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Key facts
| Types | Online and Distance Learning Oxford Qualification - Part-time Professional Development |
|---|---|
| Start date | Oct 2013 |
| Subject area(s) | Materials Science Nanotechnology |
| Application status | Applications being accepted |
| Application deadline | Fri 28 June 2013 |
| Course contact | If you have any questions about this course, please email nano@conted.ox.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1865 286954. |
Overview
The University of Oxford’s online Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology is a quality 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 up to date 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 a stand-alone short course. The tutor-led approach lends cohesion to the distance learning experience and it is tailored for busy people in full-time employment who wish to minimise time away from the workplace to study.
Please keep me informed about the Nanotechnology programme.Follow @OxfordNano on Twitter.
Description
Download the latest Nanotechnology programme brochure
.
Nanotechnology is the production and application of devices and systems at the nanometer 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 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 online tutorials, discussions and research. The group sessions with tutors are particularly valuable because they offer highly authentic learning and assessment opportunities.
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:
- A unique online, part-time University of Oxford qualification aimed at industry.
- The course comprises three modules giving a thorough introduction to nanotechnology and the behaviour and characterisation of nano-particles.
- The course is taken part-time so students can complete the course 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, and Professor Pete Dobson, the RCUK strategic advisor for nanotechnology.
- Throughout the course, students can use the University of Oxford’s unrivalled electronic library resources to enable them to complete the assignment tasks.
Who is it for?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology is a unique 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.
What do students say about the course?
"I really enjoyed the module; in my academic &
professional career to date I have had little exposure to the
ethical and social science considerations of technology and so
it was the first occasion I have had the time & opportunity
to focus on the other aspects of technology development. The
module content gave a good overview of the social, ethical,
environmental and business considerations.".
Dr Lorraine Byrne, Hewlett Packard
"Although my background is in physics by education and
electronics by career, by taking this course it has been
instrumental in me obtaining a research post at the National
Institute for Nanotechnology, Canada."
Richard Hull
"The Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology most
certainly helped me making a start in the field and I was even
invited to write an article for the Royal
Society 350th Anniversary Year incorporating aspects of
nanotechnology for drug delivery applications. I would have not
been able to make such a contribution to the field without the
training received in the course!"
Dr Sofia Pascu, University of Bath
Programme details
The Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology begins in October and runs for one year. Students take three online nanotechnology modules. At the end of the third module, students are required to attend a residential weekend in nano-scale materials characterisation based in Oxford. This takes place in early July at the University of Oxford's Begbroke Science Park.
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 - looks at the current state of the technology and addresses their implications
- Module 2: The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology - explains the mathematical foundation for nano-scale phenomena
- Module 3: Fundamental Characterisation for Nanotechnology - explores methods for investigating nanoparticles, thin films and nano-structures
Each module lasts for 10 weeks corresponding approximately to the University of Oxford's term calendar. Within each module, there are weekly online tutorials lasting for one hour as well as assignments and problem sheets. You should expect to spend an average of between 10 and 15 hours per week on independent study in addition to the timetabled tutorials.
Credit
Each module can be studied independently as a stand-alone course, or taken together to lead to the University of Oxford's Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology. Successful completion of Module 1 is equivalent to 10 CATS-equivalent (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) points at postgraduate level. Successful completion of Modules 2 and 3 is equivalent to 25 CATS-equivalent points at this level for each. The CATS points system is recognised by all UK Higher Education institutions as a method of quantifying credit for a particular course.
The Basics of Nanotechnology
In partnership with the University of Oxford's Begbroke Science Park, we have developed an interactive multimedia resource to introduce the terminology, concepts and current debates surrounding this rapidly developing science and discussing its potential applications. The Basics of Nanotechnology gives a brief insight into nanotechnology: the basic concepts and terminology involved; the scientific background; some potential applications; and an overview of the wider considerations.
Selection criteria
There may be specific subject requirements for your course, so do check the selection criteria below. These will be used by the University in assessing your application.Read full selection criteria
Staff
Dr Christiane Norenberg
Role: Director & Tutor
Dr Victor Burlakov
Role: Tutor
Dr Frank Dillon
Role: Tutor
Professor Peter J Dobson
Role: Tutor
Dr Keith Simons
Role: Tutor
Dr Neil Young
Role: Tutor
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 nano-scale 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.
Assessment methods
To qualify for the Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology students must complete one face-to-face weekend course. Attendance of a minimum of 70% of the online tutorials is required. Students must actively participate in the online modules to the satisfaction of the course director.
For each module, students must satisfactorily complete the coursework assessment. Assessed work will be a portfolio of assignments, including written reports, problem sheets and presentations, for each of the modules, totalling not more than 2500 words in length for Module 1, and not more than 6000 words for each of Modules 2 and 3. Assessment is based on individual research and group discussions, and is designed to consolidate the studied materials, and challenge and review questions, to encourage a deeper understanding and application of the materials. Assignments are submitted online.
Accommodation
Accommodation for the residential weekend is available at the Rewley House Residential Centre, within the Department for Continuing Education, in central Oxford. The comfortable, en-suite, study-bedrooms are rated 4-star, and come with free high-speed internet access and TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.
Payment
Fees must be paid in accordance with the Contractual and Financial Information [see below] for this programme. All amounts are in pounds sterling.
The course fees for the academic year 2013-14 are £6,930. These can be paid either as a single payment or as five monthly payments of £1,386 from 1 October 2013 to 1 February 2014.
Students registered on the Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology are entitled to free membership of the Institute of Nanotechnology.
Scholarships
Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.
Modules in this programme
The following modules can be studied as part of this programme:
Apply for this course
Applications for this course should be made online via the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website. Please see the Graduate Course Guide and the Application Guide for more information on how to apply.
The applications deadline is 28 June 2013.
Early application is strongly advised. All applications must have been fully completed before the application deadline in order to be considered. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to telephone interview.
Please read our Contractual and Financial Information before submitting your application.
If you would like to discuss the programme please contact:
Tel: +44 (0)1865 286954 - Email: nano@conted.ox.ac.uk
Contractual and financial information (important: please read before applying) .