SCIE1109 Nanotechnology [UG]
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| Credit: 6 points Availability: Semester 2 (See Timetable) Old unit code: 139.109 | |
| Outcomes: Students gain a sound understanding of the basic theory and applications of nanotechnology in the following diverse areas: biological and chemical sciences, physics, materials and electronic engineering, photonics, and microscopy and microanalysis. Through the practical classes students acquire basic skills and familiarity with a wide variety of tools for microscopic analysis, material and device fabrication, and modelling at the nanometre scale. Students also gain skills to research and critically evaluate scientific literature; develop the ability to deal with multidisciplinary projects and areas; develop documentation and report-writing skills; and form a solid foundation for continued self-learning. | |
| Content: Nanotechnology has been widely recognised as a key technology that is set to drive economic growth and standard of living in the twenty-first century. In this unit students are exposed to the many disciplines that are encompassed by nanotechnology including nanobiology, nanochemistry, nanophysics and nanoengineering. The unit is presented in the form of distinct modules in the different disciplines associated with nanotechnology, covering the following: (1) self-assembly—processes in forming nanoparticle and nanostructures, and building up surfaces and the properties of the resulting materials; (2) nanopowders—synthesis and production, behaviour and characterisation of particulate materials; (3) microforce analysis and nanomechanics of materials—mechanical testing of continuous nanomaterials, constitutive behaviour of ultrafine-structured solids; (4) electron and photon behaviour—light, time, electron, spin, atomic structure, interaction at nanoscale dimensions; (5) nanoelectronic and photonic devices—nanofabrication and growth, quantum wells and dots, quantum effects, MEMS; and (6) microscopy—optical to high resolution SEM, atomic level imaging (FEGTEM) and nanoSIMS showing atomic lattice imaging and diffusion profiling at nanometre scale. Throughout all the modules, examples of recent nanotechnology are taken both from the primary literature and from active research programmes within this University. As is evident from the contact hours the unit has a strong practical emphasis including laboratory activities and tours. | |
| Assessment: This is based on a written examination, in-class quizzes/short essays and a library research assignment. The written examination, along with in-class assessments, assesses students' understanding of the basic concepts and tools illustrated in each of the different nanotechnology modules. In-class tests also serve to provide feedback to students on their progress in the unit. The assignment provides students with the opportunity to explore a chosen nanotechnology topic in detail. It assesses their skills in researching and critically evaluating scientific literature, as well as their documentation and report-writing skills. Supplementary assessment is available for those students who obtain a mark of 45 to 49 inclusive in this unit (see University General Rule 1.2.1.25). | |
| Unit Co-ordinator(s): Dr Giacinta Parish | |
| Location: UWA (Crawley) | |
| Mode: on-campus | |
Unit Rules: | |
| Advisable prior study: TEE Chemistry, TEE Physics and TEE Applicable Mathematics; or equivalent of these | |
| Contact hours—52 (lectures: 26 hrs; laboratory/tutorials: 26 hrs) | |
Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studysmarter.uwa.edu.au/). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423. | |
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