This unit develops students' knowledge of common engineering materials and manufacturing processes and enables them to select materials on the basis of their inherent properties. Students will be introduced to the structure and properties of materials, and the types of defects that can arise. Students will also gain the knowledge to analyse the failure of engineering products and systems, with due consideration to the geometry of components.  Strengthening mechanisms that can be applied to different materials will also be examined. Overall the unit enables students to develop a direct link between the structure and mechanical behaviour of materials.