Examination

JOURNAL-STYLE REPORT ON LABORATORY EXPERIENCE

JOURNAL STYLE LAB REPORT

The Advanced Materials syllabus will cover the properties of a broad range of specialised and functional materials in a course designed to build upon the structural materials elements of the course taught in level 4. The mechanism(s) behind each material’s function will be explored in detail, taking in elements of the chemistry and physics underpinning each. Insulation and high strength-to-weight materials will be explored in detail, incorporating pervasive foams, honeycomb and cellular structures. A range of material treatments and finishes will also be explored, incorporating paints, varnishes, and glass treatments such as tempering, alongside thin-layer and/or surface functionalisations such as silicon solar cells and self-cleaning coatings. 
The properties, and potential applications of, novel and innovative materials will be considered.
Students will consider the practical application of solar panels, strength-to-weight ratios of various materials, acoustic properties of materials, different polymerisation processes and polymer formation, thermoplastics and Thermoset plastics and crystal grain boundaries.

Materials - 5200CIV

Materials

Describe and explain the function and principles of photovoltaic electricity production, and design structures using photovoltaics in order to achieve the optimum conditions for their function and usage.

Demonstrate hands-on skills in a variety of physical and electrochemical measurement techniques in a laboratory environment.

Explain conduction and insulation of temperature, sound, light and electricity, and be able to predict whether a material will conduct, insulate or semi-conduct based upon its properties.

Evaluate how a material’s manufacture, growth or downstream treatment alters its microscale and macroscale properties, and be able to broadly predict a material’s behaviour from microscale inspection and a history of its manufacture and treatment.

Demonstrate an understanding of novel and innovative construction materials and their applications.