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Programme Title
Programme Code
JACS Code
Bionanotechnology
PHYT97 (MSc), PHYR97 (PhD with Integrated Studies)
Not applicable
5a
5b
6a
6b
Level of Study
Final Qualification
Position in the QAA Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications
Intermediate Qualification(s)
Postgraduate
Master of Science (MSc)
PhD with Integrated Studies
Masters (MSc)
Doctoral Level (PhD with Integrated Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), Postgraduate Certificate
(PGCert) (MSc)
Master of Science (MSc), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip),
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) (PhD with Integrated
Studies)
Position in the QAA Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications
Masters
Teaching Institution (if not Sheffield) University of Sheffield and University of Leeds
Faculty
Department
Sheffield: Engineering and Science
Sheffield: Engineering Materials, and Physics and Astronomy
10
11
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Other Department(s) involved in teaching the programme
Mode(s) of Attendance
Duration of the Programme
Leeds, Centre for Self-Organising Molecular Systems (SOMS) and The Graduate School of Biological Sciences
Full Time or Part Time (MSc)
Full Time (PhD with Integrated Studies)
1 year (Part Time not longer than 3 years) (MSc)
4 years (PhD with Integrated Studies)
13
Accrediting Professional or Statutory
Body
None
14 Date of production/revision January 2009
15. Background to the programme and subject area
Bionanotechnology is a sub discipline of nanotechnology that combines the ability of nanoscale manipulation with molecular biology. This spans from the application of the tools and processes of nano and microfabrication to build devices for studying biosystems to adapting conventional nanomaterials for biological and biochemical applications or for .the use of biological processes and systems to create new micro-nanoscale devices.
Several industries have already been integrating nanotechnology into their production processes. Among these industries, the rapidly advancing biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector is already interested in developing and using nanotechnology. This would generate a demand for highly specialized employment that universities must meet quickly.
The programme forms part of a unique package of distinct but related courses in nanotechnology (see www.nanofolio.org
for the full list), developed in an alliance between departments at the Universities of
Sheffield and Leeds and running successfully for several years. This course package attempts to deliver the new kind of graduates required to sustain the many multi-million-dollar research and development programmes issued internationally by most industrial countries, such as the UK DTI Nanotechnology initiative. We expect this trend to continue, and demand on expertise in this area to grow. Inter- and multi-disciplinarily are important new qualifications, since progress in technology is now faster in areas at the boundaries between physics, chemistry, biology and engineering, rather than within one single discipline. This novel programme is ideally suited to students with a first degree (e.g. BSc or Masters) in another subject, who want to move into a new area that is interdisciplinary in nature, and which will provide new skills while building on knowledge of more traditional topics.
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16. Programme aims
1. To give students up-to-date training in the bionanotechnology field, to turn them into highly sought-after candidates for both further academic studies and industrial recruitment (MSc) and to prepare them for bionanotechnology research in an academic environment (PhD with Integrated Studies)..
2. To provide students with a clearly distinct and advanced qualification in a field located at the convergence of standard subjects, such as physics, chemistry, biology, materials or engineering, which should increase the employment opportunities open to them.
3. To give students a deeper insight into the principles of conducting independent research than is usual within a traditional final-year project, through access to a research group or laboratory, and integration with PhD students and Postdocs (where applicable).
4. To provide transferable skills ranging from literature searching to report writing and the preparation of
PowerPoint presentations, and where possible, the publication of scientific results arising from the project.
5. To qualify students in the language and classifications used in the nanotechnology area, so that they are able to continue self study and follow reports ranging from press coverage to the published scientific literature.
The PhD with Integrated Studies programme has the following additional aim
6. To enable and support students in undertaking an extended period of research on a topic within bionanotechnology so that they can submit and defend a doctoral level thesis.
17. Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: On completion of the programme, students will have knowledge and understanding of
K1 Biological processes to design nanostructures
K2 Conventional nano-scale structures biological systems interaction
K3 Physical principles that apply to the nano-scale world
K4 International trends in research in the subject area
K5 The function and interpretation of bio-nanoscale characterisation techniques
In addition to the above on completion of the course students on the PhD with Integrated Studies programme should have deep knowledge and understanding of
K6 A specific research topic in the realm of bionanotechnology
Intellectual skills: On completion of the programme, students should be able to
I1
I2
I3
I4
Understand the language and classifications used in the nanotechnology and bionanotechnology area
Work individually or as a group, and communicate effectively
Interpret data, separate facts from errors, and trends from speculations
Combine literature information with their own reasoning and results into an extensive report
I5 Interpret and compile information from libraries and the Web
In addition to the above on completion of the course students on the PhD with Integrated Studies programme should be able to
I6
With appropriate supervision, develop and undertake a programme of research (PhD with Integrated
Studies)
Practical skills: On completion of the programme, students should be able to
P1 Carry out some relevant experimental techniques
P2
Undertake data acquisition, data processing, and data evaluation up to standard required for inclusion in reports.
P3 Undertake experimental project work independently, after an introduction and training
In addition to the above on completion of the course students on the PhD with Integrated Studies programme should be able to
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P4 Obtain publishable data from a wide range of appropriate experimental techniques
Transferable skills: On completion of the programme, students should be able to
T1 Search the relevant literature, use library resources, and categorise information
T2
Apply self-management, including time-management, multi-tasking of learning activities with lecturing, personal learning and project work happening in parallel
T3 Use relevant computer packages, electronic databases, and to prepare PowerPoint presentations
T4 Write and organise reports, and use style and graphical elements effectively.
T5 Present research related topics orally to high standards of quality
In addition to the above on completion of the course students on the PhD with Integrated Studies programme should be able to
T6 Present and defend a PhD thesis based on their own research
For diploma students, item P3 will not apply and P1-P2, T1-T5, I3-I5 will apply at reduced level. For certificate students, a further reduction of about 50% applies to K1-K5, I1-I2.
18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Development of the learning outcomes is promoted through the following teaching and learning methods:
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Lecture and tutorial teaching (K1-K5, I1, T5)
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Self-directed learning (K1-K5, I1-I5, P2-P3, T1-T4)
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Practical classes (P1, P2)

On-line studies (T3, I5)

Student presentations (K1-K5, I1-I4, P3,T1-T3, T5)
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Research project (K1-K5, I1-I4, P1-P3, T1-T4)
Lecturing is the main teaching method, with an average of 18-20 lecture hours for each of eight modules, with four modules in each semester. Depending on the module, this will be accompanied by practical classes in the laboratory. The main focus throughout the programme is the project work. Each student will become a member of an established research group and conduct, under guidance, his/her own research work at a level and depth superior to a final-year undergraduate project. Alongside this project work, students will receive guidance on transferable skills, ranging from literature evaluation, planning of research work, to report-writing and the preparation and delivery of oral presentations.
Opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes are provided through the following assessment methods:
A range of assessment methods are used, for example:
Essay
(Background 30%, Literature 30%, Analysis and discussion 30% Presentation Style 10%)
Formal examination
Brief report and/or practical report
(Background 30%, Results 30%, Analysis and discussion 30% Presentation Style 10%)
Oral (or poster) presentation
(Style 20% Contents 40% Ability to answer 40%)
Problem sheets
Either brief questions or multiple choice questions each assigned with a specific mark
The overall proportions of assessment by the various methods are given in the following table:
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Essay
SOMS55
10
SOMS57
00
MAT634
0
MAT675
0
SOMS58
50
SOMS55
00
MAT673
0
PHY600
6
50 50 50 30 50 50 50 50
Exam
Present.
Lab.
Report
Problem
Sheet
50
25
25
25
25
70 50 50
25
25
25
25
The extended research project is assessed by a final report, as well as an intermediate report, student presentation and oral examination.
See the table below for the relationship between achievements and assessment methods.
Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
Total
47.5
27.5
9.375
6.25
9.37
Learning Outcomes
K1 Biological processes to design nanostructures x
K2 Nano-structures biological system interaction x
K3 Physical principles
K4 International trends
K5 Characterisation
I1 language and subject
I2 communication skills
I3 Data interpretation
I4 Reasoning
I5 Compilation of Info x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
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P1 Experimental sessions
P2 Data treatment
P3 project work
T1 Library/web resources
T2 self management
T3 Computer skills
T4 Report writing
T5 Oral skills x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
Subject Benchmark Statements http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/subject-guidance/Pages/Subject-benchmarkstatements.aspx
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008) http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/The-framework-for-higher-educationqualifications-in-England-Wales-and-Northern-Ireland.aspx
University Strategic Plan http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/strategicplan
Learning and Teaching Strategy (2011-16) http://www.shef.ac.uk/lets/strategy/lts11_16
20. Programme structure and regulations
For the MSc
The programme runs from the final week of September to early September the following year, with each of the two semesters covering four out of eight modules, which are each worth 15 credits.
