THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

CVNG 1005 SCIENCE OF MATERIALS

GUIDE TO LECTURE TOPICS

Semester 1 2012/2013
Lecturer: D, Mwasha Abrahams
Ext. 3434 or Tel. 662002
Lecture Room - 10
Time: Mondays at 0900 pm to 10.00 ; Wednesday 0300-0350 and Thursday 1010-1100
Recommended Textbook - Civil Engineering Materials by N. Jackson and R.K Dhir
(latest edition)

WEEK

TOPIC

DATE
Septem
ber

1
2
3
4

Introduction to Engineering Materials- 1

Introduction to Engineering Materials- 2
Timber: Nature, Properties,
Preservation of timber productsHealth and Safety precautions

Aggregates and cement

H&S Dust and High pH

6
7
8
9

Properties of fresh and hardened concrete

Steel: Structure and Properties
Asphalt and Bitumen
Rock and Soil bricks and blocks
construction materials

10

Paints and Coatings

H&S and SBS

October

Nove
mber

Decem
ber

3
12
19
26

3
10
17
24
31
7

11
12
13

Polymers and Plastics

14
Glass; Composite Materials
21
Review
28
This is a guide only to the range of topics which will be covered, and may be subject to some
changes/adjustments. Teaching ends on 28th November , 2012.

Course review

CVNG 1005 SCIENCE OF MATERIALS B

Course Objectives:
1. To facilitate a better understanding of the importance of the materials used in the
field of civil engineering; and
2. To provide the engineer-to-be with the bases for selecting, specifying and
directing the cost-effective use of materials in civil engineering projects.
Teaching Approach:
An emphasis on the factors, and the properties of materials affecting
engineering decisions.

The use of construction materials used in civil and related engineering

practices

Relevant handouts and graphical presentations

Possible (on campus) site visit(s) to current University construction projects

(if these can be conveniently arranged).

Course Requirements:
1. There would be no required coursework assignment for the course.
2. If any site visit is conducted however, a brief two-page report will be required
stating observations regarding the use and installation of a specific material
used on the site. Details of the content of the report will be discussed
beforehand in class.

3. Course marks will be determined from a final examination 2-hour at the end
of the course. Students will be required to answer three out of five questions.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course the student is required:
(1) Basic properties of the construction materials
(2) Selection of sustainable construction materials for the engineering infrastructure
(3) Preservation, specification and quality control of major building materials