Microsystems and Nanotechnology – (M.Sc.)

Suitable for graduates from science, engineering and related disciplines who are keen to develop skills and knowledge at the cutting edge of micro engineering. The part-time option will allow practitioners to extend their professional development within their current employment.

Takes you on to careers in the developing microsystems and nanotechnology-based industries as well as more traditional industries requiring skills related to those taught, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, healthcare and precision engineering.

You will be taught by a wide range of experts from the academic staff at Cranfield and from outside the University, including experienced practitioners from industry. Most of the academics have established international reputations for their work on industrially relevant R&D programmes, which is regularly published at major conferences and in leading journals.

Course description

Nanotechnology is moving from the realm of science fiction into manufacturing reality. Many large organisations such as Unilever and QinetiQ see the value of integrating miniature and nanosystems.

This course provides students with a thorough grounding in the skills necessary for a technical-based career in new high tech industries coupled with skills in general and technology management. It covers technologies used to design, realise and analyse micro and nano-scale devices, materials and systems. Examples include 3D micromanufacture, sensors and actuators and microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS). This, supported by project work, ensures graduates emerge trained in a wide range of technical and management skills, and have a critical appreciation of the relevance of the subject to industrial needs.

Students benefit from extensive state-of-the-art analytical facilities, and 100m2 of clean-room space dedicated to the fabrication of microsystems devices which are equipped with a wide range of thin film deposition, photolithographic and test facilities.

The course comprises eight assessed modules, a group project, and an individual project. Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete the eight modules and the group project.

Group project

The group project experience is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. They provide students with the opportunity to complete an industrial problem while working under academic supervision. Success is dependent on the integration of various activities and working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. Part-time students can prepare a thesis on an agreed topic in place of the group project.

Individual project

The individual project is either based within a company or a relevant research area within Cranfield University. It provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research, think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome genuine problems.

Modules:

The modules include lectures and tutorials and are assessed through written examinations and assignments. These modules provide the tools required for the group and individual projects.

* Foundation in Materials for MSN
* Functional Materials
* General Management
* Microsystems Technology 1
* Microsystems Technology 2
* Microsystems Design
* Nanotechnology 1
* Nanotechnology 2.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining(IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status.