General distribution of credits (total = 180):
Semester 1, lectures/classes : 60 credits
Semester 2, lectures/classes : 60 credits
No option modules are current available.
The project is worth 60 credits
It runs through both semesters plus summer studies.
Students undertake the project at the university where they have chosen to be based
(either Leeds or Sheffield).
The topical areas of the four modules in Semester 1 are intended to provide a general overview of nanotechnology and comprise:
(i) Generic methodologies in nanotechnology and biophysical techniques (Leeds, SOMS)
(ii) Physics for Bionanotechnology (Sheffield, Dept of Engineering Materials)
(iii) Biosensors (Leeds, School of Biology)
(iv) Biophotonics and bioimaging (Sheffield, Dept of Engineering Materials).
The topical areas of the four modules in Semester 2 provide specialist knowledge and training in:
(v) Macromolecules at surfaces and structured organic films (Sheffield, Dept of Physics)
(vi) Bionanomaterials (Sheffield, Dept of Engineering Materials)
(vii) Nanotoxicology (Leeds, School of Biology)
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(viii) Supra molecular interactions and self assembly systems (Leeds, SOMS).
For a Diploma, 120 instead of 180 credits are required (the project is excluded).
For a PG Certificate, 60 credits are sufficient (half of the taught modules).
Teaching is organised in blocks, so that modules run partially in parallel and partially consecutively. Each block can comprise up to three hours teaching, restricting the module duration to six or seven weeks within each semester. This teaching scheme minimises the need to travel between Leeds and Sheffield.
Part time study schedules (MSc only) need to be arranged on an individual basis.
For the PhD with Integrated Studies
Students complete the MSc course as described above, including the 60 credit project which must be undertaken at the University of Sheffield. This is followed by a three year period of research leading to submission of a thesis for a PhD. Over the four years students will also complete a series of research training sessions.
Students who fail to obtain a minimum grade of 60 at the first attempt in the MSc project will not be eligible to progress onto the PhD component of the course. In this case the degree award will purely be based on the MSc structure outlined above.
Initially in year 2 students are registered for an MPhil and at the end of the second year they will submit, and be assessed on, an upgrading report. Successful outcome of this process will enable them to go to continue their research and submit a PhD thesis; alternatively they may be required to submit for MPhil.
Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression and descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html
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21. Student development over the course of study
Students are introduced to the central facilities available at both Leeds and Sheffield. After individual presentations of possible research topics by the project supervisors, students make a choice before November about which research group to join.
The 4 modules taught in Semester 1 introduce the terminology and language and provide a refresher of some of the concepts necessary to understand the more specialised topics but also provide an overview of the most common techniques and methodologies used for characterising nano-scale structures. Students will then be able to understand the specialist modules in Semester 2, which are more specific to particular materials, physical phenomena, and applications
The full-year research project (Nov –July) accompanies the lectures. Students receive guidelines on progress.
Starting with an outline report in November, students continue with literature reading, commence the experimental or computational work, and produce a further report in April, before completing the experiments in
July.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme
Honours degree in materials/physics/chemistry/biology/engineering or a related discipline at an acceptable level
(2ii), together with an appropriate English language qualification (typically GCSE in English grade C, or IELTS
6.0, or TOEFL 214 [computer based], 550 [paper based]).
Candidates below the above requirements may be admitted to the Diploma or Certificate programmes.
Detailed information regarding admission to postgraduate programmes is available in the University’s On-Line
Prospectus at www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/
23. Additional information
Information on the programme in particular is available on the Department of Engineering Materials postgraduate Web pages, at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/materials/prospective_pg/masters and for the entire MSc Training Package in Nanotechnology at http://www.nanofolio.org/
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be considered alongside other sources of information provided by the teaching department(s) and the University. In addition to programme specific information, further information about studying at The University of Sheffield can be accessed via our Student Services web site at www.shef.ac.uk/ssid .
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