Overview
ENEG11008: Materials for Engineers introduces you to the essential knowledge of materials science and the ways in which engineers understand, select and use materials and processes for engineering applications. In this unit, you will gain knowledge of engineering materials, microstructure and its effect on the material properties. You will learn how to identify and explain the properties of engineering materials and processes and how to classify these materials. You will also learn how to select engineering materials and processes for engineering applications, as well as to conduct material tests and report on their results. Throughout this unit, you will develop teamwork, research and communication skills. In this unit, you must complete compulsory practical activities. Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for proposed dates.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE Teacher Evaluation
Students appreciated good examples and case studies from real-life applications that link theoretical learning to practical learning.
The unit coordinator should strive to introduce the latest case studies and state-of-the-art technologies related to the unit's contents.
Feedback from SUTE and Email
Some students reported difficulty locating the assessment feedback, which had been provided as an annotated document.
All assessment feedback should be uploaded alongside the annotated document in the assessment submission area.
- Define the atomic and microstructure of engineering materials and their relationship to physical behaviour
- Classify engineering materials into metals, ceramics, polymers and composites
- Characterise materials for mechanical properties based on Australian Standards and ASTM methods
- Explain the role of mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of materials in engineering
- Apply the frameworks used to select materials for engineering applications.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 25% | |||||
| 3 - Practical and Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 4 - Online Test - 35% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Callister Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction
1st ANZ Edition (2019)
Authors: Blicblau, Bruggeman, etc.
John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780730382836
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
x.yang@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Week 1
1. Introduction to the Unit
2. Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
Chapter
Callister's Chapter 1: 1.2-1.6 & Chapter 6: 6.1-6.2
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Review lecture slides and read recommended chapters (1.2 ~ 1.6 & 6.1~6.2)
3. Don’t forget to attend the tutorial with a laptop or tablet PC - Attempt each tutorial before the ZOOM tutorial session through the link in Moodle.
4. Choose your preferred group for the residential school.
Module/Topic
Week 2: Mechanical Properties of Engineering Materials
Chapter
Chapter 6: 6.3, 6.5-6.7 & 6.10
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read the recommended chapters (Chapter 6: 6.3, 6.5-6.7 & 6.10).
3. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session. Please attempt this week's online tutorial beforehand.
Module/Topic
Week 3: Failure of Engineering Materials
Chapter
Chapters 8: 8.1-8.6
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read the recommended chapters (Chapters 8: 8.1-8.6)
3. Review lab documents and other related materials.
4. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session.
5. Assessment Online Quiz#1 is open.
Module/Topic
Week 4: Principles of Material Selection, Material Selection
Process
Residential School : Week 4 Monday-Tuesday 1-2 Dec
Chapter
Chapter 5 of Materials Selection in Mechanical Design by M. Ashby
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read the recommended chapters (Chapter 5 of Materials Selection in Mechanical Design by M. Ashby)
3. Review the lab documents and the materials selection assignment document.
4. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session.
5. Submit Assessment Online Quiz#1.
6. Review the lab documents and the materials selection assignment document prior to attending the residential school.
Practical and Written Assessment Due: Week 4 Wednesday (3 Dec 2025) 12:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Week 5: Microstructure of Materials
Chapter
Chapters 3: 3.1 - 3.5, 3.7 & 3.13 - 3.15
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read recommended chapters (Chapters 3: 3.1 - 3.5, 3.7 & 3.13 - 3.15)
3. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session.
4. Review Week 4 tutorial (consult your lecturer about your idea / topic for the materials selection process assessment if needed).
Module/Topic
Week 6: Imperfection and Dislocations of Metals
Chapter
Chapters 4: 4.1 - 4.5 & 7: 7.1 - 7.6
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read recommended chapters (Chapters 4: 4.1 - 4.5 & 7: 7.1 - 7.6)
3. Complete Part A of the materials selection template.
4. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session.
5. Assessment Online Quiz#2 is open in Week 7
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Week 7: Strengthening Mechanism of Metals and Diffusion in Solids
Chapter
Chapter 5: 5.1 - 5.3 & 5.5 and Chapter 7: 7.8 - 7.13
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read recommended chapters (Chapter 5: 5.1 - 5.3 & 5.5 and Chapter 7: 7.8 - 7.13)
3. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session.
4. Attempt Quiz 2 (due this Sunday) and submit.
Module/Topic
Week 8: Phase Diagram, Phase Transformation and Metal Alloys
Chapter
Chapter 9: 9.1 - 9.13 & 9.18, Chapter 10: 10.5 & 10.7 & Chapter 11: 11.1 - 11.3
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read recommended chapters (Chapter 9: 9.1 - 9.13 & 9.18, Chapter 10: 10.5 & 10.7 & Chapter 11: 11.1 - 11.3)
3. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session.
Module/Topic
Week 9: Thermal Properties of Engineering
Materials
Chapter
Chapters 18: 18.2, 18.3, 18.7, 18.8, 18.11, 18.13, 18.15, 18.18
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read recommended chapters (Chapters 18: 18.2, 18.3, 18.7, 18.8, 18.11, 18.13, 18.15, 18.18)
3. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session.
4. Assessment Attempt Quiz 3 is open till end of next week.
5. Review marks and feedback for your residential school assessment.
Module/Topic
Week 10: Electrical Properties of Engineering Materials
Chapter
Chapters 19: 19.1 - 19.5
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read recommended chapters (Chapters 19: 19.1 - 19.5)
3. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session.
