Course

Materials and Technology for Society - GENS3501

Faculty: Faculty of Science

School: School of Materials Science and Engineering

Course Outline: http://www.materials.unsw.edu.au/

Campus: Sydney

Career: Undergraduate

Units of Credit: 6

EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)

Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3.5

CSS Contribution Charge: 1 (more info)

Tuition Fee: See Tuition Fee Schedule

Further Information: See Class Timetable

Available for General Education: Yes (more info)

View course information for previous years.

Description

This course is designed to introduce students with a non-technical background to the science of advanced materials, with particular emphasis on what they are, how they function, where they are used, and how they benefit society. The course commences with an analysis of the fundamental structure and properties of each of the main classes of materials (metals, ceramics, polymers) followed by analysis of materials used in technologically-significant areas including engineering, medicine, electronics and computing, telecommunications, sport, aerospace, civil construction, nanotechnology, and energy conversion/storage. Consideration of materials includes analysis of how they have impacted on and contributed to society, and how they may help shape social and technological development in the future. The course is offered on a full-time basis in the summer term and includes web-based online interactive self-learning tutorials and a field trip to the Powerhouse Museum.

Note: There is a fee associated with the field trip for this course, to cover the costs of entry.

Assumed Knowledge: Basic chemistry (atomic structure, elements, compounds) up to Year 10 high school level or equivalent.

Note: Students enrolled in a Faculty of Science program should not take this course.
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