Course - Introduction to Materials Science - TMT4125
Introduction to Materials Science
New from the academic year 2025/2026
About
About the course
Course content
Course Content
The present course introduces the principles of materials science, covering metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites and explaining how their properties are influenced by atomic structure and bonding. Students will explore solid structures, including crystallography, and learn about defects such as vacancies and dislocations, which play a key role in material behaviour and stability. Key mechanical properties, including stress, strain, and strengthening mechanisms, will be examined, with a particular focus on metals.
Students will study binary phase diagrams and phase transformations to understand material stability, processing, and microstructural development. Practical applications across chemical engineering, biotechnology, materials science, and chemistry are highlighted, with examples also from mechanical and biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and sustainable materials. These examples demonstrate the interdisciplinary impact and relevance of materials science.
Learning outcome
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Classify materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites) and explain how chemical composition, atomic structure, and bonding influence their mechanical and thermal properties.
- Identify and describe atomic and crystal structures in materials, including body-centred cubic (BCC), face-centred cubic (FCC), and hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structures, and explain how these structures influence material properties such as strength and ductility.
- Explain the impact of atomic-level imperfections (vacancies, dislocations) and microstructural features (such as grain boundaries) on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and overall behaviour of materials.
- Perform basic crystallographic calculations and interpret binary phase diagrams to determine phase composition and predict microstructural transformations in alloys and other materials.
- Demonstrate understanding of key mechanical properties, including stress, strain, elasticity, toughness, and hardness, and relate these properties to the behaviour of materials under various types of mechanical loading.
- Conduct laboratory work to prepare, characterise, and analyse materials using different analytical methods and document experimental results in lab reports.
Learning methods and activities
Learning Methods and Activities
The course includes lectures, problem-solving and reflection exercises, and hands-on laboratory work, totalling 200 hours of guided and independent study. Students will engage in:
- Lectures (56 hours): Comprehensive presentations covering theoretical principles and interdisciplinary applications.
- Exercises (42 hours): Structured problem-solving and reflection sessions to reinforce key concepts and develop analytical skills in materials science.
- Laboratory Work (30 hours): Practical laboratory sessions providing hands-on experience in materials characterisation and testing methods, including microscopy and mechanical testing.
- Independent Study (72 hours): Self-guided study to deepen understanding of course materials and prepare for assessments.
Compulsory assignments
- Excersices
- Laboratory course
Further on evaluation
Evaluation and Assessment
To qualify for the final exam, students must meet all compulsory requirements. Details of these requirements and approval criteria will be provided at the beginning of the course.
The final grade will consist of a written Examination which evaluates understanding of core theoretical concepts and applications across materials science, chemical engineering, biotechnology, and chemistry. This examination assesses student’s ability to apply interdisciplinary knowledge effectively.
In the event of a re-sit exam, the examination may switch from written to oral format. Retake of
Specific Conditions
Requires admission to the study program MTKMB
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Industrial Chemistry, Materials and Biotechnology (MTKMB)
Required previous knowledge
Prerequisites
Access to the course requires enrollment in the study program MTKMB.
Course materials
Course Materials
Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction av William D. Callister og David G. Rethwisch, 10th edition. Global edition. SI version. Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, USA, 2020. ISBN 9781119453918
In addition, lecture notes and materials made available during the course.
Credit reductions
Course code | Reduction | From |
---|---|---|
IMAK2011 | 2 sp | Autumn 2025 |
TMT4171 | 6 sp | Autumn 2025 |
TMT4178 | 2 sp | Autumn 2025 |
TMT4185 | 5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
TMT4186 | 5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Physical Metallurgy
- Process Metallurgy
- Technological subjects
Contact information
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.