7B066E - Principles of Sustainable Materials 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 7B066E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Principles of Sustainable Materials | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | Michal Czachor | ||
| Module Team: | Christian Laycock, Nildo Costa, Stephen Carr | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 7 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100225 - materials science | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
To develop an advanced scientific understanding of how chemical structure, bonding, processing and properties influence the sustainability, performance and lifecycle impacts of materials, building the foundation for deeper study across the MSc.
To equip students with the analytical, systems-thinking and problem-solving skills needed to evaluate materials within environmental, social and economic sustainability frameworks, including lifecycle assessment and global sustainability challenges.
To foster interdisciplinary and challenge-based learning by engaging students with real world sustainability problems faced by industry, policy and society, developing collaboration, digital fluency and critical awareness of the role of chemistry and materials science in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Content Summary
Principles of Sustainable Materials introduces students to the scientific, technological and societal foundations of materials sustainability, providing a critical platform for the rest of the MSc. The module explores how chemical structure, bonding, and processing determine material properties, performance and environmental impact, and examines global challenges such as resource scarcity, critical raw materials, pollution, decarbonisation and circular economy design. Students will evaluate lifecycle assessment, sustainability metrics, and systems thinking approaches, developing the ability to analyse materials from both scientific and ethical perspectives.
Through challenge-based learning, real world case studies and interdisciplinary activities, students will learn how sustainable materials interface with chemistry, engineering, biology and computational approaches. The module builds core analytical, digital and problem-solving skills expected of Master's level study and develops competencies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and QAA expectations for advanced chemical science learning. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the conceptual frameworks and scientific literacy needed to engage critically with sustainability problems and contribute to innovative, responsible solutions in the wider course.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 56 |
| Guided independent learning | 10.5 |
| Independent / self-directed study | 173.5 |
| Summative assessment and preparation | 60 |
| Apprenticeship hours | 0 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Critically evaluate how chemical structure, bonding, processing and degradation pathways influence the performance, environmental impact and lifecycle sustainability of materials, using advanced analytical, modelling and systems-thinking approaches |
| LO2 | Synthesise interdisciplinary perspectives from chemistry, materials science, engineering and sustainability analysis to propose responsible solutions to real-world materials challenges, and communicate these effectively to specialist and nonspecialist audiences using appropriate scientific, digital and professional conventions. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Written Work 1 | Create an individual Technical Sustainability Dossier on a real-world material (or material system) of your choice. This might be anything from a biodegradable polymer or an advanced battery material to a construction composite or a catalyst used in clean energy processes. | 0 | 3000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Portfolio 1 | The second assessment asks you to work in a small group to respond to a real sustainability challenge involving materials. Together, you will design a practical solution to that challenge—for example, reducing the environmental footprint of a material, improving recyclability, designing a circular system, or applying a new materials innovation to solve a pressing sustainability issue. | 10 | 1500 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Practical Written Work 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Portfolio 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |