Master of Science (MSc) in NanoMaterials for NanoEngineering
This new Masters course took its first students in September 2006 and is one of three Msc courses in nanotechnology offered jointly by the University of Sheffield and the University of Leeds. The course is provided in response to world-wide increasing demand for training in aspects of nanotechnology which are generic and which benefit a wide spectrum of applications. The combination of expertise from Engineering Departments, Science Departments and Materials Chemistry, combined with one course module on bio-nanotechnology gives this new course a unique flavour and allows the students to gain a distinctive qualification in their topical specialisation for a wide range of employment markets.
What does the course provide?
Students will receive a thorough foundation in nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles or nanopatterned surfaces, accompanied by an introduction to methods of nanostructuring along with the physical/chemical characterisation techniques necessary to assess and quantify the structures.
Nanomaterials:
- Materials made of nanophases, the microstructure of materials with nanoscale grains and internal particles, including the special properties associated with “nano-scaling” of particle size.
- Nanoparticles (semiconducting and oxides, metallic and magnetic particles, fullerenes, quantum dots).
- Nanotubes (carbon and non-carbon and composites), nanowires (metallic and semiconducting) and nanotips, including probes.
- Nanopatterned surfaces, nanomagnetic arrays, multilayered structures.
- Nanoscale porous materials and nanocomposites made from them, such as silica, alumina, zeolithes and others.
- Ferroelectric, photonic and magnetic thin films.
- Biological nanostructures, subcellular matter, biomimetic nanomaterials, DNA controlled assembly of structures.
Nanostructuring and Nanometrology:
- Electron microscopy, scanning probe techniques, focused ion beam nanopatterning, electron lithography, self-assembly technology, surface engineering, tomography.
- Nanomechanical testing (nanoindentation, nanoscale wear and scratch tests, nano-bending and fracture tests). Force measurements on inorganic and biological matter.
- MEMS/NEMS device testing.
Fields of Applications:
Examples of applications of the above mentioned nanomaterials and nanostructures in both academic research and industry, range from catalysis, field-emission technology for displays and radiation sources, future computing devices, chip technology and information storage, to drug delivery devices, cosmetical products, and improved structural materials such as for aerospace technology.
Course Organisation and Structure.
Students will attend 8 taught modules, divided equally across two semesters, and gain a total of 120 credits, complemented by an extensive research project of 60 credits. THe modules are divided equally between the two Universities. The timetable is arranged such that students spend alternate days at the two Universities.
Science or Engineering Project:
Students will be able to choose from a large list of projects in both Sheffield and Leeds working in research fields of NanoMaterials, NanoEngineering or related subjects. The project plays a major role in this course and will allow the student to demonstrate the ability to complete an extensive topic of research within a given time, inclusive of literature search and a concise and detailed report.
Want to Know More?
Dedicated webpages about this course and the framework of NanoMsc courses are available at:
http://www.nanoscience.sheffield.ac.uk/index.php
Enquiries
Should be directed in the first instance to:
Mrs Julie Milner
Tel: +44 (0)114 2223514
email: j.milner@sheffield.ac.uk
For further informal enquiries please contact the MSc coordinator for this course,
email: Dr Guenter Moebus
or the overall NanoMsc courses coordinator,
email: Dr Mark Geoghegan
or
email: Postgraduate Taught Admissions Tutor