Nanoscience Options at the School of Physics

The field of Nanoscience is concerned with the study of matter on the nanoscale (10^-9m), a scale where the fundamental quantum mechanical interactions that determine the properties of materials take place. The key and revolutionary aspect of nanoscience is that we are now able to manipulate matter on the nanoscale and can fabricate materials with unique properties by design.

Nanoscience in Physics is concerned with the understanding of quantum mechanical interactions between arrays of atoms or molecular species on the nanometre scale. Using this knowledge, materials can be designed with specific physical, chemical or biological function. The application of Nanoscience is huge and spans the three Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) as well as Engineering and Material Science.

At the University of Sydney, a Bachelor of Science degree is offered with a major in Nanoscience and Technology, as advertised on the Faculty of Science web pages. This major entails taking core Physics and Chemistry units in the first two years and then specialising in the third year. The School of Physics offers third year students a tailored course on Nanoscience and the opportunity to perform Nanoscience laboratory experiments, including hands-on experience with electron microscopes and research level project work.

Specifically a major in Nanoscience and Technology requires 24 credit points of study at Senior level taken from the following:

• One of the Senior Physics units in Semester 1 that contains the Nanoscience lecture module. See the Table of Senior Physics Units.
• The Senior Physics unit Quantum Mechanics, Condensed Matter Physics and Laboratory (PHYS 3062 or 3962), in Semester 2.
• Materials Chemistry (CHEM3112 or CHEM3912)
• Membranes, Self Assembly and Surfaces (CHEM 3116 or CHEM3916)
• Mechanics of Solids (MECH3361)
• Materials (MECH3362)

Basic course map leading to a Nanoscience Major

Detailed course map leading to a Nanoscience Major

Frequently asked questions:

 

• I have satisfied the prerequisites but the system won't let me enrol. What should I do? Please contact the .
• The nanoscience major requires a physics unit containing the nanoscience module. However, I am lacking pre-requisites for the other subjects bundled with nanoscience module. My timetable prevents me from taking the pre-requisites for the other non-nanoscience subjects. What can I do?.
  We offer a unit called Topics in Senior Physics A that allows you to choose a combination of lecture topics and laboratory classes that is not offered in the standard units. In the first semester, you could do Nanoscience plus 4 units of lab or Nanoscience plus Thermodyanmics plus 2 units of lab. You could even take Nanoscience plus a Special Project.
• I will only take one physics unit in first semester. Which one should it be? Either
  PHYS 3052,3952: Nanoscience/Thermodynamics & Lab or PHYS 3057,3957: Nanoscience/Thermodynamics & Biological Physics, since Plasma Physics requires Electromagnetism as assumed knowledge.
• What are my best options in the second semester?
  PHYS 3062,3962: Quantum Mechanics/Cond. Matter Physics & Lab
  is specifically designed for Nanoscience & Technology majors.