Masters Degrees (Nanotechnology)

Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Nanoscience to Nanotechnology at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

The Master's course in Nanoscience to Nanotechnology utilises facilities that include a state-of-the-art nanotechnology laboratory suite (500m2) housing cutting-edge fabrication and characterisation facilities.

Key Features of MSc in Nanoscience to Nanotechnology

The growth of nanotechnology is one of the most exciting developments in science and engineering in recent years. Much of the research in this field is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing expertise from different areas across the life science, physical science and engineering disciplines.

The MSc Nanoscience to Nanotechnology course covers the techniques necessary for scientific investigation at these very small dimensions, and the very latest research developments in this rapidly evolving area.

As a student on the MSc Nanoscience to Nanotechnology course, you be able to comprehend the fundamental principles of physics and engineering, which have consequences for nanotechnology, and to gain an understanding of how the general concepts of scientific research are transferred to engineering applications and products.

This MSc Nanoscience to Nanotechnology course will also enable you to apply appropriate techniques for designing, imaging and evaluating nanostructures, whilst gaining a knowledge of mathematic models and their application within a research project through interpreting quantitative and qualitative data.

As a student on the MSc Nanoscience to Nanotechnology course, you will cover a broad range of subject areas, from the latest semiconductor fabrication technology through to biological and medical applications, with the emphasis throughout on characterisation and control of materials on the nanoscale.

Modules

Modules on the Nanoscience to Nanotechnology course may include:

Colloid and Interface Science

Communication Skills for Research Engineers

Wide Band-gap Electronics

Research Dissertation

Strategic Project Planning

Probing at the Nanoscale

Soft Nanotechnology

Nanoscale Simulation

Nanoscale Structures and Devices

Bio-nanotechnology

Principles of Nanomedicine

Micro and Nano Electro-Mechanical Systems

Nanoscience to Nanotechnology Course Structure

The MSc inNanoscience to Nanotechnology is modular in structure. Students must obtain a total of 180 credits to qualify for the degree. This is made up of 120 credits in the taught element (Part One) and a project (Part Two) that is worth 60 credits and culminates in a written dissertation. Students must successfully complete Part One before being allowed to progress to Part Two.

Part-time Delivery mode

The part-time scheme is a version of the full-time equivalent MSc in Nanoscience to Nanotechnology scheme, and as such it means lectures are spread right across each week and you may have lectures across every day. Due to this timetabling format, the College advises that the scheme is likely to suit individuals who are looking to combine this with other commitments (typically family/caring) and who are looking for a less than full-time study option.

Those candidates seeking to combine the part-time option with full-time work are unlikely to find the timetable suitable, unless their job is extremely flexible and local to the Bay Campus.

Timetables for the Nanoscience to Nanotechnology programme are typically available one week prior to each semester.

Links with Industry

Work within the Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre places a strong emphasis on the development of applications-driven research and the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the work place or health centre. Interaction with industry is therefore a key component of the Centre’s strategy and we have collaborated with major multinational companies such as Agilent, Boots and Sharp, as well as a number of smaller Welsh-based companies.

Careers

As a student on the MSc Nanoscience to Nanotechnology course, you will be provided with the qualities needed for employment in technology or higher research degrees requiring the exercise of initiatives, specialist knowledge, personal responsibility and decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts.

This MSc Nanoscience to Nanotechnology course is suitable for those who want to develop an understanding of the techniques available to fabricate and investigate nanoscale structures, and develop arguments and make judgements based on fundamental concepts of nanoscale engineering.

Facilities

The new home of the Nanoscience to Nanotechnology course is at the innovative Bay Campus provides some of the best university facilities in the UK, in an outstanding location.

Research

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 ranks Engineering at Swansea as 10th in the UK for the combined score in research quality across the Engineering disciplines.

The REF assesses the quality of research in the UK Higher Education sector, assuring us of the standards we strive for.

World-Leading Research

The REF shows that 94% of research produced by our academic staff is of World-Leading (4*) or Internationally Excellent (3*) quality. This has increased from 73% in the 2008 RAE.

Research pioneered at the College of Engineering harnesses the expertise of academic staff within the department. This ground-breaking multidisciplinary research informs our world-class teaching with several of our staff leaders in their fields.

Student Quote

"I found that the MSc in Nanotechnology covered a broad range of topics. This really opened my mind to the potential possibilities of the field and to consider future careers in areas that I had not previously thought of. This course has allowed me to find the right area of research to continue to a PhD."

Chris Barnett, MSc Nanoscience to Nanotechnology

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The University of Oxford’s online Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology is an online course aimed at professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds who wish to learn more about the foundations of nanotechnology, technological advances and the applications enabled by nanotechnology. There are opportunities to access cutting-edge research and current practice in a wide range of nanotechnology topics.

The course provides relevant, meaningful and up-to-date learning to enhance career development that is recognised and accepted within industry. A modular structure allows a flexible approach to learning and each module may be taken as an individual short course. The tutor-led approach lends cohesion to the distance learning experience which is tailored for busy people in full-time employment who wish to minimise time away from the workplace to study.

Applications for October 2016 are now being accepted. In the meantime you may be interested in applying for one of the modules from the Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology as a short course.

Nanotechnology is the production and application of devices and systems at the nanometre scale, which is of the order of one billionth of a meter. Developments in this area of technology are now coming to fruition, and increasingly impacting our daily lives. However, it is recognised that there is a need for more people to understand the basics about this technology.

The University of Oxford's online Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology offers a nine-month introduction to the subject. The course is taken part-time and online meaning that it can be taken from anywhere in the world by those seeking a solid foundation in nanotechnology, whilst having the option of working full-time. The course uses a blend of individual study of online learning materials, together with group work during live online tutorials, discussions and research. The group sessions with tutors are particularly valuable because they offer highly authentic learning and assessment opportunities.

