Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Nanoscience studies phenomena and manipulation at the atomic and molecular scale (nanometers: i.e., one billionth of a meter). Important properties such as the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties are determined by the way molecules and atoms assemble on the nanoscale into larger structures.

Nanotechnology is the application of this science in new nanomaterials and nano concepts for new components, systems, and products. Therefore, nanotechnology will provide us with the ability to design custom-made materials with any property we require.

These newborn scientific disciplines are situated at the interface of physics, chemistry, material science, microelectronics, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Control of these disciplines therefore requires an academic and multidisciplinary scientific education.

In the Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, you will learn the basics of physics, biology, and chemistry at the nanometer scale, topped with courses on technology and engineering to ensure practical know-how. The programme fits into the growing worldwide convergence between these different basic sciences, and between science, technology, and engineering sciences in general.

By the end of the programme the student will possess:

* a thorough knowledge of the fundamental structures at the level of physical, biological and chemical systems in terms of their molecular and atomic characteristics;
* an understanding of the formation of complex macro systems which are unique in their operations and possessing new functionalities;
* a thorough knowledge of mathematics, materials science and electronics;
* proficiency in translating this knowledge into useful technological applications;
* extensive analytic and synthetic problem-solving capacities;
* sufficient scientific background to undertake research;
* leadership and management capacities as a result of skills in communicating knowledge, social capacities and an understanding of the ethical, social and economic context;
* the ability to assimilate new concepts, methodologies and research results in the discipline and apply them in research or a business setting;
* the ability to critically view the engineer's role in society.

The objective of the programme Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology is to provide top-quality University multidisciplinary education in nano-science as well as in the use of nano-technologies for systems and sensors at the macro-scale. Ethical and societal aspects with respect to the use of nano-science and nano-materials are also part of this curriculum. Courses are taught in English.

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology is a newborn discipline, that responds to the demand of a multi-disciplinary scientific education of academic level. The Master program teaches the basics of physics, biology and chemistry at the nanometer scale, and tops this with courses on technology and engineering to ensure know-how of practical implementations. This educational program will produce the scientists and engineers for the booming economy of nanosciences.

Career prospects

In the coming decades, nanoscience and nanotechnology will undoubtedly become the driving force for a new set of products, systems, and applications. They are even expected to become the basis for a new industrial revolution.

Within a few years, nanoscience applications are expected to impact virtually every technological sector and ultimately many aspects of our daily life. In the coming five-to-ten years, many new products and companies will emerge based on nanotechnology and nanosciences. These new products will stem from the knowledge developed at the interface of the various scientific disciplines offered in this master’s programme.

As a result, the students who graduate as masters of nanosciences and nanotechnology will be joining companies developing these new technologies. The graduates will be able to go into R&D as well as industry. In the coming years, there will be a strong need for scientists and engineers whose expertise is precisely at the interface of these various disciplines, and these engineers will end up in jobs directly aligned to the education offered in this master’s programme. You will be employed by companies in the electronics sector, new and smart material industry, chemical technology, and biotechnology companies. As a graduate of the programme, you will have an ideal background to become the interface between experts in all these disciplines and you will be able to use your broad perspective of nanotechnology to develop and create new products or even start up completely new companies. With your basic education, you will also end up in R&D (research & development), product design, or product development, or you will have the capability to become an independent consultant.