UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

MEC3001 Material properties and selection

Faculty of Engineering

MEC3001 Material properties and selection is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points: 6
Offered in 2026: Semester 1, Semester 2; Clayton, Malaysia
Assessment: No exam; 3 tasks
Workload: 144 hours; per semester

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before MEC3001

Prohibitions

You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.

One of

After MEC3001

No unit lists MEC3001 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.

Overview

This unit introduces you to materials and manufacturing processes used in the fabrication of engineering components and structures. You will explore the physical and chemical underpinnings of engineering materials and how these contribute to their mechanical and non-mechanical properties. You will also learn how degradation of these properties can lead to premature failures, particularly as a result of their interaction with aggressive environments. The knowledge developed will provide a basis for a systematic approach to materials selection and appreciation for its role in engineering design.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching period	Campus	Mode
First semester	Clayton	Flexible
Second semester	Malaysia	On campus

Assessment

In-class test/sQuiz / Test
50%
Materials selection presentation/sPresentation
50%
Engineering communication demonstrationPresentationCompetency hurdle
-

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1
Explain the physical and chemical underpinnings of engineering material properties, and the corresponding similarities within families of materials.
2
Analyse engineering problem requirements to translate them into property objectives and constraints, then select and justify appropriate materials and manufacturing processes by evaluating alternatives against selection criteria.
3
Compose and communicate an engineering solution through a reasoned, evidence-based presentation with integrity and intellectual honesty, presenting evidence and analysis objectively, acknowledging limitations, inviting critique, and avoiding exaggeration or logical fallacy.

Workload and teaching

Workshops24 hours
Practical activities24 hours
Teaching approachActive learning

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

You will actively engage in applying your knowledge, skills, and attributes in interactive, collaborative, and reflective activities.

Learning resources

Required resources

Prescribed text:

Materials Selection in Mechanical Design, Michael F. Ashby
Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, William Callister

Where it fits

MEC3001 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners: Professor Raman Singh; Dr Lim Fang Sheng
Unit Coordinators: Professor Raman Singh; Dr Lim Fang Sheng

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for MEC3001?

MEC3001 has no prerequisites.

When is MEC3001 offered?

In 2026, MEC3001 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.

How much work is MEC3001?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does MEC3001 have an exam?

No. MEC3001 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include MEC3001?

MEC3001 is part of Electrical and computer systems engineering; and Mechanical engineering.

More details

Credit points: 6
Level: 3
Study level: Undergraduate
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Organisational unit: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Type: Coursework
EFTSL: 0.125
Student contribution: SCA Band 2
Study abroad: Available
Handbook years: 20262027