Core modules

Core modules		EC	Block	Code
Fabrication of nanostructures		5.0	1B	193400150
Characterization of nanostructures		5.0	1A	193400160
Nanoscience		5.0	1A	193400050
Cleanroom course		2.0	2A	193400190
Laboratory course		5.0	2	193400070
Paper and presentation		3.0	2	193400081
Societal embedding of nanotechnology		2.5	2B	193400170
Technology venturing		2.5	2B	193400180
Internship / Industrial training		15.0	-	193409509
Master thesis assignment	Scientific aspects	25.0	-	193409509
	General aspects	20.0	-	193409509

193400150		Fabrication of nanostructures
5.0 ec	1B
Lecturer(s)		Prof.dr.ir. J. Huskens, dr.ir. H.V. Jansen
Content		This module in combination with part 340016 (Characterization of Nanostructures) will introduce the techniques that are available for creating nanostructures, both top- down (e.g. optical lithographic techniques) as well as bottom- up (self- assembly) and the wide range of characterization tools. (XPS, SIMS, TEM, SEM,AFM, etc.) that are available to study materials at the nanometer scale. This module will focus on the tools to fabricate nanostructures, both by top-down methods (lithography) as well as bottom-up nanochemistry.
Objective		To master the fundamental principles and applications of top-down and bottom-up fabrication tools used to manufacture nanostructures.
Prior knowledge		- Basics in organic chemistry and materials
Assessment		Written examination (100%)
Course material		"Concepts of Nanochemistry" by L. Cademartiri and G. A. Ozin; Wiley, ISBN: 978-3-527-32597-9.

193400160		Characterization of nanostructures
5.0 ec	1A
Lecturer(s)		Dr. P.M. Schon, dr. A.H. Velders, dr.ing. A.J.H.M. Rijnders
Content		This module will introduce and discuss a wide range of modern, state-of-the-art analytical techniques and tools (XPS, SIMS, TEM, SEM, AFM, neutron, X-ray and light scattering, diffraction, NMR etc.) to characterize structure and properties of nanostructures. The central goal is to provide a fundamental understanding of various aspects of molecular, nanoscale and continuum (macroscopic) scale characterication that are essential for the study of nanostructures.
Objective		To explain and identify the physical and instrumental principles of techniques used for the characterization of nanostructures including molecular and continuum (macroscopic) scale characterization of organic and inorganic materials and their application to specific questions. By the end of this course the students are able to estimate specific nanostructure materials and molecular properties from given examples and problems.
Assessment		Written essays and oral examination
Course material		Supporting book, not obligatory: Yang Leng, Materials Characterization John Wiley & Sons, 2008 Handouts; review articles; Powerpoint presentations of the lectures

193400050		Nanoscience
5.0 ec	1A
Lecturer(s)		Prof.dr.ir. H.J.W. Zandvliet, A.A. Golubov,
Description		Fundamentals of nanoscopic physics. Free and confined electrons, band theory, tunnel junctions, single electron tunneling. Electronic structure of quantum dots, quantum wires and quantum wells and their transport properties.
Objective		Introduction to the fundamentals of nanoscience
Assessment		Written examination
Course material		Fundamentals of Nanoelectronics By George W. Hanson. Pearson, Prentice Hall (Upper Saddle River, New Jersey) ISBN 978-0-13-195708-4

193400190		Cleanroom course
2.0 ec	2A
Coordinator		A.J.S.M. Jenneboer, G.P.M. Roelofs
Description		This module is a practical training session in the MESA+ cleanroom. After a short introduction and safety course you have to make a process document to start the hands-on training. Then you will enter the cleanroom and get the hands-on training on the different instruments available there for the fabrication and characterization of nanostructures. After the hands-on training you will write a concise report (5-7 pages) in which you describe your activities and results.
Objective		This module is a practical hands-on training which will allows to : (i) get practical training in a cleanroom environment (using different techniques used in fabrication and characterization of nanostructures) (ii) get acquainted and gain experience in working in a cleanroom
Prior knowledge		Fabrication of nanostructures (340015) Characterization of nanostructures (340016)
Assessment		- work performed in the cleanroom - written report
Remark		The cleanroom course is done in small groups of 3 or 4 students.

193400070		Laboratory course
5.0 ec	2A+B
Coordinator		Dr. ir. M.L. Bennink
Description		This module is a practical training course, in which you will work for about 3 weeks (full time) in one of the research laboratories of MESA+. It will provide you with an introduction into working in a lab environment and includes hands- on practical work. The module is concluded with the writing of a concise report (10-12 pages) which together with your experimental work will be evaluated.The research lab will be assigned to you by the program coordinator. The choice of the lab will be one that you have not worked in before, since the purpose of this module is to broaden your scope.
Objective		The objective of this practical course is to get acquainted and to learn to work in an interdisciplinary research laboratory environment in the field of nanotechnology.
Prior knowledge		Fabrication of nanostructures (340015) Characterization of nanostructures (340016)
Assessment		- work performed in the lab course - written report
Additional info		This course is side-by-side with Paper and Presentation (340008), which focused on training skills to search systematically literature, write a scientific paper and give a presentation about the results

193400081

Paper and presentation

3.0 ec

2A+B

Lecturer(s)

Mw. dr. ir. J.G.M. Becht

Description

The course is aimed at acquiring academic skills, notably:

-	to think independently about ethical questions, such as: what is science? what is fraud, what is data manipulation? what is proof, what is truth? what is plagiarism?

