SCIE2232 Nanotechnology [UG]

MICROSCOPIES FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY

The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information click on the Timetable link below.

Credit: 6 points Availability: Semester 2 (See Timetable) Old unit code: 139.232

Outcomes: Students are equipped with basic microscopy operational and analysis skills appropriate to their chosen specialisation within the nanotechnology degree. These skills may form the basis for a student's nanotechnology Level 3 project, or future honours or PhD research projects.

Students are able to understand the fundamental principles of electron, laser and light microscopes; operate a range of microscopes to obtain images and perform microanalysis; process and interpret microscopy data using relevant analysis methods and software; understand how microscopy and microanalysis can be applied in the fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology; and critically review microscopy literature related to the chosen area of research.

Content: This unit introduces the main principles of microscopy and its applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology. The lectures cover the basics of microscopy, the instrumentation, and the digital imaging and analysis techniques available. The laboratory sessions involve hands-on work with the extensive range of electron, laser, optical and scanned probe microscopes housed in the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, plus additional computer and tutorial laboratories to develop skills in data analysis and image manipulation.

Assessment: A breakdown of the assessed components is as follows: confocal/light laboratories (15 per cent); SEM/VPSEM laboratories (15 per cent); TEM laboratories (15 per cent); literature review (15 per cent) and written examination (40 per cent). Laboratory sessions are compulsory. Performance during the laboratory sessions is assessed by the laboratory demonstrator and satisfactory performance is required for all laboratories. A written report is required for the confocal/light, SEM and TEM laboratories. Students are allocated a topic for which they must complete a literature survey and present a review of their findings at the end of the unit. The written examination takes place within the examination period at the end of semester two.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course.

Unit Co-ordinator(s): Dr Martin Saunders

Location: UWA (Crawley)

Mode: on-campus

Unit Rules:

Prerequisites: enrolment in the Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology); SCIE1109 Nanotechnology

Contact hours—65 (lectures: 26 hrs; tutorials/labs: 39 hrs)

Note: This unit is available only in the Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology) and to science/engineering students majoring in Nanotechnology.

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.

Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.