BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS MATERIAL SCIENCE (HMS)
| Module Code | Module Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
HMS101 |
Mechanics, Wave Motion and Fluid Dynamics | This module is the first module of a two-semester sequence in classical physics. It is an introduction to classical physics; topics to be covered include mechanics, waves and fluid dynamics. The module is divided into three parts: Part A involves the study of how the motion of an object can be understood and predicted in terms of the forces that are acting on the object. It is restricted to “classical,” which in this context, means that the study is restricted to speeds that are slow compared to the speed of light, so that the effects of relativity will not have to be taken into account. The module will also be restricted to objects which are generally large, compared to atoms or molecules, so that there is no need to consider the effects of quantum theory. Part B covers fundamentals of wave motion, sound and electromagnetic waves, and physical and geometric optic. Emphasis is on physical concepts and mathematical methods that are applicable to many areas of physics. Part C provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of Fluid Mechanics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability in these aspects. The module will cover Fluid statics (Hydrostatic pressure, density, buoyancy, Archimedes principle, surface and interfacial phenomena) and Fluid Dynamics (Steady flow, Fluid flow continuity, Bernoulli principle, viscous flow, turbulence; Mixing and Entropy). This introductory module is intended to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the laws of classical physics with applications to space sciences. Students will acquire skills in scientific methods, critical reasoning and problem solving. |
| Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry | This module is the first of a two general chemistry modules wherein both modules offer fundamental understanding of chemistry. In this introductory inorganic chemistry module students will be introduced to basic principles and calculations of chemistry with emphasis on stoichiometry, the mole concept and dimension analysis applied to various problem types, the behavior of gases, liquids and solids, thermochemistry, electronic structure of atoms and chemical bonding, descriptive chemistry of selected elements and compounds, intermolecular forces and oxidation-reduction. | |
|
HMS103 |
Introduction to Programming | This module is an introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming and programming languages for the students who have no or very little programming knowledge and experience. Students design, write, and debug computer programs. Students will gain an understanding of the main control structures of programming languages and use modern object-oriented programming paradigm. |
| HMS104 | Mathematical Methods for Physics 1 | This module is designed to cover Calculus and Linear Algebra for undergraduate engineering students with some background of A-Level Mathematics. The first part introduces calculus of single variables and part of ccalculus of several variables. The concentration is on motivating results and concepts geometrically rather than on providing rigorous proofs. Concepts are defined carefully and results stated precisely, but illustrated by way of vivid, concrete examples. The second part is designed to provide students with a good understanding of the concepts and methods of linear algebra and help the students develop the ability to solve problems using linear algebra. The mathematical topics to be covered include systems of variables, matrices, vectors, span, dimension, linear transformations, basis, inverse, determinant, vector space and subspace, null space, row space, rank, and eigenvector and eigenvalue. |
|
HMS105 |
Electromagnetism, Electronics and Modern Physics | In this module students will build on concepts from the first module of classical physics as they explore the fundamental principles of electromagnetism, electronic circuits and modern physics. Emphasis is on conceptual development and numerical problem solving. Topics include electricity, magnetism, electronics, nuclear physics and relativity. |
|
HMS106 |
Organic Chemistry | This introductory organic chemistry module offers students the opportunity to learn the nature of carbon in organic compounds. It presents general principles of organic chemistry related to structure, stereochemistry, nomenclature, synthesis, uses, and reactions of alcohols, ethers and aliphatic hydrocarbons; Alkanes, alkynes, alkenes, Cycloalkanes. |
|
HMS107 |
Fundamentals of Materials Science | This is an introductory module, designed to provide an overview of the fundamental concepts of materials science and engineering. The module will introduce the underlying principles of the structure, properties, processing and applications of metals, metal alloys,ceramics, polymers and composites which will be covered in greater detail in subsequent modules. |
| HMS108 | Mechanical and Thermal Behaviour of Materials | This module discusses the basics of mechanical and thermal behaviour of materials science with the objective of rationalizing, predicting, modifying and describing the response of materials to stress and at the continuum level, how forces and displacements translate into stress and strain distributions within the material. The module starts with the correlation between stresses and strains in the elastic regime, followed by the theories of plasticity and failure i.e. Linear elasticity (recoverable deformation at small displacements), viscoelasticity (behavior intermediate to that of an elastic solid and that of a viscous fluid), plasticity (permanent deformation), and creep in crystalline materials (time dependent behavior), brittle fracture (rapid crack propagation) and fatigue (failure due to repeated loading of a material). It concentrates on the physics of deformation and its interaction with the microstructure. The module also considers the different mechanisms of strengthening of metals through grain refining, alloying with interstitial and substitutional solutes, precipitates, second-phase, etc. Examples are drawn from metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, biomaterials, composites and cellular materials. The module also covers the treatment of the laws of thermodynamics and their applications to equilibrium and the properties of materials. It also involves description of chemical thermodynamics, including chemical equilibrium and in gaseous phase, in heterogenic systems. In addition, some specific effects of surfaces and interfaces (adsorption and segregation isotherms, kinetics of adsorption and segregation; surface tension, wetting of surface and grain boundaries) will be discussed. Develop relations pertaining to multiphase equilibria as determined by a treatment of solution thermodynamics. Development of graphical constructions that are essential for the interpretation of phase diagrams will be conducted. Treatment includes electrochemical equilibria and surface thermodynamics and gives the description of kinetic problem, including: kinetic of gaseous-solid reaction, kinetic of new phase formation and diffusion growth of new phase Introduces aspects of statistical thermodynamics as they relate to macroscopic equilibrium phenomena. |
|
HMS201 |
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | This module is an introduction to quantum theory. It is designed to provide the student with a fundamental understanding of the origin of quantum concepts and the postulates of quantum mechanics. Thus, in the first part of the module a review of the experiments which led to the development of Quantum Mechanics conducted. The main goal of this initial section is to establish the experimental basis for quantum physics of light and matter that arose at the end of the 19th century and in the early 20th century. The application of the principles of quantum mechanics to atoms and atomic nuclei to gain a deeper understanding of the structure of matter on a microscopic level is covered in the final sections. The student will be introduced to the mathematics of quantum mechanics based on Schrödinger’s wave formulation. |
|
HMS202 |
Properties and Applications of Materials | To provide a firm and thorough knowledge of engineering materials is critical in developing an optimal design for a given application while minimizing the risk of material failure. This module examines the interrelationships between processing, structure, properties, and performance of various engineering materials. It involves classification of materials, selection of materials for engineering purposes, properties of materials: Mechanical, Electrical and magnetic, optical and thermal properties. The emphasis is upon developing the ability both to select appropriate materials to meet engineering design criteria and to understand the effects of heat, stress, imperfections, and chemical environments upon material properties and performance. |
| HMS204 | Mathematical Methods for Physics 2 | This module builds on the level 1 Mathematics module, and aims at providing a broad introduction to Complex Variables, Vector Calculus, Introduction to differential equations (ordinary and partial), Fourier series, Laplace transforms and probability and statistics. Emphasis is placed on physics applications to complement basic theories. |
|
HMS203 |
Solid State Chemistry | This module unit emphasizes four broad areas relevant to the field of solid-state chemistry such as concepts of chemical bonding and electronic structure, structural principles, synthetic strategies and approaches and important characterization methods. It explores the fundamental relationship between electronic structure,chemical bonding, and atomic order, and then proceeds to the chemical properties of solid-state inorganic compounds including crystals, metals, glasses, semiconductors, solutions and acid-base equilibria, polymers, and biomaterials. Students will be introduced to a range of synthetic and physical techniques to prepare and characterize solid materials. |
|
HMS205 |
Introduction to Nanotechnology | The module will introduce the fundamentals of nanotechnology and nanofabrication methods including bottom-up: Milling, homogenization and top-down: precipitation, sintering, Oswald ripening. The concept of surface energy and stabilization will be explored together with the variation of potentials at the surface. Unique and novel properties of nanostructures based on their size and shape will be demonstrated. |
|
HMS206 |
Crystallography and Characterization of Materials | The objective of this module is to present the basic concepts needed to understand the crystal structure of materials. Fundamental concepts including lattices, symmetries, point groups, and space groups will be discussed and the relationship between crystal symmetries and physical properties will be addressed. The theory of X-ray diffraction by crystalline matter along with the experimental x-ray methods used to determine the crystal structure of materials will be covered. The module will also cover defects in crystals and how they can be exploited in choosing materials for various applications. This module also introduces the students to a range of basic and advanced analytical techniques and tools utilized in characterization of materials such as spectroscopy techniques, electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy. The underlying principles of how the characterization instruments operate, their applications and limitations will be discussed. The student will acquire practical skills of using microscopy images and spectroscopy data to gain greater understanding of the structural, optoelectronic, thermal and compositional properties of materials. |
|
HMS207 |
Theory of Devices | This module is based on the fundamentals of semiconductors as the building blocks of electronic devices. A semiconductor has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Semiconductors differ from metals in their characteristic property of decreasing electrical resistivity with increasing temperature. Semiconductors can also display properties of passing current more easily in one direction than the other, and sensitivity to light. |
|
HMS208 |
