Protecting the World: Introducing Corrosion Science and Engineering from Coursera

If you have ever encountered rusty car bodies, leaking pipes, tarnished silverware or the green patina of a copper roof then you have experienced corrosion in action. This course, from the Corrosion@Manchester team in collaboration with AkzoNobel, will teach you why metals corrode, what the environmental consequences are, how much corrosion costs and how corrosion can be controlled. It is designed for students, householders, teachers, professionals and anyone in-between.

The aim of the course is to introduce the complex world of corrosion and corrosion control. While a full appreciation of corrosion science involves elements of materials science, electrochemistry and physics while corrosion engineering requires a practical knowledge of corrosion failures and engineering design this course does not need an extensive background knowledge. The course mirrors elements of the Corrosion Control Engineering teaching programme at The University of Manchester for final-year undergraduates and masters-level postgraduates and is used as a supplementary learning resource by our students.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Principles of Corrosion

In Week 1 we show you the scientific and engineering concepts that are important to an understanding of corrosion in practise. Section 1 provides a brief outline of what corrosion is, how much it costs and how corrosion engineers can help. Section 2 lists, with examples, the eight types of corrosion and shows the important of good engineering design on corrosion control. Section 3 focuses on materials properties and introduces how the corrosion of metals (zinc) may be understood. Section 4 looks directly at the economic and social consequences of corrosion. In section 5 we pick up the pace to focus on the science of electrochemical corrosion. Finally, in section 6, we wind up with a selection of corrosion failures chosen from the Corrosion@Manchester museum.

Week 2: Cathodic Protection

This week, will discuss how cathodic protection works and how it can be applied in practice to protect metallic structures.Firstly, we’ll discuss some of the basic principles behind cathodic protection, and we will see how some of the concepts you have learned in the other units are applied in a cathodic protection scenario.Subsequently, we’ll discuss some aspects related to the design of cathodic protection systems, such as for example the criteria that have to be satisfied to achieve a good level of corrosion protection, or the method used to assess the requirements for an existing structure in terms of cathodic protection current.Finally, we’ll touch on cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures, discussing the factors that contribute to good concrete quality and discussing how we can protect the reinforcement steel bars by using cathodic protection.This week’s material is split into 6 sessions. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes; at the end of each session, there will be a quiz to test your knowledge.

Week 3: Surface Engineering

In Week 3, we will introduce Surface Engineering. The learning materials for this week are organised into five sections. Throughout the week, we will clarify what surface engineering is and why surfaces are important. We will look into how coatings protect surfaces from corrosion and will discuss coating design criteria. We will also consider various Surface Engineering techniques. Finally, we will turn our attention to industrial applications of coatings for corrosion protection, coating performance and failure mechanisms.

Week 4: Oilfield Corrosion and Control

Week 4 provides an introduction to oilfield corrosion science and engineering. You will learn about pertinent corrosion phenomena, as well as other degradation processes, along with approaches to minimise facility degradation. Specific topics include: types of oilfield equipment; sweet/sour corrosion; seawater corrosion; scaling; erosion; corrosion prediction; corrosion inhibition; corrosion management. All content in this section is section is licensed under Creative Commons Atrribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches electrochemical corrosion, which is a core mechanism behind the corrosion of metals in practise

Provides multiple resources to help in learning, including videos, readings, and discussions

Meant for everyone from students to professionals, covering both the basics of corrosion and its control

Includes a number of case studies of different types of corrosion phenomena and failures to use as real-world examples

Emphasizes economic and environmental consequences to drive home the impact of corrosion

Suitable for students, householders, teachers and professionals with no background in corrosion

Reviews summary

Corrosion and the environment

Learners say this course is largely positive with a strong emphasis on corrosion control in oil and gas industries. Informative and practical lectures cover essential concepts such as corrosion science, engineering, protection methods, and case studies. Despite the course being well-received, learners express disappointment over the lack of certification upon completion. Overall, this course is recommended for beginners and professionals seeking an introduction to corrosion science and engineering.

