2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHAS1500 Introduction to Nanotechnology

10 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Kevin Critchley
Email: K.Critchley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

A-levels in Science

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The smallest possible devices that can be fabricated are on the nanometre length scale. Miniturisation of devices offers many new technonological opportunities, which are only just starting to be implemented in our lives. The physical properties of nanomaterials differ from both the consituant atoms and the bulk material, and these can be unique and suprising. This module aims to introduce the physics behind nanotechnology in a semi-quantitave manner, without requiring knowledge of quantum mechanics or Maxwell’s equations. To understand nanotechnology, we will describe the physics of atoms and molecules, before moving on to discuss nano and bulk properties. We will cover a number of nanotechnological applications currently adopted and on the horizon, including nanomedicine. This module will introduced some physical models to understand nanotechnology.

Objectives

Develop a semi-quantitative understanding of the atom, periodic table, and chemical bonding. Understand the basic physics of bulk materials and relate these properties to nanomaterials and atoms and molecules. Understand the basic ideas associated with miniaturisation and demonstrate knowledge of some specific examples of nanotechnology and the science associated with them.

Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:

1. Miniaturization through the use scaling Laws applying to physical models.
2. The structure of the atom
3. Bulk properties of metals, insulators, and semiconductors and how these change on the nanoscale.
4. Applications of nanomaterials
5. Nanomedicine research concepts
6. Research and present scientific concepts, results and methodology in formal scientific English with figures and references to literature sources.

Skills outcomes
A basic understanding of the structure of the atom, periodic table, chemical bonding and the physics of materials, including biological and nanomaterials.

Syllabus

• Indtroduction to the basic concepts of nanotechnology
• Introduction to miniaturisation
• Understand atoms and molecules
• Basic bulk materials properties and the effects of decreased dimensions
• Description of the useful applications of nanotechnology
• Description of nanotechnology in biology and medicine

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Private study hours			78.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

- The students will be required to engage in private study to revise for the exam, guidance will be provided by way of problems provided during the course of the module.
- They will be provided with the answers by the lecturers, but the exercises will not be formally assessed.
- They will also be required to write a formal essay on a current topic (students will be given a choice of 3 essays) which will be assessed.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Regular Quizzes
Workshops

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	Essay	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

Resists will be in standard exam format.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 30 mins	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 25/03/2024 15:09:30

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