This course introduces the concepts, techniques, and devices used to measure engineering properties of materials. There is an emphasis on measurement of load-deformation characteristics and failure modes of both natural and fabricated materials. Weekly experiments include data collection, data analysis, and interpretation and presentation of results.Materials are at the core of all disciplines of engineering. Engineers are better engineers when they have an awareness and understanding of the properties of materials. Science gives us a framework for understanding materials, within which we can include all classes of materials, hence to some extent unifying the treatment of metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. This is materials science. At the heart of materials science is microstructure, which characterises the internal architecture of substances. A description of the composition and internal architecture of materials gives us a basis for understanding engineering properties.By developing a broad knowledge of the underpinning science of materials, and how this links with properties, enables you to apply these concepts in engineering. This often involves thinking carefully, discerning key concepts in a particular situation, and beginning to appreciate the complexities, subtleties and ambiguities that arise when dealing with materials. 
Outline:
  Materials Classification 
metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, composites

- Properties
Mechanical, thermal, chemical, optical, electrical
Definition, units, quality of data

- Structures
Structure on different scales 
Atoms, bonding, crystal structures, microstructures 

- Material classes & materials selection
Metals & alloys, basic concepts in phase diagrams
Polymers
Ceramics, glass, concrete
Composites

- Behaviour in use
Durability, corrosion, deformation and fracture of materials (ductile/brittle behaviour, fracture toughness, creep, fatigue)