Visit the website https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/postgraduate-certificate-in-nanotechnology

Features

Students study the Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology over three modules that introduce the most commonly used and most important analytical, quantitative and experimental methods in nanotechnology. The course has the following features:

- An online, part-time University of Oxford qualification aimed at industry;

- Three modules giving a thorough introduction to nanotechnology and the behaviour and characterisation of nanoparticles;

- The course is taken part-time so students can complete it whilst continuing to work full-time;

- The course is taught online and can be taken from anywhere in the world;

- Tutors provide online support and replicate electronically the famed Oxford tutorial system;

- Assessment throughout the modules ensures that students can monitor their progress;

- The course has a dedicated Course Director and administration team accustomed to supporting students undertaking distance learning courses;

- Students have access to staff at the University of Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park, particularly the Course Director, Dr Christiane Norenberg;

- Throughout the course, students can use the University of Oxford’s excellent electronic library resources to enable them to complete the assignment tasks.

Who is it for?

The Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology is a part-time, online course leading to a postgraduate qualification at the University of Oxford. The course is designed for students wishing to study part-time. It will appeal to those working in the commercial or healthcare sectors, who use, or expect to use, nanotechnology in their work. Previous students include electrical engineers, materials scientists, project managers, patent agents, chemists, medical practitioners, plastic surgeons and food technologists as well as those involved in manufacturing, research and legislation.

Programme details

The Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology begins in October and runs for nine months. Students take three online nanotechnology modules. At the end of the third module, students are required to attend a residential weekend in nanoscale materials characterisation based in Oxford. This takes place at the University of Oxford's Begbroke Science Park in July 2017.

The content of each module contains up-to-the-minute thinking and reflects the University of Oxford's world-leading research in nanotechnology. Each module has a different focus:

- Module 1: The Wider Context of Nanotechnology (24 October - 4 December 2016) looks at the current state of the technology and addresses its implications;

- Module 2: The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology (9 January - 18 March 2017) explains the physical and mathematical foundations of nanoscale phenomena and properties of nanoscale materials;

- Module 3: Fundamental Characterisation for Nanotechnology (24 April - 2 July 2017) explores methods for investigating nanoparticles, thin films and nanostructures.

Each module lasts for 7 or 10 weeks corresponding approximately to the University of Oxford's term calendar. Within each module, there are weekly live online tutorials lasting for one hour as well as assignments and problem sheets. Most students should expect to spend an average of between 10 and 15 hours per week on independent study in addition to the timetabled tutorials.

Course aims

By the end of the Postgraduate Certificate students will be expected to:

- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the physical principles, mathematical methods and techniques appropriate for solving nanotechnology problems and be able to apply them to industrial problems through a critical comprehension of the relative advantages and disadvantages of these methods;

- Demonstrate an understanding of some of the most common applications of nanoscale phenomena and how these relate to the solution of nanotechnology problems in industry;

- Manage their learning and research and conduct independent and effective study;

- Apply skills gained in analytical techniques from across the physical sciences.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford

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What's the Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering all about? 

Nanoscience is the study of phenomena and manipulation on the atomic and molecular scales (nanometers: i.e., one billionth of a meter). Important material properties such as the electrical, optical and mechanical are determined by the way molecules and atoms assemble into larger structures on the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is the application of this science in new nanomaterials and nano-concepts to create new components, systems and products. Nanotechnology is the key to unlocking the ability to design custom-made materials which possess any property we require. These newborn scientific disciplines are situated at the interface of physics, chemistry, material science, microelectronics, biochemistry and biotechnology. Consequently, control of the discipline requires an academic and multidisciplinary scientific education.

In the Master of Science in Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering, you will learn the basics of physics, biology and chemistry on the nanometer scale; these courses will be complemented by courses in technology and engineering to ensure practical know-how. The programme is strongly research oriented, and is largely based on the research of centres like imec (Interuniversity Microelectronics Center), the Leuven Nanocenter and INPAC (Institute for Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry) at the Faculty of Science, all global research leaders in nanoscience, nanotechnology and nanoengineering. In your Master’s thesis, you will have the opportunity to work in the exciting research programmes of these institutes.

The objective of the Master of Science in Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nano engineering is to provide top quality multidisciplinary tertiary education in nanoscience as well as in the use of nanotechnologies for systems and sensors on the macro-scale.

Structure

Students follow a set of introductory courses to give them a common starting basis, a compulsory common block of core programme courses to give them the necessary multidisciplinary background of nanoscience, nanotechnology and nanoengineering, and a selection of programme courses to provide some non-technical skills. The students also select their specialisation option for which they choose a set of compulsory specific programme courses, a number of elective broadening programme courses and do their Master’s thesis research project.

1. The fundamental courses (max 15 credits, 6 courses) introduce the students to relevant disciplines in which they have had no or little training during their Bachelor’s education. These are necessary in order to prepare students from different backgrounds for the core programme courses and the specialisation programme courses of the Master’s.
2. The general interest courses (9-12 credits) are imparting non-technical skills to the students in domains such as management, economics, languages, quality management, ethics, psychology, etc.
3. The core courses (39 credits, 8 courses) contain first of all 6 compulsory courses focusing on the thorough basic education within the main disciplines of the Master’s: nanophysics, nanochemistry, nanoelectronics and nanobiochemistry. These core programme courses deliver the basic competences (knowledge, skills and attitudes) to prepare the students for their specialisation in one of the subdisciplines of the Master. Next all students also have to follow one out of two available practical courses where they learn to carry out some practical experimental work, which takes place in small teams. Also part of the core courses is the Lecture Series on Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering, which is a series of seminars (14-18 per year) on various topics related to nanoscience, nanotechnology and nanoengineering, given by national and international guest speakers.
4. The specific courses (21 credits) are compulsory programme courses of the specialisation option. These programme courses are deepening the student’s competences in one of the specialising disciplines of the Master’s programme and prepare them also for the thesis work.
5. The broadening courses (9-27 credits) allow the students to choose additional progamme courses, either from their own or from the other options of the Master’s, which allow them to broaden their scope beyond the chosen specialisation. They can also choose to do an industrial internship on a nanoscience, nanotechnology or nanoengineering related topic at a nanotechnology company or research institute.
6. The Master’s thesis (24 credits) is intended to bring the students in close and active contact with a multidisciplinary research environment. The student is assigned a relevant research project and work in close collaboration with PhD students, postdocs and professors. The research project is spread over the two semesters of the second Master’s year, and is finalised with a written Master’s thesis report, a publishable summary paper and a public presentation.

