The course covers: stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, equilibrium, oxidation and reduction, electrochemistry; an introduction to organic chemistry and polymers; microstructure and structure-property relationships of the main types of engineering materials (metals, ceramics, polymers and composites); micromechanisms of elastic and plastic deformation; fracture mechanisms for ductile, brittle, creep and fatigue modes of failure in service; corrosion; metal forming by casting and wrought processes; phase equilibria of alloys; microstructural control by thermomechanical processing and application to commercial engineering materials.

Laboratory work includes experiments on mechanical testing, cast and recrystallised structures, and fracture.