-	to define a research topic to be treated in a literature study

-	to identify an information demand and to find relevant scientific information

-	to develop the topic into a written study and an oral presentation

-	to reflect on personal activities

-	to work with deadlines

Exercises (deliverables)

-	developing own search strategy

-	writing a literature study

-	presenting and defending this study orally

-	participation in discussions during the course

Expected level of achievement

-	the course focusses on a presentation, as if given in a session on nanotechnology during a large international conference

-	the paper should be understandable for an experienced scientist, being not an expert on the topic

-	paper and presentation should be well structured according to scientific standards

Formats, during the course various formats for orally presenting scientific information will be used: round table discussion, lecture, hands-on workshop, presentation in conference, personal discussions

The topics for the papers and presentation will be supplied by the tutors.

Tutors monitor the scientific level of the paper and presentation.

Objective

This course will train you in and improve your skills in:
- performing a systematic literature search
- writing a scientific report (paper)
- presenting scientific data in an oral presentation

Assessment

- result of the literature search
- written scientific paper
- oral presentation

Course material

Scientific papers

Additional info

This course is offered side-by-side with the Laboratory Course, which sets the scientific topic.

193400170		Societal embedding of nanotechnology
2.5 ec	2B
Lecturer(s)		Dr. K.E. Konrad
Description		Nanotechnology is full of promises, but it is not clear whether and how these can be realized. This module discusses first how new technologies develop, and can lead to innovations which have to be embedded in value chains. Secondly, there are broader aspects to consider, from changes at the customer/user side to changes in industry structures and in regulation. Thirdly, public and regulatory responses to the promises, and sometimes concerns. In the case of nanotechnology, there is widespread appreciation of the new possibilities, but government agencies and nanotechnology spokespersons are concerned about possible public concerns. Such issues should be positioned as part of longer term developments. This module is a preparation for a small individual project (1.5 ec), which is integrated in the industrial training (340950) in which the lessons learned here are applied. With the preparation of your industrial internship this assignment will be defined.
Objective		-
Assessment		written exam

193400180		Technology venturing
2.5 ec	2B
Lecturer(s)		Dr. P. Bliek, Prof.dr. A.J. Groen
Description		Technology venturing introduces the master student to the world of creating business using new technologies such as nano-technology. It will discuss methods and techniques to assess opportunities, to develop business concepts and exploitation.
Objective		To learn principles of technology based entrepreneurship research and practice
Prior knowledge		-
Assessment		Paper/exam
Course material		reader

193409509	Internship / Industrial training
15.0 ec	Internship / Industrial training
Coordinator	Ing. A. Folkers
Description	The internship is a compulsory part of the MSc programme in Nanotechnology. You will either participate in an industrial training at a company/institute or complete an internship period at another University abroad. For international students there is a choice to do either an internship/industrial training or a research project in any of the research groups of another university in the Netherlands.
Objective	Industrial and/or practical training
Assessment	- Work performed - Written internship report - Oral presentation in company or institute (optional)
Additional info	Visit the website of the faculty Science and Technology for more information on the industrial training or consult the information in this Programme Guide or contact Mevr. A. Folkers directly

193409100/200	Final thesis assigment
45.0 ec	Final thesis assigment
Contact person	Dr. M.L. Bennink
Description	The individual master assignment is the completion of the master program. For this assignment you will spend 6 to 7 months in one of the participating research groups and conduct a full research project. Under guidance and supervision of a PhD student and/or senior researcher, you will start with an extensive literature survey (reported in a literature report), followed by some experimental work. At the end of the experimental work, you will write up your results in a MSc thesis report that you will defend in a presentation in front of a public audience. Occasionally, the assignment can be (partially) conducted at an organisation outside the UT.
Objective	Perform a scientific research project in an academic environment
Assessment	- Research work performed - Written thesis report - Oral presentation of the results You will receive 2 marks for the master thesis assignment. The first mark represents the scientific aspects (25 ec) and the second mark represents the general aspects (20 ec). For more detailed information on what aspects are evaluated, check the Assessment Form in the Appendices of this Programme Guide.
More information	Before you start with your individual master assignment, the assignment itself and your study program must be evaluated by the Board of Examinations. Please send in the required form (see elsewhere in this guide) about one month before you want to start.