learning is factored in to the module. Given this is a Degree Apprenticeship programme, time may also be spent on employer based skills training, linked to the module content.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | M | 50 | Online Multiple Choice and Numerical Exercises |
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 50 | Online Multiple Choice and Numerical Exercises. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Integrated VLE quizzes with feedback, throughout the module. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examinations provide an appropriate way to assess both theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills. The multiple choice and numerical exercises will assess the basic knowledge through definition, discussion and recall approach and will test the ability of a student to calculate and categorise the concepts of the module. The formative assessment will provide the students with an early experience of the exam format, creating awareness of the expected depth of learning and associated workload.
The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes mapped to these assessments is indicated as [Cx] below :
- identify the relationship between manufacturing route – structure – properties – applications of crystalline and amorphous materials [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
- Identify materials properties (mechanical, chemical and physical) and evaluate their importance in materials selection and engineering design. [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
- evaluate engineering materials properties through calculations [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
- select and recommend the most suitable material for a specific engineering application [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
- identify the most common types of failure and distinguish between brittle and ductile fracture [C1,C2,C3,C12,C13]
These assessments meets the following Degree Apprenticeship knowledge outcomes:
K1, K2, K6
These assessments meets the following Degree Apprenticeship skill outcomes:
S1, S15
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ENG1506's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- ENG1506's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.