Fundamentals of Nanotechnology

This subject is not offered in 2009.

Entry into the Master of Science (Nanotechnology) program or permission of the course coordinator.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Nanotechnology represents a truly multi-disciplinary field of research, with important applications for efficient energy production, use and storage, medical diagnostics and drug delivery, and information/communication systems. This subject introduces the fundamentals of particles and structures at the nano-length scale (<100nm), to underpin an understanding of the unique properties that distinguishes nanotechnology and the various applications. In this foundational subject for the Nanotechnology stream, the quantitative base to describe mechanical, optical, thermal, and electronic properties of nanostructures will be covered.

The objectives of this subject are to:

• provide a knowledge base in the principals of nanotechnology, and develop the quantitative skills set for the range of nanotechnology areas to be covered in the course;

• provide a broad understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of nanotechnology;

• quantitatively describe how the properties of matter differ at the nano-scale;

• provide skills in the formalised methods of assessing structure (crystalline or non-crystalline);

• standardise skill sets from Chemistry and Physics backgrounds; and

• overview concepts of industry-based R&D programmes (technology transfer).

One assignment totalling 4,000 words due towards the end of semester and contributing 50% to the final mark for the subject, plus one two-hour written examination at the end of the semester contributing 50% to the final mark.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should gain:

• problem-solving skills including engaging with unfamiliar problems and identifying relevant strategies;

• analytical skills including the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of the analysis;

• the ability to work in a team, through interactions with other students.