MTE3203 Introduction to ceramics: Properties, processing and applications
Faculty of Engineering
MTE3203 Introduction to ceramics: Properties, processing and applications is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs (MTE2101 or MTE2541) and (MTE2103 or MTE2546) and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 2 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 3 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MTE3203
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
After MTE3203
1 unit list MTE3203 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - You are exempt from the prerequisite rule if you are enrolled in this course.
Overview
Ceramics are one of the most diverse material classes in the world. With origins in basic pottery, dating back more than 20,000 years, dramatic advances in their properties and their applications have been made over the past century. This unit will provide an introduction to ceramics for engineering. In the contexts of traditional and modern ceramics, you will learn about their history, their general compositions and how these impact the resulting structural, mechanical, optical, thermal and electrical properties. The dependence of these properties on their manufacturing processes will be discussed. This will enable an understanding of why and how such ceramics are used in applications that are well established, such as concrete and glass, and those that are emerging, like fuel cells and photovoltaics.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- AssignmentsWrittenThreshold hurdle20%
- QuizzesQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle10%
- LaboratoriesWrittenThreshold hurdle30%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle40%
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
Describe in detail the properties and processing methods of commonly used industrial and emerging ceramics.
- 2
Describe how the properties of ceramics are correlated to their structure.
- 3
Critically discuss the use of traditional ceramics within common industrial applications.
- 4
Appraise the use of modern ceramics within emerging application areas.
- 5
Appreciate the properties of ceramics and their suitability for given applications through laboratory work.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Laboratories9 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 3-4 hours of scheduled learning activities and 8-9 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.
This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.
Where it fits
MTE3203 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Julie Karel
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Julie Karel
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTE3203?
You need (MTE2101 or MTE2541) and (MTE2103 or MTE2546) before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after MTE3203?
MTE3203 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including MTE4102. Those lead on to 2 units in all.
When is MTE3203 offered?
In 2026, MTE3203 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is MTE3203?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MTE3203 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include MTE3203?
MTE3203 is part of Materials engineering.