Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

This module is discontinued in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.

2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CAPE3711 Functional and Nano-Materials

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Professor AJ Bell
Email: a.j.bell@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This module is mutually exclusive with

CAPE5735MMaterials for Electronic Applications

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

The objectives of this module are to:
- provide the scientific basis for the relationship between the physical properties of materials and their structure;
- demonstrate and apply an understanding of the principles of function and manufacturing of materials used in the functional materials industry.

Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, students should:
- understand the influence of composition and structure on the physical and thermal behaviour of materials by applying classical and quantum mechanical approaches;
- understand the historical development of functional materials to satisfy the needs of different industrial sectors;
- appreciate the significance of market pull and technology push in the development of novel functional materials;
- understand the limitations on the properties which may be obtained in particular materials classes;
- be able to recognise and interpret microstructures in a range of functional materials and account for their development;
- understand the exploitation of the process-microstructure-properties relationship in materials science in the design of functional materials with an appropriate combination of properties;
- understand the complex materials issues involved in producing integrated functional devices and be able to offer solutions to problems which may arise;
- be aware of current developments in materials science in the functional materials sector and its potential impact on design and technology;
- survey and critically evaluate scientific literature relating to the above.

Skills outcomes
The main skill acquired will be the ability to propose strategies for engineering of functional materials to achieve optimum performance for given applications.


Syllabus

Physical Properties
Waves and vibrations in solids; thermal conductivity; electrons in solids: classical theory - Drude-Lorentz model; electrical resistivity of metals; ionic conductivity; semiconductors; p-n junctions; magnetism and magnetic materials.

Electroceramics
Charge displacement: permittivity and dielectric loss; polarization mechanisms.
Oxides: defect chemistry; influence of oxygen vacancies and impurities/dopants on conductivity.
Ferroelectricity: crystallographic origins; spontaneous polarization; thermodynamic theory; domains.
Capacitors: multilayer ceramic capacitors; material design.
Piezoelectricity: definitions and tensor properties; materials - soft and hard PZT; device applications.

Solid State Ionics
Solid state cationic and anionic conductors, relationship of ionic conductivity and diffusivity with crystal structure, transference number and measurement of, solid state electrochemistry, applications of solid state ionic conductors for sensor design.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture281.0028.00
Practical52.0010.00
Tutorial21.002.00
Private study hours160.00
Total Contact hours40.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Report writing, revision for tests, private reading (146 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

By coursework, in-class tests, practical classes and laboratory reports.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
ReportPhysical Properties25.00
In-course AssessmentTest 1 - Carbon & Solid State Ionics25.00
EssayElectroceramics25.00
ReportElectroceramics25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:55:29

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019