01. Analyse critically and reflect on contemporary issues in nanomaterials and nanofabrication.

Activities:

Concepts and problem solving techniques are introduced online and modelled in lectures where solutions to selected problems are derived.

02. Critically review and analyse research data and interpret the results with reference to the scientific literature in order to develop appropriate conclusions and convey these in an appropriate manner in a written report. Interpret and transmit knowledge, in appropriate written style, of the findings from laboratory experiments performed by the student.

Activities:

Students prepare an individual report for each of four experiments in the style of a professional research journal article which accurately and ethically describes the experiment, its findings and draws appropriate conclusions. Students are provided with a template on which to base their report.

03. Design and perform experiments related to the synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials using modern laboratory techniques, equipment and software which produce conclusive and accurate results.

Activities:

Students conduct, in small groups, four extended laboratory experiments of 6 hours duration each in close consultation with a staff demonstrator, who assists them in the design and conduct of the experiment.

04. Describe the recent developments in the fields of nanomaterials and nanofabrication and identify areas which constitute interesting research problems. Apply research principles and methods applicable to the field of nanomaterials and nanofabrication.

Activities:

Students identify a research problem and propose an approach using nanofabrication methods to address the research problem. Students will be required to consult the literature and discuss their findings with the demonstrator. The approach and results are summarized in a written report, which includes a proposal for extending the project by further work on a related interesting research problem.