Postgraduate Programme Specification
MSc Materials Science and Engineering
Academic Year 2022/23
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
| Programme Title | MSc Materials Science and Engineering | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Master of Science | |||||||||||
| Programme Code | PHY-MSC-ME | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100225 - Materials science - 100 |
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ATAS Clearance Required |
Yes |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
-- |
Interview Required |
-- |
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| Mode of Study | Full Time or Part Time | |||||||||||||
| Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 1 Academic Year Part Time - 2 Academic Years |
Total Credits for Programme | 180 | |||||||||
| Exit Awards available | No | |||||||||||||
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Mathematics & Physics |
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Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
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Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Materials (2017) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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IOM3 - Institute for Materials, Minerals and Mining |
Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 09-03-22 |
Regulation Information
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Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations |
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Programme Specific Regulations All students must have satisfactorily completed all of the required taught modules (120 Units) before they will be permitted to begin their research project. |
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Students with protected characteristics |
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Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
On completion of the programme the student will be able to:
Bring new knowledge to bear to allow greater insight into the nature and properties of materials;
Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge gained in solving problems and accurately interpreting data relating to material properties and behaviour;
Manage a research project / investigation involving materials;
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Critically analyse data and solve materials-related problems |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures; 'dry' practical classes; assignments; research project Methods of Assessment Assessed course work, Class tests, dissertation |
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Carry out structured organisation of their own work |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Developed through the independent coursework set (done outside of contact hours) and emphasised by the supervisor during their research project Methods of Assessment Assessed course work, dissertation |
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Demonstrate an ability for independent learning |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Emphasised and necessary for success in all aspects of the course Methods of Assessment Class tests, course work and dissertation |
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Combine knowledge from a variety of sources, including previous learning, to solve an advanced problem in materials science |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures and directed reading; dry practicals; research project; assignments Methods of Assessment Marking of dry practicals, research project dissertation and assignments. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in materials physics, chemistry and engineering |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Challenges involved in the "dry practicals" in which lecture content is applied to problem solving by the students. Directed self-study to achieve objectives in course work. Research project. Methods of Assessment Assessed coursework, Class tests, dissertation |
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Material characterisation techniques |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lecture course material specifically on characterisation along with assignments and associated dry practicals; for many the research project will also give experience in materials characterisation. Methods of Assessment Marking of relevant dry practicals, assignments on characterisation and dissertation where relevant. |
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Material selection techniques |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures in materials selection strategies (e.g. use of Ashby diagrams); training on commercial materials selection software. Methods of Assessment Dry practicals and assignments on materials selection. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Provide evidence of detailed knowledge of particular areas of Materials Science and Engineering |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Lectures, dry practicals, directed self-study and research project Methods of Assessment Project dissertation, written coursework, Class tests |
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Demonstrate a high degree of specialised knowledge in a chosen area of materias research |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Research project and associated literature surveys / reviews Methods of Assessment Project dissertation, written coursework, Class tests |
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Demonstrate evidence of advanced research skills in a chosen area of materials research |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Research project Methods of Assessment Project dissertation, written coursework. |
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Plan and execute a substantial investigation in a specific research area of materials including critical and quantitative assessment of their own work and the work of others |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies One-to one supervision of substantial project performed individually in a current area of materials research; training in project management and project management software. Methods of Assessment Online safety tests, risk assessments, literature review, oral presentations, laboratory performance, oral review meeting, written report |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Search for, evaluate and reference relevant information from a range of sources |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Guidelines for formal reports and literature survey as part of dissertation Methods of Assessment Written coursework, literature review and project dissertation |
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Communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both orally and in a written format with proper regard for the needs of the audience. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Guidelines for formal reports and literature surveys; feedback on oral presentations Methods of Assessment Written reports and dissertation; oral presentations as stage assessment in project; orally presented and written assignments. |
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Use software packages to analyse data, report results, manage projects and prepare documents. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dry practicals; lecture module on data handling and project management; research project Methods of Assessment Coursework, project dissertation |
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Work independently while demonstrating time management and the ability to meet deadlines. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dry practicals, independent coursework, research project; preparatory reading Methods of Assessment Coursework assessment, dissertation and Class tests |
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Work in a team situation |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Group elements in dry practicals; integration into a research team environment during research project Methods of Assessment Subset of dry practical student portfolio; supervisor "lab performance" element of research project marks |
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Problem-solving skills |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Dry practicals; assignments; research project Methods of Assessment Assessed course work |
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Appreciate and demonstrate the importance of health and safety, risk assessment and scientific ethics |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Safety training courses, lectures, workshops, personal supervision Methods of Assessment Project/lab risk assessments, online safety-tests, part of assessment of research project |
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Be able to apply knowledge, problem solving and group-working skills in a materials-related commercial / industrial context. |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Time Spent in Commercial Environment undertaking Internship Methods of Assessment Written Report |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
| Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
| Project Management and Data Handling | MTS7023 | 1 | 10 | -- | YES | 2 weeks | N | YES | -- | 30% | 30% | 40% |
| Manufacturing and Processing of Materials | MTS7024 | 1 | 10 | -- | YES | 2 weeks | N | YES | -- | 25% | 35% | 40% |
| Research Project | MTS7030 | 1 | 60 | -- | YES | 12 weeks | N | YES | -- | 80% | 20% | 0% |
| Materials Selection and Characterisation | MTS7022 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 4 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Functional Properties of Materials | MTS7021 | 1 | 20 | -- | YES | 4 weeks | N | YES | -- | 25% | 40% | 35% |
| Mechanical Properties of Materials | MTS7002 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 4 weeks | N | YES | -- | 30% | 30% | 40% |
| Polymers and Composites | MTS7003 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 4 weeks | N | YES | -- | 60% | 0% | 40% |
| Microstructure in Materials | MTS7001 | 1 | 20 | YES | -- | 4 weeks | N | YES | -- | 30% | 30% | 40% |
Notes
All 7 taught modules (120 units) must be completed and passed before undertaking the Research Project.