Guide in PDF format

Materials and Civilisation

Code: 106233
Credits: 6

2026/2027

Degree programme	Type	Course
Science, Technology and Humanities	OB	3

Contact lecturer

Name :: Gemma Garcia Alonso
Email :: gemma.garcia@uab.cat

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

NONE

Objectives

• Understand the interrelationship between structure, processing and properties determines the applications of the different types of materials.

• Relate the development of materials and materials science to the construction of civilizations and societies up to the contemporary era, with special emphasis on economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Learning outcomes

Assess the reliability of sources, select important data and cross-check information.
Develop teamworking skills, blend in and actively collaborate in achieving common goals.
Describe the concept of material culture and the relationship it has with technological development.
Understand the technological basis for the great cultural periods with regard to the possibilities for controlling matter, energy and information.
Relate the development of materials to the construction of the modern and contemporary societies.
Describe the different types of materials and the interrelationship between structure, properties, processing and applications of materials.

• Topic 1. Materials and Materials Science

• Topic 2. Materials and geopolitics

• Topic 3. Materials for construction

• Topic 4. Materials for transport

• Topic 5. Materials for information and communication

• Topic 6. Materials for energy

• Topic 7. Materials and sustainability

Learning activities and methodology

Title	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Practical-theoretical lectures	14	0.56	2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Lecturing	32	1.28	2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Individual work	92	3.68	1, 4, 5
Practical Tutorial teaching	6	0.24	1

• Theoretical classes. Presentation of the topic (objectives, contents, explanation of the texts or complementary videos of the topic available in the Moodle Classroom).

• Resolution of demonstrative exercises in the classroom

• Practical work in the classroom

• Elaboration of individual works

• Cooperative learning through commenting on texts in the classroom

• Individual oral presentations

• Independent work by reading and analyzing proposed texts and carrying out assignments

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title	Weight	Hours	ECTS	Learning outcomes
Assignments corresponding to the “Citizen Forum” activity	30	0	0	2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Primer parcial	20	1.5	0.06	3, 4, 5, 6
Debate	30	3	0.12	1, 2, 5
Segon parcial	20	1.5	0.06	3, 4, 5, 6

CONTINOUS ASSESSMENT

Continuous assessment will consist of:

2 written midterm exams (open-notes): 20% each
Assignments corresponding to the “Materials and Society” activity: 30%
Assignments corresponding to the “Citizen Forum” activity: 30%

To qualify for continuous assessment, it is mandatory to:

Complete both written midterm exams
Complete at least 70% of the in-class evidence activities (brief reflection tasks linked to the course content)
Submit the assignments associated with the “Materials and Society” activity
Submit the assignments associated with the “Citizen Forum” activity
Participate in the “Citizen Forum” activity

Participation in in-class activities is necessary to achieve the objectives of the course and is part of the learning process. Students who are unable to attend classes regularly must opt for single assessment.

SINGLE ASSESSMENT

Single assessment will consist of:

One written development exam (open-notes): 50%
Assignments corresponding to the “Materials and Society” activity: 25%
Individual submission of 3 reading dossiers: 15%
Individual submission of two essays: 10%

To qualify for single assessment, all required assignments must be submitted within the established deadlines.

PASS REQUIREMENTS

To pass the course, both under continuous and single assessment, students must:

Achieve a minimum grade of 4 in the average of the two midterm exams or in the final exam
Obtain an overall grade equal to or higher than 5.0 out of 10

If these requirements are not met, but the overall grade is at least 3.5, students will be eligible for a resit exam, which will consist of a final exam. This exam will allow the student to pass the course with a grade of 5.0 out of 10.

PLAGIARISM

If a student commits any irregularity that could significantly alter the assessment result, the activity in question will be graded with a 0, regardless of any disciplinary process that may follow.

If multiple irregularities occur in the assessments of the same course, the final grade for that course will be 0.

This subject allows the use of AI technologies as an integral part of the submitted work, provided that the final result reflects a significant contribution from the student in terms of analysis and personal reflection.

The student must clearly (i) identify which parts have been generated using AI technology; (ii) specify the tools used; and (iii) include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency regarding the use of AI in the assessed activity will be considered academic dishonesty; the corresponding grade may be lowered, or the work may even be awarded a zero. In cases of greater infringement, more serious action may be taken.

Bibliography

Vaclav Smil. Making the Modern World - Materials and Dematerialization.

Disponible en línia a les Biblioteques UAB

Michael.F. Ashby Materials and the Environment, 2021.