 You can also follow a similar programme in the frame of an interuniversity programme, the Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Career perspectives

In the coming decades, nanoscience and nanotechnology will undoubtedly become the driving force for a new set of products, systems, and applications. These disciplines are even expected to form 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.

Thus, graduates will find a wealth of career opportunities in the sectors and industries developing these new technologies: electronics, new and smart materials, chemical technology, biotechnology, R&D, independent consultancies and more. Graduates have an ideal background to become the invaluable interface between these areas and will be able to apply their broad perspective on nanoscience and nanotechnology to the development and creation of new products and even new companies.

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This MSc is designed for graduates from the physical sciences and relevant engineering disciplines who wish to develop skills in this new and exciting area. Nanotechnology is rapidly establishing itself as a key technology, in industries ranging from microelectronics to healthcare, with a consequent demand for appropriately trained graduates.

Degree information

The programme introduces students to and provides training in the skills essential for almost all fields of nanotechnology research, including key laboratory skills and techniques in planning, building devices, analysis, and results comparison. The core lecture programme covers essential topics in physics, electrical and electronic engineering, and biology.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (75 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research project (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) is offered. The diploma consists of six core modules (75 credits) and three optional modules (45 credits).

Core modules
-Physical Science for Nanotechnology
-Nanoscale Processing and Characterisation for Advanced Devices
-Instrumentation and Physical Techniques in the Life Sciences
-Experimental Techniques for Nanotechnology
-Nanotechnology and Society
-Nanoelectronic Devices

Optional modules
-Quantum Computation and Communication
-Order and Excitations in Condensed Matter
-Molecular Biophysics
-Molecular Physics
-Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practise
-Plastic and Molecular Electronics
-Physics and Optics of Nano-Structures
-Nanotechnology in Healthcare
-Innovation Practices

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an extensive research project on an experimental or theoretical topic which is assessed through two interim reports, dissertation and oral examination.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, laboratory classes, tutorials and seminars. Student performance is assessed through coursework, laboratory notebooks, case studies, written examination, a dissertation, and written and oral presentations.

Careers

Recent graduates have gone on to work as engineers for companies including EDF Energy and Intel, as analysts and consultants for firms including Standard Bank PLC and DN Capital, or to undertake PhD study at the Universities of Oxford, Bath and Glasgow.

Employability
This MSc programme provides a broad and comprehensive coverage of the technological and scientific foundations of nanotechnology, from the basis of the fabrication of nanostructures for advanced device applications, to fundamental quantum information and molecular biophysics, from nanotechnology in life science to nanotechnology in healthcare, and from experimental technology to theoretical modelling. Nanotechnology MSc graduates are expertly equipped either to pursue PhD study or become consultants or engineers in a wide range of nanotechnology fields.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) is a new UK-based multidisciplinary enterprise operating at the forefront of science and technology.

Forming a bridge between the physical and biomedical sciences, it brings together two of the world's leading institutions in nanotechnology, UCL (University College London) and Imperial College London.

The centre aims to provide leading-edge training in nanotechnology and students on this programme benefit from excellent new facilities, including a £14 million research building furnished with state-of-the art equipment, and a £1million teaching facility in UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

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Oxford’s new MSc in Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care builds on the world-leading research in nanomedicine at the University’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and other departments in the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division and Medical Sciences Division. This advanced modular course is delivered by leading scientists and experts in this rapidly developing field and has been specifically designed for those who would value a part-time modular learning structure, for example those in full-time employment, both in the UK and overseas.

The MSc is designed to be completed part-time, normally over a two- to three-year period, and so provides a path to career development that is flexible and recognised within academia and industry. The programme comprises three online modules exploring the fundamentals of science and materials characterisation at the nanoscale, three intensive five-day face-to-face modules describing the clinical and commercial application of such science, and a piece of original lab-based research leading to the submission of a dissertation. This modular structure provides an adaptable approach to learning, and each module may also be taken as an individual short course.

There are opportunities to access and learn about cutting-edge research and current practice in a wide range of nanotechnology and healthcare topics from experts with experience of taking nanotechnologies from basic concept through clinical validation to market realisation. The tutor-led approach lends cohesion to the modular experience which is tailored for busy people in full-time employment who wish to minimise time away from the workplace to study.

Visit the website https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/msc-in-nanotechnology-for-medicine-and-health-care

The first deadline for applications is Friday 20 January 2017

If your application is completed by this January deadline and you fulfil the eligibility criteria, you will be automatically considered for a graduate scholarship. For full details please see: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/graduate-scholarships.

Description

Nanotechnology is the production and application of devices and systems at the nanometre scale, which is of the order of one billionth of a metre. Developments in this area of technology are now coming to fruition, and increasingly impacting on our daily lives. In particular, nanotechnology is becoming a crucial driving force behind innovation in medicine and healthcare, with a range of advances including nanoscale therapeutics, biosensors, implantable devices and imaging systems. However, the pace with which this revolution is occurring has left even some of its leading practitioners lacking in aspects of the key fundamental knowledge or the information required to navigate the regulatory and clinical pathway to achieve market realisation.

The University of Oxford's MSc in Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care offers a detailed and cutting-edge education in this subject and builds on the successful Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology, which was launched in 2006. The course is taken part-time as a mixture of online and face-to-face modules, meaning it can fit around the demands of those working full-time and can be studied by international students without the requirement to relocate. The course uses a blend of individual study of learning materials, together with group work during live online tutorials, conventional lectures and discussions and also requires the student to submit a dissertation reporting an original piece of nanomedicine-based research. The group sessions with tutors are particularly valuable because they offer highly focused learning and assessment opportunities.

