MEC3459 Materials selection for engineers
Faculty of Engineering
MEC3459 Materials selection for engineers is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering. It isn't offered in 2026. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 3 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
The 2027 handbook has no page for MEC3459. This is its 2026 entry, the latest one.
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Requisites
Before MEC3459
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After MEC3459
1 unit list MEC3459 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITES:
Completion of 18 credit points of level 2 engineering study
Overview
This unit introduces you to materials available for the fabrication of engineering components and structures. You will be instructed on the fundamentals of the role of composition and structure of materials in their mechanical properties that are important for engineering design. You will also learn how the materials with undesirable microstructure can lead to premature failures, particularly as a result of their interaction with aggressive environment. The knowledge thus developed will provide a basis for advanced learning on a systematic approach to materials selection as well as the methods by which the materials with the desired mechanical properties can be processed. Case studies will be presented to highlight the importance of selecting appropriate materials for engineering design.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for MEC3459.
Assessment
- Welding laboratory quizQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle5%
- Practice session testsExerciseThreshold hurdle20%
- Class testQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle15%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle60%
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
Decide on the appropriate material for a given engineering design considering the operational requirements and the limitations of different material types.
- 2
Describe methods for modification of material microstructure and control of material properties.
- 3
Reflect on the intricacies of a common manual fabrication technique (ARC Welding) and its associated safety aspects.
- 4
Differentiate a range of corrosion types and the principles behind corrosion mitigation.
- 5
Predict mechanical and corrosion failure modes and explain likely causes.
Workload and teaching
- 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.
Pre-recorded lectures will be provided each week, and students are expected to watch them before attending the weekly in-class sessions. Workshop and Practical sessions are conducted entirely on campus. During the Workshop sessions, students will work on weekly in-class problem sets. Additional practice problems will be solved collaboratively during the Practical sessions. Laboratory sessions will be held for three activities throughout the semester and will also take place entirely in person and on campus.
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MEC3459?
MEC3459 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after MEC3459?
MEC3459 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including MEC4802.
When is MEC3459 offered?
MEC3459 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
How much work is MEC3459?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MEC3459 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.