Outline

Overview

To understand (a) how to define the relationship between properties and microstructures of advanced engineering materials, (b) how to improve mechanical design with the knowledge of mechanics and properties of materials, and (c) how to conduct failure diagnosis of engineering materials.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MECH4310 or MECH5310
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Xianghai An, xianghai.an@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Individual Presentation Students will give a presentation based on their case study.	10%	Multiple weeks	8 mins Presentation + 2mins Q&A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentation Group presentation based on the group report	10%	Multiple weeks	20 mins presentation + 5mins Q&A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report 1 Attending lab work in WK 4 or 5 and write a lab report	10%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Apr 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 03 May 2026	maximum 5 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Group report Investigate one big topic of materials and write a group report.	15%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 10 May 2026	30-35 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report 2 Lab report 2 for lab project 2	10%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 24 May 2026	Maximum 5 pages.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Literature review Study one group of materials and write a literature review	15%	Week 12 Due date: 24 May 2026 at 23:00 Closing date: 07 Jun 2026	15-20 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Quiz Quiz based on lecture content, group presentation and individual presentation.	30%	Week 13	30-35 questions to be answered in 90mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Group report: The students will form a group (5 students, which depends on the enrollment) and will deeply investgate one big but open topic of materials. The group report is limited to 35 A4 pages maximum, including the essential information with scanned sketch/drawing and photos where/when it is appropriate. The contributions of each group memeber should be indicated. The due date is Week 8.

Case study - individual Report: Each student is required to submit a report individually in week 12 on reviewing a particular application with a focus on the advanced engineering materials required, by studying available information in the Engineering Library (specific articles in proceedings, monographs and journals) and the web. Students are required to register the topic in week 2. If the student is working on a materials-related thesis, he/she must select a totally different material for the Major Report, and this must be declared on the cover page of the report. The major report is limited to 20 A4 pages maximum, including the essential information with scanned sketch/drawing and photos where/when it is appropriate.

Lab report - individual Report: Each student is required to submit two reports individually in week 7 and 10 after attending two lab projects. Each report is limited to 5 A4 pages maximum.

On-Class Quizzes: One on-class quiz that should be finished in the required time (week 13, open book, 90 min. no digital devices such as laptop, cell phones, calculator will be conducted to evaluate the fundamental and key knowledge accumulated on lecture content and group/individual presentations). If you cannot attend the quizzes, please apply for special consideration. The replacement exam will be oral exam organised by the lecturer and tutor.

Group study - group presentation: The group student will deliver a comprehensive presentation to introduce their studies pertinent to the materials topic they choose.

Case study - individual presentation: Each student will make a concise oral presentation on a kind of advanced engineering materials.

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 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:

For the assignments and case study-individual presentation/report: The policy is 5% per day for up to ten calendar days, after which a zero mark will be awarded. For the presentation, you need to arrange the time with the lecturer/tutor if you cannot deliver the presentation as scheduled. For the Quizzes, if you cannot attend it, please apply the special consideration but later submission is unacceptable.