Programme details

The MSc in Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care is a part-time course consisting of six modules and a research project and associated dissertation. The programme is normally completed in two to three years. Students are full members of the University of Oxford and are matriculated as members of an Oxford college.

The modules in this programme can also be taken as individual short courses. It is possible to transfer credit from up to three previously completed modules into the MSc programme, if the time elapsed between commencement of the accredited module(s) and registration on the MSc is not more than two years.

The course comprises:

- three online modules giving a thorough introduction to the fundamental science of nanotechnology and the behaviour and characterisation of nanoscale materials;

- three five-day modules taught face-to-face in Oxford explaining the scientific, regulatory, clinical and commercial aspects of the application of nanotechnology to medicine and healthcare

- an original research project of approximately 18 weeks to be written up as a dissertation

The course has a dedicated Course Director, Associate Director and administration team accustomed to supporting students undertaking distance learning and face-to-face courses. Students have access to staff at the University of Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, particularly the Course Director, Professor Robert Carlisle and the Associate Course Director, Dr Christiane Norenberg.

Throughout the course, students can use the University of Oxford’s excellent electronic library resources to enable them to complete the assignment tasks.

Programme modules:

- Module 1: The Wider Context of Nanotechnology (online)
- Module 2: The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology (online)
- Module 3: Fundamental Characterisation for Nanotechnology (online with two-day component in Oxford)
- Module 4: Introduction to Bionanotechnology (in Oxford)
- Module 5: Nanomedicine – Science and Applications (in Oxford)
- Module 6: Clinical Translation and Commercialisation of Nanomedicine (in Oxford)

To complete the MSc, students need to attend the six modules and complete the assessed written assignments for each module, and complete a research project with dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor and the Course Director.

Who is it for?

This is a part-time, modular course leading to a postgraduate qualification at the University of Oxford. The course is designed for students wishing to study part-time. It will appeal to those working in the commercial, research or healthcare sectors who use or develop nanotechnology in their work. Applications are welcome from biomedical engineers, materials scientists, biotech-entrepreneurs, medical practitioners, chemists, pharmacists, electrical engineers, project managers in related industries, patent agents, legislators, as well as those involved in commercial or academic research in this area of science.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford

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What’s the Erasmus Mundus Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology all about?

Within the Erasmus Mundus framework, four leading educational institutions in Europe offer a joint Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The partner institutions are:

• KU Leuven, Belgium (Coordinator)
• Chalmers, Tekniska Högskola, Sweden
• Université Grenoble Alpes, France
• Technische Universität Dresden, Germany

The word Nanoscience refers to the study, manipulation and engineering of matter, particles and structures on the nanometer scale (one millionth of a millimeter, the scale of atoms and molecules). Important properties of materials, such as the electrical, optical, thermal and mechanical properties, are determined by the way molecules and atoms assemble on the nanoscale into larger structures. Moreover, on a nanometer scale, structures’ properties are often different then on a macro scale because quantum mechanical effects become important.

Nanotechnology is the application of nanoscience leading to the use of new nanomaterials and nanosize components in useful products. Nanotechnology will eventually provide us with the ability to design custom-made materials and products with new enhanced properties, new nanoelectronic components, new types of ‘smart’ medicines and sensors, and even interfaces between electronics and biological systems.

Structure

In the first stage of the programme all students study at the coordinating institution, where they take a set of fundamental courses (max 12 credits) to give them a common starting basis, general interest courses (6-9 credits), a compulsory common block of core courses (36 credits), and already a profiling block of elective courses (min 6 credits) which prepares them for their specialisation area. In the second stage the students take a compulsory set of specialising courses (15 credits), depending on their chosen specialisation area, combined with a set of elective broadening courses (15 credits), and do their Master’s thesis research project (30 credits). Chalmers offers the second year specialisation options of Nanophysics and Nanoelectronics. TU Dresden offers the options Biophysics and Nanoelectronics, and JFU Grenoble offers the options Nanophysics, Nanochemistry and Nanobiotechnology.

 The programme contains the following educational modules:

1. The fundamental courses (max. 12 credits) introduce the students to relevant disciplines in which they have had no or little training during their Bachelor’s. If a student does not need any or all of the fundamental courses, he/she may use the remaining credits to take more elective courses from the broadening course modules.
2.  The general interest courses (6-9 credits) are imparting non-technical skills to the students, in domains such as management, economics, languages, quality management, ethics, psychology, etc. A Dutch language and culture course is compulsory for all the students.
3.  The core courses (36 credits) contain first of all five compulsory courses focusing on the thorough basic education within the main disciplines of the Master: nanophysics, nanochemistry, nanoelectronics and nanobiochemistry. All students also have to take one out of two available practical courses where they learn to carry out some practical experimental work, which takes places in small teams. Also part of the Core courses is the Lecture Series on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, which is a serie of seminars (14-18 per year) on various topics related to nanoscience and nanotechnology, given by national and international guest speakers.
4. The specific courses (min. 21 credits) are courses of the specialising option aimed to deepen the student’s competences. The students can choose 6-18 credits elective profiling programme units in the first year at the KU Leuven from three course modules. Then in the second year university the students take 15 credits compulsory courses at their second year location on their selected specialisation. They can also choose to do an industrial internship on a nanoscience or nanotechnology related topic at a nanotechnology company or research institute.
5. The broadening courses (15 credits) are courses from the other options of the Master’s programme, which allow the students to broaden their scope beyond the chosen specialisation. Students can choose from a large set of program units offered at the second year university.
6. The Master’s thesis (30 credits) is intended to bring the students in close and active contact with a multidisciplinary research environment. The research project always takes place at the second year partner university and is finalised with a written thesis report and a public presentation. Each Master’s thesis has a promotor from the local university and a promotor from KU Leuven.

 The EMM-Nano programme is truly integrated, with a strong research backbone and an important international scope. The objective of the programme is to provide a top quality multidisciplinary education in nanoscience and nanotechnology. 

