Science with nanotechnology

Introduced in 2006, this unique and modern programme is jointly run by the School of Physics and the School of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences. For further information, contact:

Dr John Doran (contact details)
School of Physics
Dr Declan McCormack (contact details)
School of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences

It is not necessary to have studied physics or chemistry before to do this degree, though a science subject is needed and an interest in science & technology.

What is Nanotechnology?
Nanoscience is the study of the very small - things at the nanometer (one thousandth millionth of a metre) scale. This is the scale of large molecules - molecular chains (like plastics), proteins (from biology), nano-crystals. More broadly speaking, it is usually considered to cover systems on scales from 1 to 100 nanometre.

Nanotechnology comprises technological developments on the nanometer scale. Nanotechnology includes the techniques used to create structures at a size scale below 100 nm, including those used for fabrication of tiny devices in new generations of electronics and computer chips. It includes machines that can literally build themselves atom by atom; materials with special properties like car-paint that doesn’t scratch, bubble and injet technologies, and many others that are becoming increasingly prevalent.

see also
• What is Physics?
• problem based learning
• DIT Admissions
• DIT Careers service
•

Is it just Nanotechnology?
No! This degree is a physics and chemistry degree with a unique focus on nanoscience and nanotechnology. In the later years of the degree the student chooses to specialise in either physics or chemistry, but all students do the nanotechnology modules.

Much of the physics in years 1 and 2 is delivered using Problem Based Learning (PBL) which allows students to develop additional skills and qualities sought by industry including the ability to work in teams, interpersonal skills and adaptability. IT and Computing form an integral part of the programme which is characterised by extensive practical and project components.

What are the types of jobs I can get?
Many, many industries use nanotechnology: semiconductors and electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, food, agriculture, and more. Industry across Europe is predicting a big shortage of graduates with knowledge of nanotechnology in the near future.

There’s a wide range of careers for chemistry and physics graduates, many of them using the methodology of physics and chemistry: technical know-how, the logical approach, problem solving skills. Physics graduates work in physics-based industries such as the critical and growing areas of medical physics, bioengineering and medical devices, and also the electronics industry, alternative energy development and telecommunications. Many chemistry graduates work in the very large Irish pharmaceuticals industry. Graduates of this degree are unique - they will have the skills and knowledge of both physicists and chemists, as well as nanoscience and nanotechnology.

What do I require?
6 LC subjects, 2 × HC3, one of which must be science related (i.e. either Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics & Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Engineering, Technical Drawing), OB3 in Maths, OD3 in English or Irish

How do I apply?
Contact DIT Admissions Office.

The official DIT Information on this programme is at http://www.dit.ie/study/undergraduate/az/title,27902,en.html

Related Links

There's plenty of room at the bottom - Nobel Prizewinner in Physics Richard Feynman
> http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/feynman.html
How Stuff Works - Nanotechnology
> http://www.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology.htm
Nanotechnology Basics
> http://www.crnano.org/basics.htm
Nanotechnology Image Gallery
> http://www.ipt.arc.nasa.gov/gallery.html
Will nanotech save the world or is it mostly hype?
CNN discusses issues related to nanotechnology, its promises and its reality to date:
> http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/04/15/nanotech.ideas/index.html
Scientific American Nanotechnology Articles
> http://www.sciam.com/nanotech
What is nanotechnology?
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology
New tools for the Nanotechnology Trade
> http://pubs.acs.org/cen/nanotechnology/7842/7842instrumentation.html

Institute of Physics Bursaries of €1500 per annum

The Institute of Physics (http://www.iop.org) offers means-tested bursaries of up to €1500 a year to undergraduates studying physics in the UK and Ireland. Only students from the UK and Ireland on courses accredited by the Institute will be eligible for consideration.