Unit information: Functional Nanomaterials Lecture Course in 2014/15

Unit name	Functional Nanomaterials Lecture Course
Unit code	PHYSM0004
Credit points	40
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 mandatory 40 cp unit of the 180 cp MRes programme in Functional Nanomaterials, and also the 180 cp MSc in Nanoscience and 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. The lecture courses will include the following: Nanocomposites and Nanoengineering, Electrochemistry at the Nanoscale, Nano-optics: theory and practice, Nanoscale Forces, Nano-biomaterials, Social and economic implications of Nanoscience, Nanotoxicology, and Modelling This unit will provide the basic knowledge base underpinning the practical and research elements of the MRes in Functional Nanomaterials and the MSc in Nanoscience and 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 Nanoscience and nanomaterial systems.
• express themselves scientifically using the vocabulary of Nanoscience.
• demonstrate understanding 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).
• describe the principles of key compositional protocols.
• describe key characterisation techniques;
• describe the principles underpinning the fabrication and construction of nanomaterials; and appreciate the social and ethical impacts of nanoscience and nanomaterials.

Teaching Information

Lectures with on-line support from BCFN Portal.

Assessment Information

Summative 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 40 cp unit.