Key facts

Overview

Particles and structures at the nano-scale demonstrate phenomena not seen at other length scales. This online course is designed to cover the science behind the phenomena that arise when considering materials at the nano scale. It provides a good grounding in the scientific equations and principles that an understanding of nanotechnologies requires. In this module we also consider some of the common nanostructures that are currently being developed and used in nanotechnology applications such as quantum dots, nanotubes and fullerenes, together with their applications including Quantum computing.

The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology online course can be taken alone, with or without credit, or as part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology.

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Description

The part-time online course introduces the fundamental science behind the phenomena that result from the nanometre scale. Such behaviour encompasses effects, structures, properties and processes that are quite different to those observed in bulk systems. In particular, the course examines the theoretical foundations of these phenomena and their applications by exploring:

• The mathematical description of these nanoscale phenomena
• Common nanoscale structures, their fabrication, properties and applications, such as: quantum wires, quantum dots, carbon nanostructures and quantum computing
• The effect of the collective oscillation of electrons in metal nanoparticles

It is evident that using the behaviours that arise from nanoscale structures have a great potential for improving many existing applications. The course gives a foundation in the science and understanding of the principles that underlie nano-scale behaviour which are essential to optimising these desired effects.

Overall the course has been designed so that students can study it in the way that works for them. However you want to study, we are aware that this is easiest to do if you are given some idea of the assumptions that have been made about how to get the most out of the module; these are:

• You should study between 10 and 15 hours each week, including all your reading, writing and thinking about the course
• Each unit should take approximately a week to study. The units will make the most sense if studied in the order in which they are presented but can be studied in any order
• There are a series of review questions designed to let you know whether you have understood a unit, whilst other activities make you draw your learning together
• You should work on the module level activities in parallel with studying the main materials

Programme details

The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology course begins in January and runs for ten weeks. The course is divided into ten units, each of which is designed to take approximately one week to study:

• An introduction to the mathematical tools that will be required and common nanostructures
• The transport effects that are affected by the nanometre length scale
• The important mechanical effects that are modified at the nanometre length scale
• The effect of the nanometre length scale on various optical effects
• An introduction to quantum wires and dots, their structure and properties
• An overview of the applications in which quantum dots can be used
• The structure, variety, production and application of carbon and inorganic nanotubes
• The scattering effects that are observed with nanoparticles
• An explanation of the combined oscillation of electrons in metal nanoparticles
• A final module summary

Staff

Dr Christiane Norenberg

Role: Director & Tutor

Christiane is the Nanotechnology HEIF Manager at the University of Oxford's Begbroke Science Park. She received her DPhil in Materials Science...more from the University of Oxford in 1998 and continued with postdoctoral research. In 2001, Christiane was awarded the Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship for her work on the growth and characterisation of nanostructures on semiconductor surfaces. After a period as a lecturer at the Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre at Swansea University, Christiane returned to Oxford in 2007 to take up her present post.

Her interests and expertise are in the areas of surface science, growth and characterisation of nanostructures on surfaces, and nanotechnology in general. Christiane also teaches nanoscience and materials science at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

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Professor Peter J Dobson

Role: Tutor

Professor Dobson is currently the Academic Director at Begbroke Science Park. After a career as a lecturer in Physics at Imperial College and...more Senior Principal Scientist at Philips Research laboratories he was appointed to a University Lectureship and College Fellowship at the Queen’s College Oxford in 1988 and a Professorship in 1996. At Oxford his research moved into the areas of nanoparticles, nanostructures, optoelectronics and biosensors. In 1999 he spun-off a company, now called Oxonica plc, that specializes in making nanoparticles for a wide range of applications, ranging from sunscreens to fuel additive catalysts and bio-labels. In 2000, with colleagues in Chemistry and Engineering, he spun-off Oxford Biosensors Ltd that made a hand-held device based on enzyme-functionalized microelectrode arrays. He was appointed to his present position in August 2002 and has the responsibility of setting up new research institutes that combine University activities with company R&D, and leading a team that facilitates the rapid transfer of technology and knowledge. This has led to him being in demand internationally to advise on Knowledge Transfer. He consults widely and advises several corporate and national organizations on nanotechnology. His research interests are very broad, covering most aspects of nanotechnology, and embracing biotechnology, environmental technology, energy, materials science, especially the applications to medicine. He is also currently the Strategic Advisor on Nanotechnology to the Research Councils in the UK.

Read Professor Dobson's article 'Nanotechnology in the UK'. A closer look at extending life - Professor Peter J Dobson took part in a seminar for The Guardian in January 2012 which explored whether Nanotechnology can prolong life and whether it is safe.

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Course aims

The overall purpose of the course is to:

• Apply basic mathematical operations to nanoscale phenomena in order to solve practical problems
• Acquire a basic understanding of the principles underpinning phenomena that result from nanoscale structures
• Explain the collective effects that occur in nanostructures
• Explain the optical effects that occur with nanoparticles
• Highlight the major applications of nanoscale phenomena and structures

Certification

Short course participants who do not wish to undertake the assessed work required for academic credit but who do satisfy the course participation requirements will receive a certificate of completion. The pdf sample above is an illustration only, and the wording will reflect the course and dates of study.

Those successfully completing the couse for credit can apply to receive a CATS point transcript.

Scholarships

Details of funding opportunities, including grants, bursaries, loans, scholarships and benefit information are available on our financial assistance page.

Fee options

Programme Fee

Short course fee: £2370.00

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Programmes including this module

This module can be studied as part of these programmes:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology
• Short courses in Nanotechnology