Particles and structures at the nanoscale demonstrate phenomena not seen at other length scales. This online course is designed to cover the science behind the phenomena that arise when considering materials at the nanoscale and will appeal to those requiring a solid introduction to the subject. It provides a good grounding in the scientific equations and principles that an understanding of nanotechnologies requires.

In this course we also consider some of the common nanostructures that are currently being developed and used in nanotechnology applications such as quantum dots, nanotubes and fullerenes, together with their applications including quantum computing.

The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology online course can be taken:

• alone, with or without academic credit
• part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Nanotechnology
• part of the MSc in Nanotechnology for Medicine and Health Care

The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology is a part-time online course which introduces the fundamental science behind the phenomena that result from the nanometre scale. Such behaviour encompasses effects, structures, properties and processes that are quite different to those observed in bulk systems. In particular, the course examines the theoretical foundations of these phenomena and their applications by exploring:

• The mathematical description of these nanoscale phenomena;
• Common nanoscale structures, their fabrication, properties and applications, such as: quantum wires, quantum dots, carbon nanostructures and quantum computing;
• The effect of the collective oscillation of electrons in metal nanoparticles.

It is evident that using the behaviours that arise from nanoscale structures have great potential for improving many existing applications. The course gives a foundation in the science and understanding of the principles that underlie nanoscale behaviour which are essential to optimising these desired effects.

Programme details

The Fundamental Science of Nanotechnology course begins in January and runs for ten weeks. The course is divided into ten units, each of which is designed to take approximately one week to study:

• An introduction to the mathematical tools that will be required and common nanostructures;
• The transport effects that are affected by the nanometre length scale;
• The important mechanical effects that are modified at the nanometre length scale;
• The effect of the nanometre length scale on various optical effects;
• An introduction to quantum wires and dots, their structure and properties;
• An overview of the applications in which quantum dots can be used;
• The structure, variety, production and application of carbon and inorganic nanotubes;
• The scattering effects that are observed with nanoparticles;
• An explanation of the combined oscillation of electrons in metal nanoparticles;
• A final module summary.

There will also be live online tutorials, normally once each week.

For more information, please visit the course page on our website, or contact us using the details below:

https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/the-fundamental-science-of-nanotechnology?code=J990-2

Email: nano@conted.ox.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)1865 286954