Outline

Overview

This unit aims for students to understand the structure and properties of engineering materials, and how these can be controlled in processing according to product design. The course provides a practical and theoretical introduction to the recent development of advanced manufacturing and the role of engineering materials in it. At the end of this unit students should have the capability to select proper materials for engineering design by considering emerging manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing. Course contents will include: metal, polymers and polymer composite materials; introductory advanced manufacturing; the processing-structure-property relationships; selection of materials for advanced manufacturing in mechanical design.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MECH9362
Assumed knowledge ?	Mechanics of solids: statics, stress, strain
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Li Chang, li.chang@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
Written exam	Final exam supervised exam	45%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly onlin Quizzes online quizzes for gauging the learning progress. 0.5% for each quiz	5%	Multiple weeks	5 multiple choice questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Lab report Students prepare the report to analyze the lab results independentl	5%	Multiple weeks	~ 5 pages Lab report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Early feedback task Early feedback task	2%	Multiple weeks	10 multiple choice questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assignment 1 take-home, worked answer problems	5%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Mar 2026	5 - 10 pages of calculations	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assignment 2 take-home, worked answer problems	5%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Apr 2026	5 - 10 pages of calculations	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Quiz 1 Supervised quiz. Multiple choice and problem solving questions	8%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 11:00 Closing date: 20 Apr 2026	~2 pages including calculations	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assignment 3 take-home, worked answer problems	5%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 08 May 2026	5 - 10 pages of calculations	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Assignment 4 take-home, worked answer problems	5%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	5 - 10 pages of calculations	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	project report Design and fabricate an engineering component, with a group report .	15%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 May 2026	15 ~ 20 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Lab report: Each student is required to attend a lab session in one afternoon and submit a written report.
Assignments: There are a total of four assignments in the semester, Assignment 1 with some practical problems on basic mechanical behaviour of engineering materials. Assignment 2 on knowledge of failure analyses using failure and fracture criteria. Assignment 3 on fracture and fatigue analyses of engineering materials, and Assignment 4 on the exercises and the establishment of sound knowledge in fatigue, fatigue crack growth and creep analyses for engineering materials.

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	Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a high standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when students demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.
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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm 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
Please select a valid week from the list below	Reading literature and practice assessment questions	Self-directed learning (80 hr)
Week 01	Mechanical Properties of Engineering Materials and Material Selection	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Mechanical Properties of Engineering Materials and Material Selection	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Elastic Modulus and Yielding Strength	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Elastic Modulus and Yielding Strength	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Brittle fracture and fracture toughness	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Brittle fracture and fracture toughness	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Mechanisms of fracture & Case studies	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Mechanisms of fracture & Case studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Fatigue failure	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Fatigue failure	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Fatigue design & Life estimation on crack growth	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Fatigue design & Life estimation on crack growth	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Viscoelasticity & Creep failure	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Viscoelasticity & Creep failure	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Processing Metals: Phase Diagram & Kinetics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Processing Metals: Phase Diagram & Kinetics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Light Alloy & Case Studies	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Light Alloy & Case Studies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Ceramics: Structure, Properties & Processing Methods	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Ceramics: Structure, Properties & Processing Methods	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Polymers and Composites	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Engineering Materials for Advanced Manufacturing	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Engineering Materials for Advanced Manufacturing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Materials & Sustainable Development	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Materials & Sustainable Development	Tutorial (2 hr)

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.

M. F. Ashby & D. R. H. Jones, Engineering Materials 1: An Introduction to Properties, Applications and Design (4th).

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. graph simple equations representing material props, interpret graphs and communicate the outcomes
LO2. design simple engineering structural elements such as beams and thin-walled structures against plastic yielding, brittle failure, creep rupture and brittle fracture and fatigue with the concept of damage tolerance using the basic principles in materials selection
LO3. design a simple engineering structure by applying both criteria against plastic yielding and brittle fracture
LO4. evaluate fatigue failure in terms fatigue plot (S-N curve) and crack growth based on a fracture mechanics approach (stress intensity factor range)
LO5. analyse rupture life of stead-state creep as a function of stress and temperature
LO6. understand the processing-structure-property relationships of advanced engineering materials such as composite materials and high performance alloys
LO7. understand the general relationship between materials micostructure and mechanical properties (e.g. modulus of elasticity, yield strength, fracture toughness, fatigue, creep resistance, friction and wear)
LO8. characterize mechanical behaviours of materials including basic mechanical property, fracture, fatigue and creep resistance.

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.

According to students' feedback in last year, the assignments due dates have been moved one-week earlier. Thus, students can focus on the final report in week 13.

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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MECH8362: Engineering Materials for Adv Manufacturing

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

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links