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
Week 01	WK1 Lecture: Introduction to Advanced Engineering Materials; basic knowledge for materials properties, materials strengthening, materials selection, etc	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Independently reviewing the knowledge of basic materials properties.	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 02	WK2 tutorial time: The lecture will be delivered during tutorial to introduce the phase diagram and heat treatment of materials. (Lecture in Tutorial room)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Review the mechanical properties and deformation of materials-1	Lecture (2 hr)
	Independently review the knowledge of phase diagram and mechanical behaviour of materials.	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 03	WK3 tutorial time: Lecture will be delivered to review the mechanical properties and deformation of materials-2. (Lecture in tutorial room)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	WK3 Lecture: Structure, property, processing and development of advanced steels	Lecture (2 hr)
	Independently reviewing the knowledge of strengthening mechanisms of materials and structures, properties and applications of advanced steels. Prepare the group report and individual report	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 04	WK4 tutorial time: Lab project (1-1) related to the heat treatment of steels and its effects on mechanical properties during the tutorial time. Room: S152	Tutorial (2 hr)
	WK4 Lecture: Light alloys 1- Al alloys and Ti alloys	Lecture (2 hr)
	Independently review the knowledge of structure, properties and applications of advanced Al alloys and advanced Ti alloys that is delivered during lecturing class. Prepare the group report and individual report.	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 05	WK5 tutorial time: Lab project (1-2) related to the heat treatment of steels and its effects on mechanical properties during the tutorial time. Room: S152	Tutorial (2 hr)
	WK5 Lecture: Light Metals 2 and Superalloys.	Lecture (2 hr)
	Reviewing the knowledge of structures, properties, and applications of advanced Mg alloys and superalloys that is delivered during the lecturing class. Prepare the lab report, group report, and individual report.	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 06	WK6 Tutorial: Prepare lab report 1, group report and individual report.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	WK6 Lecture: High performance polymers and composites I	Lecture (2 hr)
	Independently review the knowledge of High performance polymers and composites that is delivered during the lecturing class. Prepare the lab report, group report, and individual report.	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 07	WK7 tutorial time: Lab project (2-1) related to the additive manufacturing and mechanical properties of advanced polymers during the tutorial time. Room: S152	Tutorial (2 hr)
	WK7: High performance polymers and composites II	Lecture (2 hr)
	Independently review the knowledge of High performance polymers and composites that is delivered during the lecturing class. Prepare the lab report, group report, and individual report.	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 08	WK8 tutorial time: Lab project (2-2) related to the additive manufacturing and mechanical properties of advanced polymers during the tutorial time. Room: S152	Tutorial (2 hr)
	WK8 Lecture: Introduction to materials selection and additive manufacturing.	Lecture (2 hr)
	WK 8: Independently review the knowledge of introduction to materials selection and additive manufacturing that is delivered during lecturing class. Prepare lab report, group report and individual report.	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 09	Prepare lab report, case study, and prepare group presentation	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 10	WK 10: Group presentation (Tutorial time)	Seminar (2 hr)
	WK 10 Group presentation. (Lecturing time)	Seminar (2 hr)
	Case study and prepare individual presentation	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 11	WK 11: Individual presentation (tutorial time)	Seminar (2 hr)
	WK11: Individual Presentation (Lecturing time)	Seminar (2 hr)
	Independently learn materials knowledge from the presentations delivered by other students that are based on the case study and review lecture content	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 12	Wk12: Individual presentation (Tutorial time)	Seminar (2 hr)
	WK12: Individual Presentation (Lecturing time)	Seminar (2 hr)
	Independently learn materials knowledge from the presentations delivered by other students that are based on the case study and review lecture content	Self-directed learning (6 hr)
Week 13	Independently learn materials knowledge from the presentations delivered by other students that are based on the case study and review lecture content.	Self-directed learning (8 hr)
Week 13	Quiz based on the lecture from Wk1-8, group report, and individual case study that should be finished in the required time table.	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The unit includes two laboratory projects, each consisting of four scheduled sessions. Students are allocated to one of four groups and are required to attend the laboratory sessions for one project. Attendance at laboratory sessions, student presentations, and quizzes is compulsory. In cases where a student is unable to attend a scheduled quiz due to approved circumstances, a one-to-one oral assessment will be provided as an alternative form of assessment.

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

This subject requires you to have a good understanding of fundamental knowledge and principles of various aspects for materials engineering UoS (e.g. 2nd & 3rd year Materials I and II, Solids I etc. Solid II can be helpful for the project work in weeks 9-13) especially those relevant to materials engineering and technology.

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.

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

LO1. research and acquire in-depth knowledge in a particular area of advanced materials engineering for the various assessments
LO2. communicate project outcomes
LO3. judge the appropriate application of advanced materials with respect to the economic and environmental aspects
LO4. determine and justify the choice of advanced materials for specific high-tech applications
LO5. describe the principal microstructural characteristics of different advanced materials, materials systems, and discuss their relationship to the functional properties
LO6. recognise and apply the various fabrication and characterisation methods specific to advanced materials and make appropriate choices regarding their selection.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 5.5. Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties. Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements. Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer (UG) - 2.4 (L2). Engineering project management. (Level 2- Attaining required standard (Bachelor Honours standard AQF8)) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 5.5. Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties. Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 5.5. Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties. Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 5.5. Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties. Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 5.5. Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties. Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.

Accreditation of chemical engineering programmes -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
A3.3(d)		Have communicated the outcomes of the project work in a professional manner that may include: thesis; publication; poster; presentation.

Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
5.3		Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
5.9		Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.

National Standard of Competency for Architects -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
5.5		Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties.

Responding to student feedback

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

This UOS is delivered with MECH5310 Advanced Engineering Materials. All learning activities and assessments are the same as those designed for MECH5310.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

It is complusory to follow lab demonstor’s instruction during the group labotory work for the safty issues.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MECH6310: Advanced Engineering Materials

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links