Career perspectives

In the coming decades, nanoscience and nanotechnology will undoubtedly become the driving force for a new set of products, systems, and applications. These disciplines are even expected to form 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 the EMM-Nano programme.

Thus, EMM-Nano graduates will find a wealth of career opportunities in the sectors and industries developing these new technologies: electronics, new and smart materials, chemical technology, biotechnology, R&D, independent consultancies and more. Graduates have an ideal background to become the invaluable interface between these areas and will be able to apply their broad perspective on nanoscience and nanotechnology to the development and creation of new products and even new companies.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Nanotechnology (Physics)  at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

The MSc by Research Nanotechnology (Physics) enables students to pursue a one year individual programme of research. The Nanotechnology (Physics) programme would normally terminate after a year. However, under appropriate circumstances, this first year of research can also be used in a progression to Year 2 of a PhD degree.

For MSc by Research in Nanotechnology (Physics) programme you will be guided by internationally leading researchers through an extended one-year individual research project. There is no taught element. The Nanotechnology (Physics) programme has a recommended initial research training module (Science Skills & Research Methods), but otherwise has no taught element and is most suitable for you if you have an existing background in geography or cognate discipline and are looking to pursue a wholly research-based programme of study.

As a student of the MSc by Research in Nanotechnology (Physics) you will be fully integrated into one of our established research groups and participate in research activities such as seminars, workshops, laboratories, and field work.

Key Features

Swansea is a research led University to which the Physics department makes a significant contribution, meaning that as a postgraduate Physics student you will benefit from the knowledge and skills of internationally renowned academics.

The Department received top ratings of 4* and 3* in the 2008 RAE, which classified our research as World-leading or Internationally excellent in terms of its originality, significance and rigour.

Links with Industry

Our two research groups, Particle Physics Theory (PPT) and Atomic, Molecular and Quantum Physics (AMQP), deliver impact with commercial benefits both nationally and internationally, complemented by a public engagement programme with a global reach.

Economic impacts are realised by the Department’s Analytical Laser Spectroscopy Unit (ALSU) which, since 1993, has worked with companies developing products eventually sold to customers in the nuclear power industry and military, both in the UK and overseas, and in the global aerospace industry. Computational particle physics work performed by the PPT group has spun-off a computer benchmarking tool, BSMBench, used by several leading software outfits, and has led to the establishment of a start-up company.

The AMQP group’s work on trapping and investigating antihydrogen has generated great media interest and building on this we have developed a significant and on-going programme of public engagement. Activities include the development of a bespoke software simulator (Hands on Antihydrogen) of the antimatter experiment for school students.

Facilities

As a student of the MSc by Research in Nanotechnology (Physics) in the Department of Physics you will have access to the following Specialist Facilities:

Low-energy positron beam with a high field superconducting magnet for the study of

positronium

CW and pulsed laser systems

Scanning tunnelling electron and nearfield optical microscopes

Raman microscope

CPU parallel cluster

Access to the IBM-built ‘Blue C’ Super computer at Swansea University and is part of the shared use of the teraflop QCDOC facility based in Edinburgh

Research

The Physics Department carries out world-leading research in experimental and theoretical physics.

The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that over 80% of the research outputs from both the experimental and theoretical groups were judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

This MSc by Research in Nanotechnology comes under the Nano-physics and the life sciences research area at Swansea. The fundamental understanding of the electronic, structural, chemical and optical properties of materials on the nano-scale is essential for advances in nanotechnology, in particular the development of new devices via the incorporation of novel materials. Advances in experimental physics underpin these developments via characterisation and quantification of quantum phenomena which dominate at these length scales.

The Nanotechnology research concentrates on two main areas: determining properties of materials (e.g., graphene) on the nano-scale using scanning probe based techniques; the development of imaging and laser based spectroscopic techniques to study biological samples (e.g., imaging of cellular components and bacteria).

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The programme's broad theme is the practical implementation of nanoscience and quantum engineering, nanomaterials and nanotechnology.

The programme covers the fundamentals behind nanotechnology and moves on to discuss its implementation using nanomaterials – such as graphene – and the use of advanced tools of nanotechnology which allow us to see at the nanoscale, before discussing future trends and applications for energy generation and storage.

You will gain specialised, practical skills through an individual research project within our research groups, using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Completion of the programme will provide you with the skills essential to furthering your career in this rapidly emerging field.

The delivery of media content relies on many layers of sophisticated signal engineering that can process images, video, speech and audio – and signal processing is at the heart of all multimedia systems.

Our Mobile Media Communications programme explains the algorithms and intricacies surrounding transmission and delivery of audio and video content. Particular emphasis is given to networking and data compression, in addition to the foundations of pattern recognition.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time students must study at least two taught technical modules per academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and an extended project.

Example module listing

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

• RF and Microwave Fundamentals 
• Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
• RF Systems and Circuit Design 
• Energy Economics and Technology 
• Semiconductor Devices and Optoelectronics 
• Microwave Engineering 
• Nanoelectronics and Devices 
• Advances in Nanophotonics
• Renewable Energy Technology 
• Engineering Professional Studies 1 
• Engineering Professional Studies 2 
• Extended Project

Nanotechnology at Surrey

We are one of the leading institutions developing nanotechnology and the next generation of materials and nanoelectronic devices.

Taught by internationally-recognised experts within the University’s Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), on this programme you will discover the practical implementation of nanoscience and quantum engineering, nanomaterials and nanotechnology.

You will gain specialised skills through an individual research project within our research groups, using state-of- the-art equipment and facilities.

The ATI is a £10 million investment in advanced research and is the flagship institute of the University of Surrey in the area of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. The ATI brings together under one roof the major research activities of the University from the Department of Electronic Engineering and the Department of Physics in the area of nanotechnology and electronic devices.

Technical characteristics of the pathway

The Programme in Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronic Devicesaims to provide a high-quality qualification in the most important aspects of the nanotechnologies, with a particular emphasis on nanoelectronics and nanoelectronic devices.

