Engineering Materials and Sustainability

Unit code: NEM2005 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

In this unit, you will explore how the internal structure of materials determines their behaviour and performance in mechanical design. Through hands-on experiments and using data interpretation and visualisation tools, you will test metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites to understand how they respond under real-world conditions.

You will apply practical frameworks to make informed materials choices, evaluating performance, cost, introductory life-cycle analysis, and sustainability considerations. Ethical and cultural dimensions of engineering decisions are examined to highlight how responsible material selection shapes innovative and equitable design solutions. By the end of the unit, you will be equipped to connect material properties, processing, and performance to sustainable and forward-looking mechanical engineering practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse and interpret the relationship between microstructure, processing, and properties using experimental and digital tools, including AI techniques;
  2. Evaluate the suitability of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites for mechanical applications, considering performance, safety, and sustainability;
  3. Apply structured decision-making frameworks to select and justify materials based on performance, cost, introductory life-cycle analysis, and sustainability criteria;
  4. Integrate ethical and sustainability principles in material selection and communicate responsible engineering reasoning; and
  5. Collaborate to evaluate material options and present defensible material selection decisions using clear and professional technical communication, both written and oral.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type:
|
Grade:
In-class materials selection challenge applying data interpretation and decision-making frameworks (Individual) (30 mins)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Sustainable materials comparison analysing performance, cost, life-cycle, and ethical considerations, submitted as a recorded presentation with executive summary (Group) (10 mins)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Scenario-based materials evaluation that requires providing justified recommendations and analysis (Individual) (120 mins)

Exercise: This secure in-class assessment ensures authenticity by requiring students to apply data interpretation and structured decision-making frameworks to unseen materials problems under supervised conditions. Real-time reasoning and unpredictable parameters verify individual understanding.

Case Study: Group analysis comparing conventional and advanced materials through performance, cost, life-cycle, and ethical evaluation. Structured collaboration and in-class feedback discussions support progressive development and ensure balanced participation. Each student's individual contribution to the group assessment will be systematically evaluated and assessed, with consideration given to their specific tasks, responsibilities, and active engagement throughout the collaborative process.

Test: This secure scenario-based assessment ensures authenticity by placing students in applied engineering contexts that require real-time analysis and justification of materials choices. Unpredictable scenarios and timed conditions confirm individual capability and professional judgement.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
NHEM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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