- UCAS course code
- J500
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Materials Science and Engineering
Material scientists tackle some of the planet's greatest challenges and help shape the future of our world.
Duration: 3 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: J500 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: BBB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 35 points overall with 6,6,5 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Nanotechnology
| Unit code | MATS32702 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 6 |
| Teaching period(s) | Summer semester |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This unit looks at the properties, production and application of low dimensional materials
Aims
The unit aims to:
- Demonstrate the importance of control of structure on the nanoscale in bioinspired nanomaterials and device nanotechnology;
- Understand low dimensional materials, including the concept of dimensionality and its effect on a material’s properties illustrated by examples of common nanomaterials and their applications;
- Explain the concepts of top-down and bottom-up production of nanomaterials, with detailed illustrations of synthesis routes with a focus on subsequent applications.
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge and understanding
- Intellectual skills
- Practical skills
- Transferable skills and personal qualities
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, group tutorials (problem sessions), recommended textbooks, web resources, past exam papers, poster presentation, electronic supporting information (Blackboard).
Knowledge and understanding
a) Describe how a material's properties change as its dimensions are reduced to the nanoscale.
b) Demonstrate how self-assembly can be directed and explain how biology controls crystallisation.
c) Explain how different nanomaterials may be arranged to form functional devices e.g. transistors and LEDs.
d) Describe and choose appropriate nanomaterial production methods (e.g. PVD, CVD, FIB, exfoliation etc.) for a given application.
e) Demonstrate an awareness of the socio-economic implications of low dimensional materials.
f) Understand that length scale, morphology and functional group chemistry may change toxicity of materials and consider environmental impact of nanomaterials.
Intellectual skills
a) Explain how biology matches crystal form to function at the nanoscale, and understand the role of proteins in controlling biomineralisation pathways.
b) Give descriptive examples of nanotechnology applications, including routes to making such materials for these devices as well as characterisation and testing.
Practical skills
a) Perform simple calculations and statistical analysis to process data and quantify variables, errors etc.
b) Solve problems relating to the application of nanomaterials.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
a) Apply knowledge gained to critically assess a research paper and present this in the form of a poster.
b) Work effectively in a group to solve problems.
c) Solve problems utilising appropriate methods.
d) Communicate reliably and effectively.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 70% |
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 10% |
| Set exercise | 20% |
Feedback methods
Written and verbal.
Recommended reading
- Textbook of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, B.S Murty, Springer, ISBN: 978-3-642-28030-6
- Handbook of Nanomaterials Properties, B. Bhushan, Springer, ISBN: 978-3-642-31107-9
- RL Johnston: Atomic and Molecular Clusters, Taylor and Francis , London, 2002 ISBN 0748409319
- James J. De Yoreo et al Principles of Crystal Nucleation and Growth; DOI: 10.2113/0540057
- Chem Rev special issue on Biomineralisation; http://pubs.acs.org/toc/chreay/108/11
- Nanotechnology: Priciples and Practices: S. K. Kulkarni. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-09171-6
- “Nanochemistry: A Chemical Approach to Nanomaterials”, G.A. Ozinand A. Arsenault, Taylor and Francis
- Self-assembly and transformation of hybrid nano-objects and nanostructures under equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. Stephen Mann, Nature Materials , 2009.
- Selection of scientific articles available on Blackboard
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 70 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Mark Bissett | Unit coordinator |