Day 1: Fundamentals of Materials Science

• Introduction to Materials Science – Overview, importance, and classification of materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites).
• Structure-Property Relationships – Atomic bonding, crystal structures, and material defects.
• Mechanical Properties – Stress-strain behavior, elasticity, plasticity, and fracture mechanics.
• Testing Methods – Tensile tests, hardness tests, and impact tests.
• Pretest & Case Study – Assess baseline knowledge and analyze material failure in a structural component.

Day 2: Metals and Alloys

• Properties of Metals – Ferrous vs. non-ferrous metals, corrosion resistance, and surface treatments.
• Alloying & Heat Treatment – Strengthening mechanisms, phase diagrams, and microstructure analysis.
• Advanced Metallic Materials – Superalloys, lightweight metals, and metal additive manufacturing.
• Practical Applications – Selecting metals based on mechanical properties for engineering applications.
• Quiz & Exercises – Predicting alloy microstructures using phase diagrams and application-based selection.

Day 3: Polymers and Plastics

• Polymer Chemistry – Thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and their molecular structures.
• Processing Techniques – Injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing of polymers.
• Engineering Applications – Biodegradable polymers, smart materials, and high-performance plastics.
• Sustainability Challenges – Recycling, environmental impact, and polymer degradation.
• Case Study & Quiz – Evaluating polymer use in medical devices and sustainability discussions.

Day 4: Ceramics and Composites

• Ceramic Properties & Applications – Brittleness, hardness, thermal stability, and advanced ceramic materials.
• Composite Material Fundamentals – Fiber-reinforced, particle-reinforced, and laminate composites.
• Composite Manufacturing & Applications – Aerospace, automotive, and high-performance sports equipment.
• Hands-On Simulation – Stress distribution analysis in a composite laminate.
• Group Activity – Designing a composite material for lightweight structural applications.

Day 5: Material Selection, Sustainability, and Final Assessment

• Material Selection Strategies – Ashby charts, decision matrices, and engineering trade-offs.
• Sustainability in Materials – Life cycle assessment, bio-based materials, and recycled composites.
• Emerging Trends – Nanomaterials, biomaterials, and metamaterials in modern engineering.
• Final Assessment – Comprehensive test to evaluate knowledge gained.
• Feedback & Discussion – Reviewing key takeaways, comparing pretest and post-test results, and career guidance.