Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is an emerging sector, which covers many areas of both academic science and device design and innovation. Manipulating matter at the nanoscale has already led to new technology in many areas such as electronics, displays, sensors, and green technology. The design, fabrication and control of devices with nanoscale (billionth of a metre) dimensions, is an engine of innovation in almost every sector.



This course is suitable for graduates who wish to apply their degree expertise in the nanoscale science and related sectors. This specialisation is for students excited by the prospect of studying and researching in an interdisciplinary area, where physics, chemistry and engineering all come together.



- Students help design their own curricula (negotiated structure) in this interdisciplinary programme with access to major technology platforms essential to the conduct of world-class cutting-edge research through the strength of the collaboration of the UCD School of Physics. This process takes both the educational track record and the career trajectory of the student into account. Staff from Intel Ireland will come to UCD during the year to speak with and advise students on the programme.



- Study science and techniques that will contribute to the development of technology and devices such as single photon sources, solar cells, nanoelectronics and nanomaterials.



- Highly relevant to the recruitment needs of industrial employers, particularly in the semiconductor, telecommunications and imaging sectors and for further PhD research



What Will I Learn?

- Our students will become well-grounded in the fundamentals of nanotechnology with an appreciation of more specialised knowledge and the current frontiers of research.

- Apply knowledge gained and skills developed to specific fundamental or industrial problems.

- Use the underlying physics of the field to find, assess and use up-to-date information in order to guide progress.

- Engage actively in addressing research topics of current relevance.

- Draw on a suite of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, team-work, independent work, professional networking, project management.

- Present findings both orally and in written form, to thesis level.

- Our students will be imbued with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour.



Student Internships

There are opportunities to apply for an internship* in an academic or industry workplace. The internship comprises a research project, the theme of which is chosen by the student in agreement with the supervisor and MSc Course Director. The project may include experimental research, modelling/simulations research, and/or other research appropriate to the MSc programme theme.



*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

Stage 1 Core Modules

PHYC41090 Bio-inspired Technologies PHYC Autumn 5

Stage 1 Options - A)1 of:

Students must take one of the following modules:

PHYC40850 Physics Research Project 45 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 45

PHYC40860 Physics Research Project 60 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) 60

PHYC40840 Physics Research Project 30 Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:

For consideration as optional module - final approval following consultation with programme director.

CHEM30090 Chemistry of Materials Autumn 5



Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:

Optional module for consideration - final approval of module choice following consultation with programme director

CHEM40080 Reactivity and Change Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:

The list is just a list of optional modules. Optional modules are not limited to lists provided, and other modules can be added following dialogue with the Programme Director.

CHEM40870 Nanomaterials Chemistry Autumn 5

MEEN40600 Medical Device Design Autumn 5

MEEN40630 Biomaterials Autumn 5

PHYC40400 Nanooptics and biophotonics Autumn 5

PHYC40410 Physics of nanomaterials Autumn 5

PHYC40470 Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations Autumn 5

PHYC40560 Advanced Atomic Force Microscopy for Bionanoscience Autumn 5

PHYC40930 Ultrafast Soft X-ray Photonics Autumn 5

PHYC41070 Techniques in Biophysics Autumn 5

IA40470 Entrepreneurship: Application and Mindset Autumn and Spring (separate) 5

IA40310 Creative Thinking & Innovation Autumn & Spring & Summer(separate) 5

CHEN40440 Chem Proc Sust & Ren Energy Spring 5

CHEN40510 Advanced Characterisation Tech Spring 5

COMP41680 Data Science in Python Spring 5

PHYC40030 Galaxies, Observational Cosmology & the Interstellar Medium Spring 5

PHYC40110 Medical Physics (Selected Topics) Spring 5

PHYC40210 Applied Optics Spring 5

PHYC40430 Nanomechanics - from single molecules to single cells Spring 5

- Entrance to this programme requires a degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, material sciences or a related discipline with a significant physics content. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. in special circumstances, students with a strong physics background and lower second class honours degree may be accepted.



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent. Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



- These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

1 Year Full-Time.

MSc Nanotechnology (F122) Full Time

EU: fee per year - €8750

nonEU: fee per year - €25600


***Fees are subject to change.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The programme prepares you for industry or further PhD research. Career opportunities include the semiconductor industry, telecommunications, diagnostic imaging, green technologies and sensor applications, both in Ireland and internationally. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in the areas of photonics, nanotechnology and computational physics and nanoscience. Prospective employers include Abbott, Allergan, Andor, Asylum Research, Becton Dickinson, Boston Scientific, Carl-Zeiss Meditec, Covidien Imaging, Eblana Photonics, Intel, Intune Networks, Park Systems, Pharma-Bio Serv, Philips, and SensL.