Nanotechnology and Microsystems – (M.Sc.)

One year (MSc), 9 months (Diploma)

Overview

Nanotechnology refers to the science and engineering of materials and processes which occur around the nanometer length scale. Recent technological and material advances now allow the exploitation of this regime in a wide range of areas from quantum information to smart materials. The Nanotechnology and Microsystems MSc course will produce graduates with up-to-date understanding of the emerging field of nanotechnology as well as an appreciation of the application of such ideas in microsystems. The course is multi-disciplinary and is designed for students with an undergraduate background in physics, chemistry or engineering.
Nanotechnology is inherently multidisciplinary, yet industry struggles to find people who are trained in more than one traditional discipline. This course offers a unique blend of specially selected science and engineering topics including lectures, project and lab work. For this reason, graduates who have taken the Nanotechnology modules are likely to be in high demand in forward-looking companies. Equipped with the wide view provided by our courses graduates would be in a position to exploit on-going developments in nanotechnologies across a range of fields. The relevant industries include pharmaceuticals, energy, opto-electronics, electronics, information technology, chemical and automotive. Furthermore, the modules would also be ideal for the continuing professional development of industrial staff. As with the rest of our degree courses we fully expect this MSc to be accredited by the relevant science and engineering Institutes at the earliest opportunity.
The course aims to provide students with a broad-based and contemporary understanding of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is taken as encompassing the branches of nano-science and their various applications. Specifically, the course aims to:

* Provide an introduction and working knowledge of nanotechnology
* Impart detailed knowledge and understanding at the post-graduate/advanced undergraduate level in the key areas of nanophysics and nanochemistry
* Instruct students in the emerging field of nanophotonics, the manipulation of light on a nanometre length scale
* To understand and gain skills in the interface between nanosystems and Microsystems focussing on micro-opto-mechanical systems, bio-MEMS and modelling
* Acquire hands on skills in nanotechnology through carrying out a research project in one of the areas of nanotechnology
* To communicate results and new knowledge through a dissertation and a scientific talk to peers
* To provide students with understanding of the challenges, risks and key issues in exploiting commercially new advances in nanotechnology