Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Nanoscience and Technology is an interdisciplinary program offered by the School of Chemistry and the School of Physics in the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies. Units of study in this program are available at Normal and Advanced level.

About the program

A program in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology draws on the strengths of all the basic sciences, including chemistry, physics, maths and life sciences, and will demonstrate how this disciplinary knowledge can be translated into technological applications in materials science and engineering. This reflects the highly interdisciplinary nature of nanoscience and nanotechnology and is highly recommended for anyone wishing to undertake a research project with The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano).

Nanoscience and Technology is designed for students interested in understanding the emerging science of working and building at and near the molecular level. It incorporates study of the fundamental sciences in order to understand the structure of matter, as well as technological elements of the mechanical properties of materials. Students undertaking this program are strongly encouraged to take suitable units from the Faculty of Engineering in combination with physics and chemistry.

A student seeking to complete this program should study physics and/or chemistry and/or engineering in their 1000-level and 2000-level years together with some mathematics. In the 3000-level year it is possible to focus on two of the three discipline areas, or to continue studying elements of all three. This program may also be seen as a complement to a traditional major in chemistry or physics. Refer to Table A for an enrolment guide. Engineering units are described in the engineering handbook.

Requirements for completion

The Nanoscience and Nanotechnology program requires 108 credit points, consisting of:

(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 12 credit points of 4000-level core units
(iv) 12 credit points of 4000-level selective units
(v) 12 credit points of 4000-level project units
(vi) A 48 credit point major in Chemistry or Physics

First year

Core for Program: MATH1021/1921/1931, MATH1023/1923/1933, MATH1002/1902 and MATH1005/1905

Students also complete units towards a Chemistry or Physics major:
Core for Chemistry major: 12 credit points of 1000-level Chemistry
Core for Physics major: 12 credit points of 1000-level Physics

Note: Recommended second majors include physics, or chemistry, or a Table S major in one of the fifteen available Engineering majors: e.g. materials, electrical, chemical & biomolecular, environmental, mechanical, power, telecommunications.

Second year

Core for Program: MATH2021/2921 and NANO2002

Third year

Students complete units towards their Major 1 and Major 2 and/or electives. Students must take at least one designated project unit counting towards each major.

Fourth year

The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.

Advanced Coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000 level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.

Honours
Requirements for Honours in the area of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: completion of 24 credit points of project work and 24 credit points of coursework.

Note: Honours with 24cp Project and 24cp 4000-level coursework would require Major 2 to be completed within 3 years.

NANO4001, NANO4002, NANO4003, NANO4004 and 12 credit points from a selection of: AMME4XX1, AMME4XX2, AMME4XX3, CHNG4XXX, ELEC4XXX, PHYS4XXX.

Honours units of study will be available in 2020.

Contact and further information

The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano)
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Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from Nanoscience and Nanotechnology will be able to:

1. Gain a comprehensive understanding, in both depth and breadth, of nano-scale phenomena and be able to explain, with a few key examples, how and why properties of materials and systems at the nano-scale differ from those on ordinary, macro (and even micro) scales
2. Describe in depth one or two examples of nanotechnologies used in industry
3. Develop an appreciation of the importance of integrating knowledge and skills from multiple discipline bases
4. Gain a basic understanding of top-down nanofabrication and relevant lithographic techniques and capabilities
5. Gain a basic understanding of bottom-up synthesis and self-assembly techniques and capabilities
6. Gain skills in nanoscale characterization techniques and capabilities such as electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.