Includes real-world examples and case studies.

"I have learned a lot in special corrosion techniques new, believe this course to rise the concept about the electrochemistry"

"Very interesting course, I gained massive information especially in the last session its very useful for me in my current role Thanks your great efforts."

Provides valuable and detailed information.

"The course was very well done. It helped significantly in improving my knowledge in the area of corrosion and corrosion protection."

"Very rich content. Delivered by professionals. Excellent slides and good video links. Thank you."

Emphasizes corrosion control in oil and gas industries.

"This course is insightful. It provides deep understanding of corrosion effect and its control, most especially in the oil and gas industry."

"The program provided me with valuable education and information. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I learned a lot."

Does not offer a certificate upon completion.

"Why don't we get Certificate For this course.After solving this number of assignment we Deserve Certificate"

"After completing a lot of challenging quizzes, and efforts, I completed this course, but I cannot see any option to download or buy the certificate."

Career center

Learners who complete Protecting the World: Introducing Corrosion Science and Engineering will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Corrosion Engineer

The Corrosion Engineer is responsible for preventing and controlling corrosion in various industries, such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and manufacturing. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of corrosion, cathodic protection, surface engineering, and oilfield corrosion control. The course materials, developed in collaboration with AkzoNobel, will help you understand the science behind corrosion and develop practical solutions to prevent and control it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corrosion Engineer

Corrosion Scientist

The Corrosion Scientist conducts research on the causes and prevention of corrosion. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of corrosion, cathodic protection, surface engineering, and oilfield corrosion control. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to conduct cutting-edge research on corrosion prevention and control.

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Corrosion Consultant

The Corrosion Consultant provides advice on corrosion prevention and control to clients in a variety of industries. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles of corrosion, cathodic protection, surface engineering, and oilfield corrosion control. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to provide expert advice on corrosion prevention and control.

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Materials Scientist

The Materials Scientist researches and develops new materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. This course provides a solid understanding of the properties of materials and how they are affected by corrosion. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and develop new materials that are resistant to corrosion.

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Electrochemical Engineer

The Electrochemical Engineer designs and develops electrochemical systems, such as batteries, fuel cells, and sensors. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of electrochemistry and how they relate to corrosion. The course materials will help you understand the science behind electrochemical corrosion and develop strategies to prevent it.

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Chemical Engineer

The Chemical Engineer designs and operates chemical plants and processes. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect chemical processes. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and operate chemical plants that are resistant to corrosion.

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Mechanical Engineer

The Mechanical Engineer designs and builds machines and structures. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect the performance of machines and structures. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and build machines and structures that are resistant to corrosion.

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Aerospace Engineer

The Aerospace Engineer designs and builds aircraft and spacecraft. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect the performance of aircraft and spacecraft. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and build aircraft and spacecraft that are resistant to corrosion.

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Metallurgical Engineer

The Metallurgical Engineer designs and produces metals and metal alloys. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect the performance of metals and metal alloys. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and produce metals and metal alloys that are resistant to corrosion.

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Mining Engineer

The Mining Engineer designs and operates mines. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect the performance of mines. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and operate mines that are resistant to corrosion.

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Nuclear Engineer

The Nuclear Engineer designs and operates nuclear power plants. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect the performance of nuclear power plants. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and operate nuclear power plants that are resistant to corrosion.

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Marine Engineer

The Marine Engineer designs and builds ships and other marine vessels. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect the performance of ships and other marine vessels. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and build ships and other marine vessels that are resistant to corrosion.

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Civil Engineer

The Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure, such as bridges, buildings, and roads. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect the performance of infrastructure. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and build infrastructure that is resistant to corrosion.

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Petroleum Engineer

The Petroleum Engineer designs and operates oil and gas wells. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect the performance of oil and gas wells. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to design and operate oil and gas wells that are resistant to corrosion.

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Environmental Engineer

The Environmental Engineer protects the environment from pollution. This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of corrosion and how they can affect the environment. The course materials will help you develop the skills needed to protect the environment from corrosion.

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