Outline

Overview

This unit is an introductory course in engineering materials. The unit aims to develop students' understanding of the mechanical properties, manufacture, and corrosion and degradation of a range of engineering materials, including metals and alloys, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The unit has no prerequisite subject and is therefore intended for those with little or no previous background in engineering materials. However, the unit does require students to take a significant degree of independent responsibility for developing their own background knowledge of materials and their properties.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CIVL2110 or CIVL1110 or AMME2302
Assumed knowledge ?	HSC Mathematics Extension 1
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Xiaozhou Liao, xiaozhou.liao@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Close book written exam	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Tutorial Quizzes In-class quizzes in weeks 5, 7, 9, 11, 13	8%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Tutorial Quiz in Week 3 Quiz questions from contents learnt in weeks 1 and 2 during your scheduled tutorial. #earlyfeedbacktask	2%	Week 03	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Mechanical Properties and Failure Quiz Working through Quiz questions	20%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2025 at 11:00 Closing date: 18 Sep 2025	40 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Crystalline structures and defects, materials strengthening methods Working through assignment questions	10%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Nov 2025	~6 A4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Lab report Analysis of mechanical properties of materials based on experimental data	15%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Jul 2025	No more than 5 A4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Lab report: This report will be on the mechanical properties laboratory session. Attendance at the laboratory event is compulsory. Non attendance will result in a fail in this Unit of Study.
Assignment: written assessment of individual components of the UoS.
Tutorial Quizzes: Multiple-choice questions and simple calculations based on contents in the previous two weeks.
Small Test: written assessment of contents learnt in the first six weeks.
Final Exam: Written assessment of the entire course.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 23:59 pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Mechanical Properties Laboratory	Practical (1.5 hr)
	Individual Study and one assignment	Individual study (120 hr)
	Lab report	Individual study (5 hr)
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Mechanical Properties	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Mechanical Properties	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Mechanical Properties of Metals	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Mechanical Properties of Ceramics and Polymers	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Mechanical Properties of Composites	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Mechanical Properties of Composites	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Fracture, Fatigue and Creep	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Fracture, Fatigue and Creep	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Interatomic Bonding	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Structures of Crystalline Solids	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Structures of Crystalline Solids	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Structures of Ceramics and Polymers	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Imperfections in Solids	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Dislocations and Plastic Deformation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Strategies for Metal Strengthening	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Corrosion and Degradation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Structural Characterisation of Materials	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Review of the UoS	Lecture (1 hr)
Weekly	Topics aligned with lectures	Tutorial (24 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Tutorial attendance: Students are expected to complete pre-tutorial tasks. Tutorials begin in week 2. We will run six 10-minute tutorial quizzes in weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. The five highest marks with a total weight of 10% (2% per quiz) will be included in the final mark.
Laboratory attendance: Laboratories will be held from week 6 on Monday to Friday from 2 pm to 3:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 5 pm. Each student is required to attend only once during the semester for the Mechanical Property Laboratory. Attendance is compulsory. Non-attendance will result in a fail in this Unit of Study.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Callister, W. D. Jr, Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction (1st Australian and New Zealand Edition). Wiley, 2021.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. communicate effectively materials science and engineering issues in oral and/or written presentations
LO2. describe the main mechanical properties of materials, how to test for each, and how to analysis and calculate the results of a test
LO3. describe, in relatively simple terms, the crystal structure and associated crystal imperfections of materials, how crystal imperfections affect mechanical properties, electron microscopic techniques for materials structural characterisation, describing theoretically, schematically, and mathematically
LO4. understand the basics of corrosion and degradation of materials and some corrosion prevention methods

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Only change the due dates of assessment tasks to 2025

Additional information

More information related to this unit will be provided in class.

Work, health and safety

Students have to wear a face mask during their in campus lab class. No open-toe shoe is allowed in the lab.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AMME1362: Introduction to Engineering Materials

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links