7B068E - Advanced Functional Materials 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 7B068E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Advanced Functional Materials | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biology and Chemistry | ||
| Module Leader: | Nildo Costa | ||
| Module Team: | Gareth Owen, Shepherd Siangwata | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | |
| 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 understanding of how microscopic and nanoscale material structures determine macroscopic properties and functional behaviour, enabling students to analyse, predict and design advanced functional materials across diverse application areas.
To enable students to critically evaluate sustainability challenges and potential solutions associated with the industrial application of advanced materials, including resource criticality, lifecycle impacts, circularity and environmental performance, and integrate these insights into research-driven decision-making.
To provide students with an up-to-date awareness of emerging trends in materials development, characterisation technologies and innovation pathways, supporting their ability to work at the forefront of materials science and engage critically with current and future technological directions.
Content Summary
This module provides an integrated and research-led exploration of how the microscopic and nanoscale structure of materials determines their macroscopic properties and functional behaviour. Building on core concepts in chemistry and materials science, the module examines key classes of advanced functional materials including electronic, catalytic, structural, and emerging sustainable materials and the mechanisms that govern their performance in real applications.
Students will develop the ability to critically analyse, design and evaluate advanced materials by applying a range of modern characterisation and analytical techniques. The module emphasises research-driven problem solving and supports students in interpreting complex datasets, selecting appropriate analytical methods, and understanding structure–property relationships in depth.
Sustainability is embedded throughout: students will consider resource criticality, environmental impacts, lifecycle performance and circular design principles when evaluating or proposing functional materials. Through seminars, workshops and authentic case studies, the module also develops digital literacy and interdisciplinary thinking, supporting students to address real-world challenges faced by industry, technology developers and researchers.
As a core foundation for the MSc, the module equips students with the advanced scientific understanding and analytical capabilities needed for further specialised study, research projects, and professional practice in materials innovation.
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 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Critically evaluate the relationships between microscopic and nanoscale structure and the macroscopic functional properties of advanced materials, applying appropriate characterisation and analytical techniques to interpret complex datasets and inform material design. |
| LO2 | Synthesise scientific, environmental and industrial perspectives to critically assess sustainability challenges and propose responsible, innovative solutions for the development and application of advanced functional materials. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Assessment | Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 | The in class, time constrained test is designed to assess students’ ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding on materials, their properties and various methods to characterise them appropriate for a Level 7 MSc. The in-class test format provides a valid and reliable measure of individual knowledge acquisition, critical reasoning, and data interpretation skills without the influence of external support tools. | 180 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Written Work | The practical report enables students to undertake a more comprehensive, hands-on and evidence-based evaluation of various types of materials and the research methods utilised to characterise their properties and behaviour under specific conditions. It will offer the chance for evaluate student’s understanding on the sustainability impacts and industrial relevance, drawing on experimental, mechanistic and literature-based data | 0 | 3000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Practical Written Work | ✔ | ✔ | |