NANO8702 Frontiers of Nanotechnology GE

This topic will deal with the cutting edge use and application of the methods discussed in second year. The lectures will comprise examples focussed on the latest science in Nanotechnology, with most of the examples drawn from the scientific literature of the last four years. The topics will comprise:

Quantum Nanostructures: Revision of Quantum Modelling; Density of States; Nucleation and Growth of Nanoparticles; Quantum Dots & Nanoparticles; Quantum Dot devices; Quantised Conductance; Quantum Computing; Assembly of Nanoparticles; Nanotubes and Nanowires; and Single Molecule Magnets.

Nanomaterials and Interfaces: Tailored Interfaces and Switchable Surfaces; Nanocomposites; Sol-Gel Materials and Mesoporous Structures; Organic-Inorganic Hybrids; Copolymeric Membranes; Dendrimers and Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Nanostructures; Molecular Amplification; Core-Shell Materials; and Nanotube Devices.

Biosensors, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering: Bioconjugates; Immobilisation techniques; Transducers; DNA Wires; Aptamers; Materials in Medicine; Biomineralisation and Biomimetic Approaches; Thin films, grafts and coatings; Host Reaction to Biomaterials and Artificial Organs.

This topic aims to alert students of the functional materials and devices that can be fabricated on the nanoscale and importantly the special properties of these structures and their applications. Specifically, the aims of the topic are to help students:

• Understand novel nanoscale structures
• Understand properties of nanoscale structures
• Understand application of the nanoscale structures
• Develop hands on lab skills in some of the methods developed in the lectures and use those methods to make structures that can be applied to real world problems
• Gain an awareness of lab practice and the sensitivity of nanoscale structures
• Be effective oral, written and interpersonal communicators to a wide range of audiences

1. Gain a better understanding of nanoscale structures, their preparation, their function and their uses
2. Use the techniques to examine nanoscale materials
3. Critically evaluate nanotechnology related publications
4. Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
5. Use oral, written and interpersonal communication skills effectively