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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Materials & Processes (H7119)

Materials and Processes for Product Design

Module H7119

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 4

Module Outline

This module will provide an introduction to the different materials used in the production of mass-manufactured goods and their corresponding processing methods and tools. The student will be introduced to the different material groups and the most common processes through which they are transformed; from enabling of raw materials to surface finishing. The student will also develop an understanding of how these materials and processes are applied in different industries.

The student will learn how design decisions impact manufacturability by studying the complexities of materials specification, manufacturing limitations, assembly limitations, and end of life cycle management. Students will also develop an understanding of the cost implications of material and manufacturing processes selection. Cost of manufacture and materials, and related design considerations. Students will gain exposure to Material Science (chemical, physical properties), Historical development of materials, environmental considerations, use of computer-based material selection tools, and basic concepts of strength of materials (i.e., fatigue and corrosion). Students will work on a design project where they will apply the knowledge in practice.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of the relation between material properties, manufacturing processes and the design of a product.

Understand basic principles, limitations, advantages and disadvantages of different materials used in the manufacture of products.

Understand basic principles, limitations, advantages and disadvantages of different manufacturing processes.

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the economic and environmental implications derived from the choice of materials and processes used in the design of a product.

TypeTimingWeighting
Coursework100.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
PortfolioA1 Week 1 100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterPractical3 hours00000011000
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour11111111111
Autumn SemesterWorkshop3 hours00000000111
Autumn SemesterLaboratory3 hours00100000000
Autumn SemesterSeminar3 hours00011100000

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Dr Giovanni Contreras Garcia

Assess convenor
/profiles/395592

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

School Office:
School of Engineering and Informatics, ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ, Chichester 1 Room 002, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ
ei@sussex.ac.uk
T 01273 (67) 8195

School Office opening hours: School Office open Monday – Friday 09:00-15:00, phone lines open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00
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