After an introduction to the basic aspects of quantum physics and nano-engineering relevant to modern nanoelectronics, students can tailor their specific learning experience through study of device-oriented elective modules, as suits their career aspirations.

Key to the Programme is the cross-linking of current research themes in interdisciplinary areas such as photonics and biology, through the use of nanoelectronic devices as the interface at the nanoscale level.

The Programme has strong links to current research in the University's Advanced Technology Institute; this Institute includes academic staff from both the EE and the Physics Departments.

Global opportunities

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Nanotechnology at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

Our world-class Systems and Process Engineering Centre brings together academic expertise from across the University, incorporating state-of-the-art facilities. With our enviable reputation for research in Nanotechnology, Swansea University provides an excellent base for your research as a MSc by Research student in Nanotechnology.

Key Features of MSc by Research in Nanotechnology

At Swansea University, the emphasis of our nanotechnology research is on the development of applications-driven research and the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the workplace or health centre.

Interaction with industry is a key component of the centre’s strategy. We are a world-leader in power electronics, telecommunications, nanotechnology and biometrics and modelling of nanoelectronic devices research.

MSc by Research in Nanotechnology typically lasts one year full-time, two to three years part-time. This is an individual research project written up in a thesis of 30,000 words.

Facilities

The new home of the Nanotechnology programme is at the innovative Bay Campus provides some of the best university facilities in the UK, in an outstanding location.

Links with industry

Nanotechnology research at Swansea University places a strong emphasis on the development of applications-driven research and the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the work place or health centre. Interaction with industry is therefore a key component of the Centre’s strategy and we have collaborated with major multinational companies such as Agilent, Boots and Sharp, as well as a number of smaller Welsh-based companies.

Research

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 ranks Engineering at Swansea as 10th in the UK for the combined score in research quality across the Engineering disciplines.

World-leading research

The REF shows that 94% of research produced by our academic staff is of World-Leading (4*) or Internationally Excellent (3*) quality. This has increased from 73% in the 2008 RAE.

Research pioneered at the College of Engineering harnesses the expertise of academic staff within the department. This ground-breaking multidisciplinary research informs our world-class teaching with several of our staff leaders in their fields.

Highlights of the Engineering results according to the General Engineering Unit of Assessment:

Research Environment at Swansea ranked 2nd in the UK

Research Impact ranked 10th in the UK

Research Power (3*/4* Equivalent staff) ranked 10th in the UK

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The Masters in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology teaches skills desired by modern industry for scientists and engineers doing research, development and production in nanoscience and nanofabrication. This multidisciplinary programme complements backgrounds in electronics, materials science, or physics.

Why this programme

-◾The University of Glasgow is a recognised pioneer in many of the most exciting aspects of nanotechnology, with an international reputation in micro and nanofabrication for applications including nanoelectronics, optoelectronics and bioelectronics.
◾You will have access to the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre (JWNC) cleanrooms and the Kelvin Nanocharacterisation Centre. The JWNC holds a number of world records in nanofabrication including records for the performance of nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices.
◾Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Glasgow is consistently highly ranked recently achieving 1st in Scotland and 4th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2017).
◾This MSc caters to a growing demand for scientists and engineers who can fabricate systems of sensors, actuators, functional materials and who can integrate electronics at the micro and nano scale. As a graduate you will also possess the necessary insights in nanoscience to develop new products using these skills.
◾You will be taught by experts in the field and have access to research seminars given by our international collaborators, many of whom are world leaders in nanoscience.
◾With a 92% overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2015, Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the School of Engineering combines both teaching excellence and a supportive learning environment.

Programme structure

Modes of delivery of the MSc in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in lab, project and team work.

Core courses

◾Electronic devices
◾Introduction to research in nanoscience and nanotechnology
◾Micro- and nano-technology
◾Nanofabrication
◾Research methods and techniques
◾MSc project.

Optional courses

◾Applied optics
◾Cellular biophysics
◾Microwave electronic & optoelectronic devices
◾Microwave and mm wave circuit design
◾Microscopy and optics
◾Nano and atomic scale imaging
◾Semiconductor physics.

Projects

◾The programme builds towards an extended project, which is an integral part of the MSc programme: many projects are linked to industry or related to research in the school. Our contacts with industry and our research collaborations will make this a meaningful and valuable experience, giving you the opportunity to apply your newly learnt skills.
◾To complete the MSc degree you must undertake a project worth 60 credits that will integrate subject knowledge and skills that you acquire during the MSc programme.
◾The project is an important part of your MSc where you can apply your newly learned skills and show to future employers your ability to apply them in industrially relevant problems.
◾MSc projects are associated with Glasgow's James Watt Nanofabrication Centre, one of Europe's premier research cleanrooms. Projects range from basic research into nanofabrication and nanocharacterisation, to development of systems in optoelectronics, microbiology and electronic devices which require such fabrication.
◾You can choose from a list of approximately 30 projects published yearly in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Example projects

Examples of projects can be found online

*Posters shown are for illustrative purposes

Industry links and employability

◾Over 250 international companies have undertaken commercial or collaborative work with the JWNC in the last 5 years and over 90 different universities from around the globe presently have collaborations with Glasgow in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
◾Companies actively recruit from Glasgow and our research in nanosciences, nanofabrication, nanoelectronics, optoelectronics and nanotechnology means you will have access to industry networks.
◾During the programme students have an opportunity to develop and practice relevant professional and transferrable skills, and to meet and learn from employers about working in the nanofabrication industry.

Career prospects

Companies actively recruit from Glasgow and our research in nanosciences, nanofabrication, nanoelectronics, optoelectronics and nanotechnology means you will have access to industry networks.

Former Glasgow graduates in the subject area of nanoscience and nanotechnology are now working for companies including Intel, TSMC, IBM, ST Microelectronics, Freescale, Oxford Instruments Plama Technology, ASM, and Applied Materials.

