Materials Science
Module code: MEU11E16 · Semester: 1
Papers from the previous module
This module has no past papers of its own yet. These papers are from Engineering Materials and their Applications (MEU11E12). It was split into Materials Applications and Materials Science from 2024/25, so only some of its questions apply here. The syllabus isn't identical, so check each question against the current module descriptor.
How it's assessed
Exam: 80% of the module. TCD doesn't list past papers for it.
A foundation in materials science: how the structure of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites and other materials determines their properties and performance.
| Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|
| End-of-semester exam | 80% |
| Continuous assessment: quizzes, lab reports and design challenges | 20% |
- You must pass the exam element to avoid reassessment.
Summarised from the TCD module descriptor, checked 2026-11-09. Details can change from year to year, so check this year's descriptor and Blackboard.
From students who've done it
Questions by Year
Topics
- Classes of materials; materials selection LO1
- Bonding, crystal structures and microstructure LO2
- Diffusion and defects (point defects, grain boundaries, dislocations) LO2–3
- Stress and strain; elastic and plastic deformation LO3
- Failure: ductile and brittle fracture, creep, fatigue, wear LO3
- Mechanical properties: strength, stiffness, hardness, toughness, fracture toughness LO1, LO4
- Strengthening mechanisms and hot and cold working LO3
- Phase diagrams and the iron-carbon diagram; steels LO3
Learning outcomes
- Identify classes of materials and how their properties are found and used
- Relate atomic and molecular structure to physical properties
- Apply deformation, failure and phase transformation concepts to basic problems
- Measure material properties in a team and interpret the results