Introduction to Engineering Design | This module is an introductory exploration of the engineering design process through a “hands-on” project approach supported by instruction of the underlying engineering concepts. Appropriate computer-based modeling software will be employed in the design process. This project-based module gives students the ability to understand, contextualize, and analyze engineering designs and systems. By learning and applying design thinking, students will more effectively solve problems in any domain. |
| HMS380 | Work Related Learning |
This year long internship allows the student to gain experience working in a professional environment and to apply knowledge gained in the first two years to acquire professional skills or competences. Students will be able to expand their professional network, convert academic knowledge into industrial skills, narrow down their potential careers and gain unforgettable life experiences. The main objectives of the training module are: a) to help the student to put into practice the basic experimental and theoretical skills which were learnt b) to provide exposure to and experience of the industrial environment. c)to give the student an insight into the production activities of Zimbabwe's main industries d) The Industrial attachment will be assessed jointly by the industrial supervisor and the academic supervisor as well as by written reports submitted by the student on the industrial attachment experience and the industrial project. |
| HMS370 | Industrial Project | This module allows the student to undertake problem solving research in collaboration with industry. The student is required to submit a project report and make a presentation of the written report. |
|
HMS401 |
Phase Transformation and Kinetics | This module is designed to give a brief review of classical thermodynamics and discusses the kinetics of phase transformations in solids. Emphasizes will be placed on application to control of conventional and development of new materials and processing methods. Topics to be covered include thermodynamics, solution thermodynamics, free energy composition diagrams, mechanisms and kinetics of diffusion; solidification behavior, interfaces and microstructure, diffusional and diffusionless phase transformations, ordering and higher-order transformations. |
|
HMS402 |
Fundamentals of Materials Processing | The main goal of this module is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of processing of materials. Various materials processes are used in variety of industries to create and form materials for wide range of applications. There are some commonalities behind all these processes and the aim of this module is to go through these fundamental physics and materials science behind these processes so as to be able to understand, design and predict the outcome of these methods. |
|
HMS403 |
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials | This module will provide a comprehensive overview of synthesis and fabrication of nanostructures including 0-, 1-, 2- and 3-Dimensional nanostructures. The 0-D nanostructures will include metallic and semiconductor nanoparticles and the characteristics of their formation through either homogeneous or heterogeneous nucleation. 1-D nanostructures will include nanowires, nanorods and nanofibers. The focus for 2-D nanostructures will be thin film preparation techniques including sol gel, chemical vapour deposition, physical vapour deposition, atomic layer deposition and molecular beam epitaxy. The module will focus on nanoporous bulk materials such as alumina and silica which constitutes 3-D nanostructures. An introductory look at the synthesis of carbon nanostructures including fullerenes, graphene, carbon nanotubes will be given in order to give the student some background on the interesting properties of carbon nanostrutures. The module also introduces students and researchers to application transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques to study and understand materials. The module is designed to cover both theory and practical concepts and therefore provide students with the theory and practice of operation of the modern electron microscopes and their accessory equipment. Micrograph interpretation, imaging processing techniques, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and data presentation will also be outlined in the lectures. |
| HMS470 | Research Project/ Dissertation Project | Students are required to do independent investigations of selected problems pertaining to thesis or dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member. Students will be introduced to scientific research, hypothesis generation and testing, use of statistical analysis, as well as scientific writing and electronic reference management. The research project will allow them to acquire the general skills essential for academic and research study, whilst extending their knowledge by introducing them to current topics of research as well as practice in the skills that are relevant to performing research. The research project is a core module, that is, a student has to pass the project in order to graduate. Generally, project proposals originate from the student or Department staff who will then supervise their respective projects. Many projects involve making apparatus and/or recording some observations, followed by appropriate analysis and interpretation. Purely theoretical or mathematical projects are also possible, where the student makes a deeper foray into some particular topic. A written report on the project must be submitted by a specified deadline for assessment. |
| OPTION A: METALS AND SEMICONDUCTORS | ||
|
HMS410 |
Electronic Devices | The module covers basic physics behind electronic device design and operation. It is also designed to prepare students for advanced modules in solid state and quantum electronics. Emphasis is on fundamental physics behind electronic device design and operation. The topics include background physics and basic principles of electronic device design and operation emphasizing on electronic transport, theory of p-n junction, nanoscale devices and molecular electronics, bipolar transistors and Field Effect Transistors. |
|
HMS411 |
