Unit information: Functional Nanomaterials Lecture Course in 2013/14

Unit name	Functional Nanomaterials Lecture Course
Unit code	PHYSM3405
Credit points	50
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. McMaster
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This is a compulsory 50 cp unit and an integral part of a 180 cp MRes programme in Functional Nanomaterials. It will cover the principles of assembly and fabrication of nanomaterials, knowledge of inter- and intra-molecular forces involved in assembly, characterisation techniques and their application to functional nanomaterials, application of nanomaterials (uses in engineering and industry) including the societal factors governing their use.

Aims:

This unit will provide the basic knowledge base underpinning the practical and research elements of the MRes in Functional Nanomaterials. It aims to equip the students with the necessary interdisciplinary vocabulary in the core competencies of controlling composition, characterisation, and construction of functional nanomaterials.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The students will:

• be able to perform basic calculations of forces and energies in nanomaterial systems;

• have a working knowledge of the interplay of physics, chemistry and engineering at the nanoscale (i.e. the different properties and behaviours at this size-range as opposed to more macroscopic systems);

• have a working knowledge of the principles of key characterisation techniques;

• have a working knowledge of the principles underpinning the fabrication of nanomaterials;

• appreciate the social and ethical impacts of nanoscience and nanomaterials

Teaching Information

Lectures with on-line support from BCFN Portal. There will also be a 2 week pre-sessional module of lectures and practicals (not for credit) which will function as an interdisciplinary primer unit, and team-building exercise, which will also lead into the Functional Nanomaterials Lecture Course Unit.

Assessment Information

Assessment will be a balance of written examination and an assessed essay. There will be one 2 hour examination and one assessed essay (3000 words). These 2 elements will count equally towards the unit mark.

Reading and References

Detailed references and reading will be provided by the academic member responsible for each sub-set of this 50 cp unit.