Natural Sciences Tripos Part IA - Department of Materials Science ...

Relationship to other Courses in Materials SciencePart IA Part IB Part II Part IIIMaterials Science Materials Science Materials Science Materials Science(BA Hons)(BA Hons MSci)(Earth Sciences)(Physics)(Chemistry)(Geological Sciences)(Physics)(Chemistry)Part IA Materials Science is normally a pre-requisite for students wishing to study for the Part IB course inMaterials Science. Part IB Materials Science is commonly combined with Chemistry, Physics, GeologicalSciences or Mathematics within the Natural Sciences Tripos; however, many other combinations are alsopossible. This course leads on to third (and fourth) year courses in Materials Science. It is also ideal preparationfor students wishing to specialise in Physics, Chemistry or Geological Sciences in later years.Laboratory WorkTimetabled Experiments are run in conjunction with the courses to complement the material taught formally inthe lecture theatre. There is one 2.5 hour afternoon session each week, and you are also expected to carry out afurther 2 hours of practical work per week in your own time, which consists of:Microscopy An important part of the course is to understand the microstructure of materials. This is achieved inthe Michaelmas Term through examination of materials by optical microscopy and scanning electronmicroscopy. A number of prepared specimens are examined and results discussed with your supervisor.Examination of a Manufactured Article: the „Artefact Project‟ During the Lent Term you will carry out aninvestigation of a manufactured article containing a range of different materials. By appropriate sectioning,microscopy and analysis, the materials used are identified and the methods of fabrication determined.Industrial VisitsThere will be several visits to companies involved in materials–related industries. Examples of recent visitsinclude Hexcel, TWI and Marshall Aerospace.ExaminationsAll students sit two 3-hour theory papers in the Easter Term. The marks from the papers will be added to themarks for the Artefact Project and credit earned for completion of the practical course to give a final grade.Contact Details and Further InformationIf you have any queries about the course, please do not hesitate to contact the Head of Year, Dr James Elliott(jae1001@cam.ac.uk). The Department website hosts information regarding all the undergraduate courses inMaterials Science, please see http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk/Teaching/