Processing of Metals and Semiconductors | The first section of the module examines how metal components are made, highlighting the choice of processing options and parameters based on material properties and part design. Key metals processing techniques such as casting, machining and additive manufacturing will be explored. The second and final section of the module provides the student with an up-to-date picture of how modern semiconductor chips are fabricated including nanofabrication for integrated circuits. Processing steps such as lithography, etching, deposition, implantation, annealing and oxidation will be discussed. |
| OPTION B: POLYMERS AND COMPOSITE MATERIALS | ||
|
HMS412 |
Polymers | The module will provide an overview on polymers, types of polymers, such as natural and artificial polymers and their methods of polymerization such as homopolymerization and heteropolymerization. The student will learn about the different types and roles of polymerization initiators including free radicals, enzyme catalysts and metallic catalysts in the formation of polymers, copolymers, and block polymers. For artificial polymers, types and methods of production of free radicals, inhibition and termination and their reaction kinetics will be taught. |
|
HMS413 |
Composite Materials | This module deals with composite materials. It starts with an introduction to composite materials, what composites are, why composites are used and the distinction between man-made and natural composites. This is followed by looking at the different types of composites available. Next, the individual fibres are discussed (glass, carbon, polymeric) and the available matrices (thermoplastic, thermosetting). Manufacturing of composites is dealt with followed by a look at fibre architectures, failure mechanisms, impact failure and toughening. |
| OPTION C: CERAMICS | ||
|
HMS414 |
Ceramic Materials | This module provides an overview of ceramics, nanostructured ceramics, films and coatings in order to provide basic principles and understanding of the structure-property relations in traditional and advanced ceramic materials on multiple length scales. We develop knowledge of point defect generation in ceramic materials and their impact on transport properties. The bulk and thermal properties of traditional and advanced ceramic materials will be compared. The following bulk properties will be covered: elasticity, hardness, strength, fracture toughness and creep in relation to composition and micro- and nano-structure (grain size, secondary phases, porosity). Mechanical performance of films/coatings will also be covered. |
|
HMS415 |
Manufacture and Design of Ceramics | This module provides an overview of the manufacturing and design of ceramics, nanostructured ceramics, films and coatings. Two main topics are covered: manufacturing processes (bottom-up and top-down approaches) with emphasis on achieving the desired properties as well as the basis for design. Manufacturing: Synthetic ceramic powders, the stabilization of dispersions, forming by pressing, casting, extrusion and injection molding, sintering and heat treatment. Deposition of films and coatings. Design: Principles of design with brittle materials, Weibull statistics, analysis of fracture and toughening of ceramics. Finite size effects in ceramic materials. |
| OPTION D: MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS | ||
|
HMS416 |
Biomaterials | This module will introduce the student to generally regarded as safe (GRAS) materials which are used for biological applications, their sources and methods of preparation. The student will also learn about the different tests for biomaterials including, biocompatibility, biotolerance, toxicity, immunogenicity and biodegradation. This module will also explore contemporary biomaterials science and will focus on state-of-the-art production methods for biomaterials manufacture. We will look at: rapid prototyping techniques for biomaterials manufacture, e.g. stereolithography, plasma coating techniques, electrospinning and fibres, foams for scaffolds, metal foams, metal coatings, ceramics processing/analysis, bioactive glasses and bioprinting. For all these, examples of recent literature will be used. The module will examine how the properties of the materials determine its function and which processing techniques are optimum for specific applications, with a focus on implant materials and tissue engineering scaffolds. |
|
HMS417 |
Drug Delivery Systems | This module will discuss the engineering of novel pharmaceutical delivery systems with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles, with an emphasis on the design and application of materials that overcome drug delivery barriers or challenges. Topics will include targeted drug delivery fundamentals and transport mechanisms,materials and formulations for targeted drug delivery, biosensing and other applications. |
| OPTION E: MATERIALS FOR ENERGY APPLICATIONS | ||
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HMS418 |
Materials and Energy | This module introduces students to aspects of the generation and utilization of energy and its environmental consequences with particular emphasis on materials-related topics. An overview of electricity generation and utilization is given covering both conventional technologies (fossil fuel), nuclear and renewable (wind, water, solar, biomass, geothermal). This module is focused on the evaluation of currently used materials for energy conversion, storage and transportation. Battery systems and fuel cells are covered, together with the use of coatings in various energy generation, conservation and storage systems and the environmental considerations concerning CO2 emissions and methods for its sequestration. |
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HMS419 |
Materials for Energy Production, Storage and Conversion | This module discusses the challenges presented by climate change and energy usage, and explores a range of materials issues related to the development of new energy technologies and the more efficient utilization of existing energy resources. Topics to be covered will include photovoltaic materials and solar energy conversion, biofuels, materials for hydrogen production, storage, and use, bio-fuel cells solid-state lighting materials, materials for future wind energy needs, thermoelectric materials for solid state energy conversion, materials for electrical energy storage, and materials challenges in nuclear energy. |
