Department of Materials Science &
Engineering
Module Description 2012/13
Module Code: MAT1910
Module Title: Introduction to Nanoscience
and Nanomaterials
Module Convenor: Professor B Inkson
Module Links:
Credits: 10
Semester: 1
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Brief Description (including aims of the course):
This module will begin by considering scaling relations in the macro and nano worlds.
Examples of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanocomposite bulk
materials will be discussed. The use of nanomaterials in novel systems and devices
arising from the development of nanomaterials and technology will be considered.
Ethical, societal and environmental issues will be discussed.
This unit aims to introduce candidates to nanoscience and nanomaterials by taking
exemplars of materials and devices to demonstrate the novel science and technologies
possible when materials with nanoscale features are exploited/used. The unit will also
expose the candidates to the ethical, societal and environmental issues associated with
these topics. The method of assessment will give the candidates experience in group
work and joint presentation, as well as individual personal research and reporting.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
•Demonstrate a basic knowledge of key issues related to materials with nanoscale
dimensions, and describe a number of application areas;
•Use web and paper based resources to research a particular theme, and succinctly
report on it;
•Have experienced devolved responsibility for learning through group activity, and have
an appreciation of issues related to team work.
Assessment:
Individual Report: 80%
Other: Group Poster Presentation 20%
Booklist (A) Core Test; (B) Secondary Text; (C) Peripheral Reading:
B Nanotechnology for Dummies, By Richard Booker, Earl Boysen Feltman, K, ISBN:
0764583689 ISBN 13: 9780764583681
B Understanding nanotechnology, By "Scientific American", ISBN: 0446679569 ISBN13:
9780446679565
B Nanotechnology demystified, By Wade Adams, Linda Williams, ISBN: 0071460233
ISBN13: 9780071460231
C Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea By Ratner, Mark A, Ratner,
Daniel, ISBN: 0131014005 ISBN13: 9780131014008
C Engines of creation, Drexler