MSc Nanotechnology University College Dublin

Nanotechnology is an emerging sector which covers many areas in both academic science and device design and innovation. Both the "top-down" approach, in which bulk materials are processed to create nanostructures, and the "bottom-up" approach in which nanostructures are assembled from even smaller component parts, are covered on this programme. Manipulating matter at the nanoscale has already led to new technology in many areas such as electronics, displays, sensors, and green technology. One feature of this programme is that it is delivered in association with Intel Ireland. Intel Ireland is funding four scholarships of €3,000 each. These scholarships will be offered each year for four years, starting with the 2016 entry.

• Students help design their own curricula (negotiated structure) in this interdisciplinary programme with access to major technology platforms essential to the conduct of world-class cutting-edge research through the strength of the collaboration of the UCD School of Physics. This process takes both the educational track record and the career trajectory of the student into account. Staff from Intel Ireland will come to UCD during the year to speak with and advise students on the programme.
• Study science and techniques that will contribute to the development of technology and devices such as single-photon sources, solar cells, nanoelectronics and nanomaterials.
• Highly relevant to the recruitment needs of industrial employers, particularly in the semiconductor, telecommunications and imaging sectors and for further PhD research.

Vision and Values Statement

Nanotechnology has established itself as a key technology in industries ranging from microelectronics to health care, with a consequent demand for appropriately trained graduates. The MSc in Nanotechnology is designed for graduates from the physical sciences and from relevant engineering disciplines. The MSc programme intake extends to include industrial researchers in companies like INTEL, technical managers or academic researchers.

We encourage and educate our students to become active, lifelong and autonomous learners with good prospects of employment in economic sectors related to nanotechnology or for further research. Offered is a range of taught modules that cover important aspects of nanotechnology and nanoscience. Our inter-disciplinary learning environment relies on staff with a deep level of expertise and emphasises hands-on work through an experimental research module that is a large part of the MSc programme. Students and staff have access to major technology platforms essential to the conduct of world-class cutting-edge research. Students are prepared for the research project via lectures, practical/laboratory work, seminars, and the advancement of the team and self-directed learning skills, project and problem-solving work. Students on the programme will be assessed using a variety of methods, including problem-sets, examinations, reports and oral presentations. Our students will be endowed with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour.

The course involves the development of the understanding of nanotechnology and nanoscience in a classroom undertaking taught courses to develop not only their understanding of the science but also of science communication, patents and commercial activity as related to scientific technology. Importantly the student will work in a lab environment and will learn a range of skills such as data processing, time management and other soft skills of direct interest to employers as well as developing their experimental and simulation skills in areas of nanotechnology.

Course Description

Understanding the structure, function and regulation of materials at the nanoscale and in real-time requires modern nanometer and femtosecond (quadrillionth of a second) technologies. Physical studies at these scales will ultimately lead to devices and techniques that possess novel properties applicable the construction of, for example, single-photon sources, solar cells, nanoelectronics including nanomaterials such as nanotubes, nanoparticles and nanowires. This programme incorporates modern experimental and computational physics techniques and provides exposure to a variety of applications, and also facilitates professional development.

What modules can I take?

Modules will be decided upon agreement with the Programme Director.

You will gain experimental, theoretical and computational training in the following topics:

• Nano-Optics
• Physics of Nano-Materials
• Spectroscopy and Lasers
• Nano-Mechanics
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• Theoretical and Computational Simulation
• Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography
• Innovation
• Journal Club and Presentation Skills

Programme Outcomes

• Apply knowledge gained and skills developed to specific fundamental or industrial problems.
• Draw on a suite of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, team-work, independent work, professional networking, project management.
• Engage actively in addressing research topics of current relevance.
• Our students will be imbued with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour
• Our students will become well-grounded in the fundamentals of nanotechnology with an appreciation of more specialised knowledge and the current frontiers of research.
• Present findings both orally and in written form, to thesis level.
• Use the underlying physics of the field to find, assess and use up-to-date information in order to guide progress.

Who should apply?

This programme is ideal for any graduate with a background in Physics, Mathematics or a related Natural Science, who is excited by the prospect of studying and researching in an interdisciplinary area, where physics, chemistry and engineering all come together.

Careers & Employability

The programme will enhance students’ CVs with interdisciplinary expertise which is much sought-after by employers, particularly those in the semiconductor industry, telecommunications, green technologies and sensor applications sectors.