StudyQA — Master: Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronic Devices

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Description Contents Requirements

We are one of the leading institutions developing nanotechnology and the next generation of materials and nanoelectronic devices. The Department of Electronic Engineering has been recognised as one of the leading in the UK and is highly regarded for the quality of its teaching and training. This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to understand how nanotechnology can change our lives.

Why Surrey?
Taught by internationally-recognised experts within the Universitys Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), the programme has as its broad theme the practical implementation of nanoscience and quantum engineering, nanomaterials and nanotechnology.

Our facilities are of the highest order and, as participants on the programme, you will be able to make full use of them.

The Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) is a £10 million investment in advanced research and is the flagship institute of the University of Surrey in the area of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. The ATI brings together under one roof the major research activities of the University from the Department of Electronic Engineering and the Department of Physics in the area of nanotechnology and electronic devices. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) has reconfirmed Surreys pre-eminent position as amongst the very best research-led electronic engineering departments in the UK.

Programme overview
Nanotechnology is a term that has captured the public imagination and lies at the heart of the transistor found in every computer, laptop and mobile phone. It is the key to unlocking renewable energy supplies and promises new and lighter materials with added strength.

The aim of this one-year MSc programme is to show how nanotechnology and nanomaterials can be used for our benefit with real-world applications. The programme is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience to understand how nanotechnology can change our lives.

Taught by internationally-recognised experts within the Universitys Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), the programme has as its broad theme the practical implementation of nanoscience and quantum engineering, nanomaterials and nanotechnology. The programme covers the fundamentals behind nanotechnology and moves on to discuss its implementation using nanomaterials (the advanced tools of nanotechnology which allow us to see at the nanoscale) before discussing future trends and applications.

You will gain specialised, practical skills through an individual research project within our research groups, using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Completion of the programme will provide you with unique skills to further your career in this rapidly emerging field.

Compulsory modules
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
This module introduces the fundamentals of nanotechnology, quantum engineering and the wider role of nanotechnology in society. The growth and characteristics of important nanomaterials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes are studied, along with examples from the scientific literature or commercially available products. Quantum effects associated with low-dimensional structures and the use of scanning tunnelling microscopy for atomic imaging and atomic and molecular manipulation are also studied. The state of the art in high resolution transmission electron microscopy, focused ion beam (FIB) methods and lithography are also discussed.

Molecular Electronics
Modern electronics has embraced using molecules and polymers in consumer electronics and the UK is particularly internationally known for its excellence in the development of molecular electronics. This module is designed to discuss the fundamental structural, electronic and chemical properties of molecules and how they can be used for devices such as light-emitting diodes and flexible and transparent electronics. In addition, the issues surrounding long-term operation and device stability and transport, as well as their applications, will be discussed. The module will also examine liquid crystals and self-assembly, RFID and electronic paper (e-paper).

Nanofabrication and Characterisation This module discusses the tools of nanotechnology including atomic force microscopy and related techniques, electrical and optical characterisation, and modern ion beam implantation methods, and will allow the student to learn about good clean-room practice and safe chemical working. The uses and limitations of different experimental techniques will also be discussed. This module will provide the analytical skills required to carry out an experimental-based research project.

Nanoelectronics and Devices
In this module, the fundamentals of nanoelectronics from the viewpoint of what controls the current in a nanoscale device are explored. Starting off with bulk materials, we explore both 2D and 1D materials, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes and other nanowires, and devices including the calculation of density states in low dimensions and the Landaurer formalism for electron transport. Advanced devices include resonant tunnelling devices, Coulomb blockade devices, high-mobility transistors and sensors. Spintronic materials and devices for memory applications are also discussed.

Nanophotonics
The characteristics of photonic materials and devices that operate at the nanometre level are examined. Electronic and photon confinement effects, as well as excitons and polaritons, the structure and properties of photonic band gap and metamaterials are all discussed. Light emission from lasers, quantum wells, as well as the structure of the quantum cascade laser, are also studied.

Energy Generation and Storage
This module will contain lectures on a variety of topics at the forefront of materials for energy generation and storage from the structure and operation of the different generations of solar cells inclusing Si, thin film and molecular based solar cells, fuel cells. Topics in energy storage using batteries and supercapacitors will also be studied. The module will also explore some of the economics of new types of energy technology.

An honours degree in electronic engineering or physics. Our minimum entry level is a 2.2 from a good UK university, or overseas equivalent. Material science graduates with a background in advanced materials or those with strong industrial experience will also be considered.English language requirementsIELTS minimum overall: 6.5IELTS minimum by component: 6.0 (It is possible to come in with 5.5 in certain categories.)We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.