4. Assessment Attempt Quiz 3 is due this week.
5. Submit the materials selection process template.
Material Selection Process Assignment Due: Week 10 Tuesday
Material Selection Process Assignment Due: Week 10 Tuesday (27 Jan 2026) 12:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Week 10: Non-metallic Materials – Ceramics, Polymers and Composites
Chapter
Chapters 12: 12.1, 12..2, 12.4, 12.5 & 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.6, 14.7, 14.9, & 15.2, 15.12, 15.13 & 16.1, 16.5
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Review lecture slides
2. Read recommended chapters (Chapters 12: 12.1, 12.2, 12.4, 12.5 & 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.6, 14.7, 14.9, & 15.2, 15.12, 15.13 & 16.1, 16.5)
3. Attend weekly Zoom tutorial session.
4. Assessment Attempt Quiz 4 is open.
Module/Topic
Revision for the End-of-term Online Test
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Read recommended chapters (Chapters 17: 17.2-17.10).
2. Attend the tutorial with a laptop or tablet PC.
3. Be prepared for the final online test.
4. Submit Assessment Attempt Quiz 4.
Module/Topic
Exam week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Attend the online test (Duration 3h) as scheduled (TBA). Only 1 attempt is allowed.
Residential School is scheduled on Monday to Tuesday 01/12/2025 to 02/12/2025 (Week 4) at Rockhampton Campus
1 Online Quiz(zes)
1. Tri-weekly online quizzes - You will be given a set of questions in Weeks 3, 6, 9 and 11 (Weighting: 20%)
2. You will be able to check your marks immediately after the deadline has passed.
3. The total marks of each online quiz will be scaled to out of 5 marks for the unit total.
4. 50% minimum mark is applied to this section to pass the unit.
5. AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - NO AI
4
Other
The due date of each quiz is the Wednesday week after. Quiz #1 (Week 4), Quiz #2 (Week 7), Quiz 3 (Week 10). Quiz (Week 12)
Quiz 1 contains the lecture materials in Weeks 1, 2 and 3 (Tutorial#1-3).
Quiz 2 contains the lecture materials in Weeks 3-6 (Tutorial#3-5).
Quiz 3 contains the lecture materials in Weeks 7-9 (Tutorial#6-8).
Quiz 4 contains the lecture materials in Weeks 10~11 (Tutorial#9~11).
- Define the atomic and microstructure of engineering materials and their relationship to physical behaviour
- Classify engineering materials into metals, ceramics, polymers and composites
2 Written Assessment
Residential school and presentation (20% weighting) - During the residential school
You will form a group of 5, conduct labs, prepare for presentation, and give a presentation as a group during the residential school. It is a two-day residential school to be held on 6-7 January 2025, Week 8. By the end of the residential school, you should complete the following items.
a. Conduct a minimum of two labs (group)
b. Review of Materials selection tutorial: Part A (individual)
c. Determine your topic (product / application) for the materials selection process assignment (individual)
d. Analysis of raw data from the laboratory activities (group)
e. Presentation of your lab, data, and findings in relation to the real-life applications (group)
f. AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI PLANNING
You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Week 4 Wednesday (3 Dec 2025) 12:00 am AEST
At the end of the residential school
Week 5 Wednesday (10 Dec 2025)
Review marks and feedback for residential school assessment in Week 5.
Group presentation will be assessed against the following marking items:
1. Visual aids – Legibility of text, quality and relevance of figures, visual impact
2. Presentation skills / Preparation / Group dynamics
3. Content, comprehension, and depth of coverage
4. 50% minimum mark is applied to this section to pass the unit.
- Explain the role of mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of materials in engineering
- Apply the frameworks used to select materials for engineering applications.
3 Practical and Written Assessment
Material Selection Process Assignment (25%)
With the completion of this assignment, you are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes.
1. Research and apply engineering standards, practices and materials optimization and constraints
2. Work individually to produce quality outputs
3. AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI PLANNING
You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Week 10 Tuesday (27 Jan 2026) 12:00 am AEST
Online submission
Week 12 Tuesday (10 Feb 2026)
Your task is to analysis an engineering product / application of your interest and suggest alternative material(s) to improve its design for any purpose (e.g. process and / or manufacturing cost, performance, better user and environmental friendliness, improved safety, improved operating conditions, etc.).
No submission method provided.
- Define the atomic and microstructure of engineering materials and their relationship to physical behaviour
- Characterise materials for mechanical properties based on Australian Standards and ASTM methods
4 Online Test
End of Term Online Test (35%)
1. The total marks of this online test will be scaled to out of 35 marks for the unit total.
2. Attend the online test (Duration 3h) as scheduled (TBA). Only 1 attempt is allowed.
3. AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - NO AI
TBA
TBA
Classify engineering materials into metals, ceramics, polymers and composites
Characterise materials for mechanical properties based on Australian Standards and ASTM methods
Explain the role of mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of materials in engineering
Apply the frameworks used to select materials for engineering applications.
- Classify engineering materials into metals, ceramics, polymers and composites
- Characterise materials for mechanical properties based on Australian Standards and ASTM methods
- Explain the role of mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties of materials in engineering
- Apply the frameworks used to select materials for engineering applications.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
