The University of Oxford is pleased to confirm the following short courses in Nanotechnology are now accepting applications for the 2014-15 academic year:

The Wider Context of Nanotechnology

13 October–30 November 2014 (Online)

This introductory course gives an overview of the current state of nanotechnology as well as looking at its implications for safety, regulation and innovation. It considers ethical issues surrounding the use of these emerging technologies and investigates their potential societal and environmental impacts. The course also discusses the place of nanotechnology in business, introducing the dynamics of entrepreneurship together with the basic workings of how nanotechnology innovation is exploited.

The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology

12 January–22 March 2015 (Online)

This course introduces the fundamental science behind the phenomena that result from the nanometre scale. In particular, the course examines the theoretical foundations and applications of nanoscale phenomena. It explores their mathematical description together with common nanoscale structures, their fabrication, properties and applications, including nanowires, quantum dots, nanoparticles and carbon nanostructures.

Fundamental Characterisation for Nanotechnology

27 April–5 July 2015 (Online with 2 days in Oxford)

This course surveys the range of techniques and methodologies available to determine the nature and composition of nanoparticles (both organic and inorganic), thin films and nanostructures. As well as giving a detailed account of a selection of the most common techniques, the course takes a troubleshooting approach:

• beginning with the material/object;
• identifying the information that is required;
• formulating an approach to obtaining that information;
• making a rational choice of techniques and methodologies; and
• giving due regard to efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The course includes a face-to-face Nano-scale Materials Characterisation weekend in July 2015.

About our courses:

The online courses are taught through a blend of independent study of online learning materials and group work which takes place during discussions and research, as well as weekly live online tutorials. Class sizes will be small to facilitate full interaction with tutors.

Our courses can be taken from anywhere in the world by those seeking a solid foundation in nanotechnology. All three courses are available with academic credit.

For full information, or to apply, see the following website: www.conted.ox.ac.uk/nanoshort