- Docente: Davide Morselli
- Credits: 6
- SSD: ING-IND/22
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Polymeric Composite (cod. 5941)
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from Sep 17, 2025 to Dec 17, 2025
Learning outcomes
The student gains foundational knowledge of the relationships between the structure and properties of materials, covering all major classes of materials of industrial relevance: metals, ceramics and glasses, polymers, and composites. By examining the correlations among chemical composition, structure, processability, and properties, the student develops the ability to select the most appropriate material for a given application and to identify the most suitable processing methods and manufacturing techniques for industrial production.
Course contents
The course is divided into 17 lectures covering the following topics:
- Introduction to materials science and technology
- Atomic structure and interatomic bonding
- Structures of the metal and ceramics
- Polymer structures
- Imperfections in solid
- Diffusion
- Mechanical properties
- Electrical properties (Semiconductors)
- Optical properties
- Phase diagrams and phase transformations
- Thermal properties
- Surface properties (hardness, roughness, WCA)
- Polymer-based Composites
- Biomaterials
- Smart Materials
- Materials Selection and Design Considerations
- Economic, Environmental, and Societal Issues in Materials Science and Engineering
Readings/Bibliography
Main Book:
Title: (EN) Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering: An Integrated Approach, 5th Edition
(IT) Scienza e ingegneria dei materiali, 4th Edition
Author: William D. Callister, Jr.
Editor: Edises (ITALY)
Secondary Book:
Title: (EN) Foundations of Materials Science and Engineering, 7th Edition
(IT) Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali, 5th Edition
Author: William F. Smith
Editor: McGraw-Hill (ITALY)
Teaching methods
Lectures (unless otherwise indicated by the University) will follow the proposed schedule.
Assessment methods
The final exam assesses the understanding of materials science, specifically the relationship between composition, structure, and properties, alongside the ability to select the appropriate material for specific applications. Students will also be evaluated on their clarity of expression and use of appropriate terminology.
The exam consists of two parts:
- PART 1: Online Multiple-Choice Quiz with a duration of 60 minutes. Questions with 3 or 4 options, only one of which is correct. Grading: Marked out of 30.
Note: Attendance at the 4 hours of course tutorials is highly recommended.
To qualify for PART 2, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 18/30 on PART 1. This score remains valid for one year.
- PART 2: Oral Exam of approximately 30 to 40 minutes that evaluates both the comprehension of course topics and clarity of expression. Grading: Marked out of 30.
The final grade will be the average of the scores achieved in both parts. Honors (lode) may be awarded during the oral exam to reward exceptional clarity of expression and the proficient use of appropriate scientific language.
The exam schedule will be announced by the lecturer during class and made available well in advance on the University of Bologna's AlmaEsami web platform.
Teaching tools
The lectures make use of slides that will be projected in the classroom (the course slides will be made available on the platform https://virtuale.unibo.it/, before each lecture). Additionally, during the lectures, a traditional blackboard and educational support videos will be used.
Any tools for students with disabilities can be arranged with the Service for Students with Learning Disabilities.
Office hours
See the website of Davide Morselli