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Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine are rapidly expanding fields with the potential to revolutionise modern medicine. This cross-disciplinary programme provides students with a robust scientific understanding in these fields, combined with a "hands-on" practical and translational focus.

Degree information

This programme will equip students with a critical understanding of:
-How nanotechnology can be harnessed for the improved detection and treatment of disease.
-The use of stem cells in medicine.
-Tissue engineering strategies for tissue regeneration.
-Improving biomaterials for directing cell behaviour.
-The regulatory, ethical and commercial hurdles for the translation of these emerging technologies.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), one optional module (15 credits) and a research project (90 credits). A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) is offered. The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits) and two optional modules (30 credits).

Core modules
-Nanotechnology in Medicine *
-Applied Tissue Engineering *
-Biomaterials
-Research Methodologies
-Practical Bio-Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine
-*PG Cert - compulsory modules

Optional modules - choose one of the following options; attendance at the other module is possible but will not be assessed.
-Stem Cells in Medicine and their Applications in Surgery
-Translation of Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an extensive laboratory-based (90 credits) research project which culminates in a dissertation of c.15,000 words and an individual viva voce.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, group discussions, practical sessions, and demonstrations. Assessment is through presentations, problem-solving workshops, written practical reports, coursework, unseen written examinations and the dissertation.

Careers

Student career options and progression during and following the completion of the degree are considered to be of the utmost importance. Personal tutors will offer individual advice and seminars are arranged on a variety of career competencies including CV writing, writing research proposals and positive personal presentation.

Networking with world-leading scientists, new biotechnology CEO's and clinicians is encouraged and enabled throughout the programme. Research output in terms of publishing papers and presenting at conferences is also promoted.

Recent career destinations include:
-PhD or Medicine at UCL, Imperial College London and Universities of Oxford and Cambridge
-Clinical PhD training programmes
-NHS hospitals in the UK
-EU and overseas hospitals and research facilities

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Health Careers Program, Harvard University
-PhD Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast
-PhD Bioengineering, Imperial College London
-PhD Nanomedicine, UCL
-DPhil Researcher (Biomedical Sciences), University of Oxford and studying MSc Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, -University College London (UCL)

Employability
Graduates of the programme gain the transferable laboratory, critical and soft skills, such as science communication, necessary to pursue a scientific or clinical research career in the fields of nanomedicine and regenerative medicine.

Why study this degree at UCL?

Based within the world-leading medical research environment of the UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science this MSc retains a clinical focus and addresses real medicine needs. Students learn about the route of translation from research ideas into actual products which can benefit patients.

An in-depth laboratory-based research project is an integral component of the programme: expert support allows students to investigate cutting-edge projects and thereby open up opportunities for further research and publications.

Students are embedded within the vibrant research community of the Faculty of Medical Sciences which provides students - through research seminars, symposia and eminent guest lecturers - outstanding networking opportunities within the research, clinical and translational science communities.

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The Master’s Programme in Micro- & Nanotechnology Enterprise is an exciting opportunity in which world-leading scientists and successful entrepreneurs are brought together to deliver a one-year Master’s degree combining an in-depth multidisciplinary scientific programme with a global perspective on the commercial opportunities and business practice necessary for the successful exploitation in the rapidly developing fields of nanotechnology and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).

The programme is intended for those with a good first degree in the physical sciences and engineering who wish to develop research skills and a commercial awareness in micro- and nanotechnology. It combines cutting-edge science with business practice skills, giving students knowledge and experience of a range of disciplines. This should enable students graduating from the course to evaluate the scientific importance and technological potential of new developments in the field of the field of Micro and Nanotechnology and provides an unparalleled educational experience for entrepreneurs in these fields.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcmmmpmne

Course detail

Students will:

- be able to develop a discipline-specific terminology to describe and discuss relevant aspects of Micro and Nanotechnology, as well as Business;
- be able to develop their scientific writing skills through lab reports, literature survey, project dissertation, and scientific communication skills through oral presentations;
- be able to develop independence and critical thinking, as well as project management skills;
- have the opportunity develop team project skills.

Format

The programme is modular in structure and lasts ten months. It is envisaged that students attend all modules, which consist of no more than 16 hours of lectures per module with additional discussion groups and personal study time. The students will be examined on all core modules and may select which elective modules they are examined on. The modules are taught in the first two terms and will be followed by formal examinations. The modules are drawn from Science and Technology, Business Management and Innovation strands and so cover the many complexities involved in the processes of discovery and exploitation.

Written or oral feedback is provided after completion of assessed course work. In addition students must sit a mock exam at the beginning of the Lent Term; detailed individual feedback is provided by the Course Directors, who are also available for consultation throughout the academic year.

Assessment

A dissertation of not more than 15,000 words in length (including tables, figure legends and appendices, but excluding bibliography) on a major project, involving (i) in-depth scientific research (following a literature survey in the same scientific field), or (ii) an in-depth case study concerned with a topic in science, business, ethics, law or policy (related to the topic covered during the literature survey). The assessment will include a viva voce examination.

No more than eight essays, each of not more than 3,000 words in length, covering the fields of science, ethics, law, and policy, and the interface of micro- and nanoscience and business.

A literature survey report of not more than 5000 words in length on a scientific topic, to be followed by either a major research project in the same field, or a business, ethics, law, or policy-related case study, concerning the scientific topic.

Course work, which may include written work, group work, and class participation.

Two unseen written examination papers, which may cover all core and elective scientific subjects prescribed in the syllabus.

Five practical assessments.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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Mission and Goals

This Master of Science programme is taught entirely in English to stimulate the student in acquiring greater familiarity with the terminology used internationally. The objective of the programme is to prepare a professional figure expert in materials and in the design of processes and manufactured goods. Within the scope of the study plan a number of specific specialisations are foreseen:
- Surface Engineering
- Polymer Engineering
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
- Engineering Applications
- Micromechanical Engineering

See the website http://www.polinternational.polimi.it/educational-offer/laurea-magistrale-equivalent-to-master-of-science-programmes/materials-engineering-and-nanotechnology/

Career Opportunities

The Master of Science graduate in Materials and Nanotechnology Engineering has the ability to devise and manage innovation in the materials industry; he/she finds employment mainly in companies specialised in producing, processing and design various materials and components, as well as in the area of the development of new applications in the mechanical, chemical, electronics, energy, telecommunications, construction, transport, biomedical, environmental and restoration industries as well as in research and development centres of companies and public bodies.

