Course content

Definitions of nanotechnology, nanomaterials, bionanotechnology, nanoelectronics and nanomedicine; introduction to key topics in nanotechnology illustrated with original scientific literature; experimental techniques that can be used to study nanoscale materials and phenomena; material properties on the nanoscale; introduction to physics and chemistry needed to understand nanoscale phenomena and material properties; commercialization of nanotechnology; introduction to ethical issues related to nanotechnology.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate should have knowledge of:

• definitions of nanotechnology and nanoscience as research and technology development fields.
• historical perspective on major findings that resulted in the establishment of nanotechnology as a research field; understand the motivation behind the research.
• connection between nanoscience and traditional disciplines such as physics/chemistry/biology.
• selected topics in nanoscience, including experimental techniques, materials, basic principles, and nanoscale material properties.

Skills

The candidate should be able to:

• perform simple calculations to solve and analyze selected nanotechnology problems.
• propose methods and experimental techniques that can be used to study nanoscale materials and phenomena.
• use scaling laws to predict the properties of nanoscale materials.

General competence

The candidate must be able to:

• describe the possibilities and limitations of nanotechnology, bionanotechnology, nanoelectronics and nanostructured materials.
• understand ethical dilemmas in nanotechnology.
• communicate effectively about nanotechnology to fellow students and to the society.
• work together to solve tasks; find and read scientific literature, store bibliographic information and refer to scientific literature in reports and presentations.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, mandatory exercises, laboratory demonstrations and groupwork. Expected workload in the course is 225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Specific conditions

Course materials

Will be given at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions