MSc in Bionanotechnology

Information and Syllabus

Electronic technologies have evolved to the extent that modern device features are measured in nanometers. As a result of this, many new device concepts, fabrication methods and characterisation techniques have emerged.

Nanotechnology has become a key area of research within the School, and internationally it is an increasingly important feature of modern electronics manufacture and research in industry. Our recently completed state-of-the-art Nanofabrication centre provides the backdrop for three different MSC programmes that we offer in this area: Nano-electronics and Nano-technology, Micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS), and Bio-Nanotechnology. All three degrees will offer substantial training and experiments in our clean room facility.

Although these three degree programmes sound very different, they are all strongly dependent on fabrication techniques on both micro- and nano-scale. They hence share around 50% of the taught part with the other 50% allowing for your specification. On the Nanofabrication centre web page, you can see the differences between the three degrees in detail. The degrees all provide an excellent platform for further research in either industry or academia (such as PhD student in the Nano or MSD group).

Bionanotechnology- the functional integration of nanofabricated structures and biological molecules- is an increasingly important area within nanotechnology. with applications such as molecular machines, biosensors, and self-assembled nanostructures (note: 'bionanotechnology' does not refer to genetic modification etc, which is part of programs such as 'Biotechnology' or “Biomedical Engineering'). Research and investment in bionanotechnology is driven by the engineering sciences, life sciences, and the medical sciences, and we will provide a close interface with these areas.

Bionanotechnology is a distinct specialization of nanotechnology. The use of biomolecules requires that solid-state nanomaterials and nanodevices are compatible with an aqueous environment. This has many particle surface chemistry and device design implications, setting bionanotechnology apart from, for example, pure nanoelectronics or nanophotonics. Because the biological molecules of interest are notoriously difficult to obtain and to stabilize outside a cellular environment, a thorough appreciation of biochemical and biophysical methodology is essential, requiring skills outside conventional engineering curricula.

The syllabus is updated every year but this list will give you a rough guide to modules offered at present.

Semester 1

• ELEC3042 Introduction to BioNanotechnology (Compulsory)
• ELEC6021 Research Methods (Compulsory)
• ELEC6100 Lab on a Chip (Compulsory)
• ELEC6108 Microfabrication (Compulsory)

• ELEC3025 Integrated Circuit Design (Optional)
• ELEC6009 Nanoelectronic Devices (Optional)
• ELEC6011 Introduction to MEMS (Optional)

Semester 2

• COMP6033 Independent Research Review (Compulsory)
• ELEC3024 Nanofabrication and Characterisation (Compulsory)
• ELEC6104 Bio-Nanotechnology Laboratory Project (Compulsory)
• ELEC6112 Biosensors (Compulsory)

• ELEC3019 Photonic Devices (Optional)
• ELEC6105 Instrumentation and Sensors (MSc) (Optional)
• ELEC6106 Logic & Quantum Devices (Optional)
• ELEC6107 MEMS Laboratory Project (Optional)
• ELEC6109 Nanoelectronics Laboratory Project (Optional)
• ELEC6110 Memory & Spintronic Devices (Optional)
• ELEC6111 MEMS Sensors & Actuators (Optional)

Semester 3/Summer

• ELEC6003 MSc Project (Compulsory)