Presentation

See http://www.polinternational.polimi.it/uploads/media/Materials_Engineering_and_Nanotechnology_04.pdf
The Master of science programme aims at preparing specialists with strong technical skills for innovation of processes and applications of new materials and nanotechnologies. One of the major focuses of the MSc is on sustainable technologies and nanotechnologies for advanced applications. The city of Milan and its surroundings are fertile ground for social and technical culture, with a variety of small enterprises open to innovation and new technologies and working in niche fields, where non-traditional materials are key to future developments. The job market welcomes Material Engineers as professionals capable of handling complex problems directly related to the production, treatment and applications of materials, acknowledging the high level of education obtained at the Politecnico di Milano through original methodologies and new technologies.
The programme is taught in English.

Subjects

- Mathematical methods for materials engineering
- Advanced materials chemistry
- Polymer science and engineering
- Principles of polymer chemistry + Fundamentals of polymer mechanics
- Solid state physics
- Mechanical behavior of materials
- Cementitous and ceramic materials engineering
- Advanced Materials
- Functional materials + nanostructured materials
- Durability of materials
- Failure and control of Materials
- Surface engineering
- Thesis work

See the website http://www.polinternational.polimi.it/educational-offer/laurea-magistrale-equivalent-to-master-of-science-programmes/materials-engineering-and-nanotechnology/

For contact information see here http://www.polinternational.polimi.it/educational-offer/laurea-magistrale-equivalent-to-master-of-science-programmes/materials-engineering-and-nanotechnology/

Find out how to apply here http://www.polinternational.polimi.it/how-to-apply/

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Explore how engineering principles can be applied to biological challenges, work with the latest nanoscale applications, and learn about the innovations that are driving the world of nanotechnology.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES

Through the master's degree in the field of bioengineering and nanotechnology you:
-Gain an understanding of emerging biomedical technologies, including microfluidics for cellular analysis, tissue regeneration, and the use of nanomaterial for drug delivery.
-Build experience in experimental or case study design, scientific data analysis, writing and communication, ethical practices, and effective collaboration.
-Develop knowledge in life science theory as it relates to biotechnology.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The degree includes nine courses—at least four taken on campus—and a thesis.
-Get started. You begin by completing three admission courses from the program curriculum. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.
-Apply to the program. While you are completing your third admission course, you may submit your application. We have application periods in the fall, spring, and summer.
-Continue your studies, online and on campus. As you progress through the program, you may choose from courses offered on campus or online, in the fall, spring, or summer. You are required to take at least four courses on campus as part of your degree.
-Complete your thesis. Working with a thesis director, you conduct in-depth research on a topic relevant to your work experience or academic interests, producing publishable quality results. You’ll emerge with a solid understanding of how scientific research is executed and communicated.
-Graduate with your Harvard degree. You participate in the annual Harvard Commencement, receiving your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in extension studies, field: Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.

COST

Affordability is core to our mission. Our 2016–17 graduate tuition is $2,550 per course; the total tuition cost of earning the graduate degree is approximately $25,500.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

The Student Financial Services staff can assist you in identifying funds that will help you meet the costs of your education. You can find more information here: http://www.extension.harvard.edu/tuition-enrollment/financial-aid

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This course teaches numerate graduates knowledge and skills in the field of nanotechnology and microfabrication. The course takes an immersive approach to learning both the principles and practices of nanotechnology and microfabrication with much of the material based around examples and practical exercises. Students completing this course will have a firm grasp of the current practices and directions in this exciting area and will have the knowledge and skills to enable them to design and build microscale devices.

Taught Modules:

Introduction to Nanotechnology & Microsystems: Focuses on the device fabrication techniques at the nano and micro scale, as well as introducing some of the diagnostic tools available to test the quality and characteristics of devices.

Modelling and Design: Focuses on the simulation and design of electronic devices using an advanced software package – COMSOL. This powerful commercial software package is extremely adaptable and can be used to simulate and design a very wide range of physical systems.

Advanced Sensor Systems: Provides students with an understanding of more complex sensor systems and a view of current developments in specific areas of sensor development. Applications of these systems and their main producers and users are also discussed.

Mini Project: Focuses on applying the skills and techniques to a mini project, whose theme will form the basis of the research project.

RF and Optical MEMs: Introduces the use and benefits of miniaturisation in RF and optical technologies. The module will investigate improvements in component characteristics, and manufacturing processes. Applications of RF and optical nano and microsystems will be discussed using examples.

Microengineering: This module provides an introduction to the rapidly expanding subject of microengineering. Starting with a discussion of the benefits and market demand for microengineered systems, the module investigates clean room-based lithographic and related methods of microfabrication. Micro manufacturing issues for a range of materials such as silicon, polymers and metals will be discussed along with routes to larger scale manufacture. A range of example devices and applications will be used to illustrate manufacturing parameters.

Further Microengineering: This module builds on the knowledge of microengineering and microfabrication gained in module IES4003 Microengineering and provides practical microfabrication experience. The module examines a broad range of advanced manufacturing process including techniques suitable for larger scale production, particularly of polymer devices. The module also examines specialist fabrication methods using laser systems and their flexibility in fabricating macroscopic and sub micron structures.

Masters Project Preparation: To place computing and engineering within a business context so that students relate the technical aspects of their work to its commercial and social dimensions and are able to prepare project plans which take into account the constraints and limitations imposed by non-technical factors.



Research Project
After the successful completions of the taught component of the MSc programme, the major individual project will be undertaken within the world-leading optoelectronics or optical communications research groups of the School. Students will then produce an MSc Dissertation.

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