1) Ceramic materials: structure of ceramics: mechanical and functional properties of ceramics the ceramic process: powder synthesis, forming and sintering.

2) Composite materials: polymeric matrix composite materials (PMC): main types of matrix and reinforcements, unidirectional, short fibres and particle composites, micromechanical model of unidirectional and particle composites, notes on fracture mechanics, toughness, impact and fatigue resistance of composites, notes on nanocomposites notes on metal matrix composites (MMC): main types of matrix and reinforcements, main MMC properties; notes on ceramic matrix composites (CMC): main types of matrix and reinforcements, main CMC properties.

3) Surface Engineering: thermal-spray- processes: main techniques: plasma spray, flame spray, arc spray, thermal sprayed coating form and main properties. PVD and CVD processes.

4) Notes on material selection in mechanical design (Ashby methodology).