Course syllabus for Engineering materials

Course syllabus adopted 2026-02-27 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameMaterialteknik
  • CodeMTT085
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKMSK
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyMechanical Engineering
  • DepartmentMECHANICAL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 44115
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0111 Examination 6 c
Grading: TH
6 c
0211 Laboratory 1.5 c
Grading: UG
1.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Course specific prerequisites

The course builds on the previous courses on mechanics and strength of materials. The course is a necessary basis for the course Manufacturing technology as well as advanced courses in materials engineering, design and processing technology.

Aim

Based on a product or component, to analyze polymeric and metallic engineering materials with respect to the performance, and how materials and processes can be used to optimize the materials function in the product or component. To illustrate and explain polymeric, metallic and ceramic materials, special mechanical and physical properties from molecular structure and the structure and orientation on general guidelines for applications of the materials.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

a) Describe the structure of common engineering materials at different size scales, and explain how this structure relates to their physical properties. Describe the most common polymeric and metallic materials and state their main properties. 
b) Explain how processing and heat treatment are used to modify material properties, and describe the underlying mechanisms. 
c) Explain how environmental factors influence material properties, and evaluate limitations and opportunities regarding materials usage. 
d) Apply methods for design considering strength, deformation, toughness and fatigue.

Content

The course has a design-oriented perspective, meaning that significant emphasis is placed on the function of the materials in products.

The course is structured around the relationship between structure, properties, processes, and material selection, and consists of two parts: a metals section and a polymers section.

Metals section:

  • Structure: atomic, crystal, and microstructure
  • Properties: mechanical properties of metals
  • Processes: deformation and hardening mechanisms, effects of heat treatments
  • Material selection: comparison of metallic materials and their areas of application

Polymers section:

  • Structure: molecular structure, glass transition, rubber elasticity
  • Properties: mechanical and thermal properties (viscoelasticity, impact toughness, strength)
  • Processes: polymer processing, additives, recycling, and sustainability aspects
  • Material selection: selection of polymeric materials in design contexts, environmental considerations

Organisation

The course consists of lectures, exercises, laboratory sessions and assignment.

Literature

  • M. F. Ashby, H. Shercliff, D. Cebon: Materials Engineering, Science, Processing and Design 2nd, 3rd or 4th edition, Elsevier. ISBN 9780081023761. The 2nd edition is available online via Chalmers library.
  • T. A. Oswald, G. Menges: Materials Science of Polymers for Engineers. 3rd Edition, Hanser Publishers, 2012. Available online via Chalmers library.
Handouts etc uploaded to Canvas is part of course literature.

Examination including compulsory elements

One written exam in Swedish. Two approved laboratory sessions and one hand-in assignment.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.