The Larmor Society

IA Materials & Minerals (MMS)

MMS, like Geology or Evolution and Behaviour, tends to be one of those courses that people pick as a bit of a wildcard third option in their first year, because they've never done it before at school. The course is generally well lectured, with an excellent website with loads of links and interactive teaching packages to help you understand things (as well as the answers to the question sheets). You'll study semiconductors, glasses and crystals, fracture mechanics and failure, thermodynamics... the list goes on. MMS is probably one of the most interdisciplinary IA subjects because of the broad range of topics you'll study. The department is also the closest IA department to John's and lectures are at 12 noon... yet another reason to choose MMS!

There are two, 2-hour practicals a week, which are not assessed. These are supplemented by three assessed practicals over the year (one per term) and also a 'Mini-Project' in the Lent term where you'll have to write a 2000 word report on the materials and methods used to make a particular artefact (you've got two weeks, don't worry). The assessed practicals aren't as bad as they sound, and are much, much better than having to sit a practical exam at the end of the year (trust me on this one). You're also allowed to have your notes there with you while you do them.

Subjects that go with MMS:

Most people combine MMS with Chemistry, Physics and/or Geology, although there is a Biomaterials course that biologists might find interesting. It's not as mathematical as you might think, but A-level Maths is still pretty useful.

Which textbooks?

The lecture notes are normally more than you'll need for MMS, and you probably won't need (or want) to buy a textbook. If you're keen, the best is probably Callister's 'Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction.' This covers virtually the entire IA course but make sure you get the sixth edition, as this has a funky interactive CD with loads of models and structures for you to mess around with, and some additional material not covered in the main text.

The other book that gets talked about a lot is Putnis' 'Introduction to Mineral Sciences.' To be honest, I've had this book on my shelf for a year and have used it about once. It's very detailed and informative, but goes way, way beyond the IA course. It's not really worth investing in unless you plan to do IB Mineral Sciences.