Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 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 Nanotechnology 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 complete a major either in physics or chemistry. The second compulsory major is of the student's choice, and can be in engineering (for engineering students). The core units of the program at the 1000-level and 2000-level are mathematics units, and at the 2000-level there is a core unit, Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NANO2002). In the 3000-level, students focus on units which are part of their chosen majors. In the 4th year, students must complete two core units (NANO4001 and NANO4002 to be developed for offering in 2021), selective units and a program-related project. For Honours students, the 4000-level includes an Honours project. This program may be seen as a complement to a traditional major in chemistry of physics. Refer to Table A for an enrolment guide.

Requirements for completion

The Nanoscience and Nanotechnology program requirements are listed in the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology unit of study table.

Contact and further information

The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano)
E

T +61 2 9036 9050

Associate Professor Stefano Palomba
E
T +61 2 9351 5304

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Exhibit a broad and coherent knowledge of nanoscale phenomena and describe how and why materials and systems at the nanoscale differ from those at macro- and micro-scales.
2. Integrate a deep and comprehensive understanding of nanoscale phenomena and material properties with core principles and concepts in chemistry, physics, engineering and mathematics.
3. Exhibit integrated knowledge in the structure of matter at the nanoscale and the technological elements of the physical, chemical and bio-related properties of materials.
4. Source, collate, synthesise and critically evaluate information from a range of sources in nanoscience and nanotechnology.
5. Perform nanoscale characterisation techniques and capabilities such as electron microscopy, optical microscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy and atomic force microscopy, safely in the laboratory.
6. Communicate concepts and findings in nanoscience and nanotechnology through a range of modes to a variety of audiences, using evidence-based arguments that are robust to critique.
7. Articulate the relevance of nanoscale investigations and their findings to the local and global community.
8. Build nanomaterials using nanofabrication techniques, including top-down and bottom-up approaches.
9. Create and develop new ideas in nanoscience and nanotechnology, building on a comprehensive body of disciplinary knowledge to solve problems in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams.
10. Work professionally, responsibly and ethically and with consideration of social and cultural perspectives, both as individuals and within teams, in classroom, laboratory and industry settings.