A groundbreaking nanotechnology course is to be launched at Oxford University for professionals wanting to understand more about the 21st century science. The postgraduate part-time course will be delivered entirely online, with the programme drawing on the University’s world-class researchers working in this field.
Nanotechnology is of increasing interest to the materials and physical sciences industries. It is an area where very, very small structures play a critical role – the prefix ‘nano’ being derived from the Greek word ‘nanos’ meaning ‘dwarf’. The scale used is a ‘nanometre’, which is a billionth of a metre, or put another way 1/10 of the thickness of metal film on a packet of crisps; or 1/80,000 the diameter of an average human hair. Flexible LCD screens, more efficient fuel, glass that cleans itself, safe suncreams, tiny implanted battery-less blood pressure monitors, new concepts in the detection of molecules in blood to help medical diagnosis and stain-proof trousers are all examples of current or future applications of nanotechnology.
This programme results from the close collaboration between Oxford University’s Begbroke Science Park and the Department for Continuing Education to develop accredited course modules in nanotechnolgoy leading to a postgraduate certificate award. Students should have educational qualifications in a physical science discipline or demonstrable work experience in any of these areas. The course has three modules, all of which are available to study separately and a residential weekend in Oxford at the end of the formal study period. The Tutors will provide online support and replicate the tutorial system electronically.
Professor Sir Harry Kroto, a Nobel prize winner for Chemistry and world authority on nanotechnology based in Florida State University, is launching the course in Oxford on 2 June. He said: ‘On the horizon are numerous exciting possible applications in numerous diverse areas, ranging from civil engineering to advanced molecular electronics, so promising to transform our lives and global economics. We now know we should one day be able to build buildings so strong that they will not fall down in earthquakes; aeroplanes so light that they will be able to glide to safety if the engines fail; and surgical techniques that will enable us to carry out medical operations almost non-invasively.’
Professor Peter Dobson, from the Engineering Science Department, said: ‘Oxford is well placed to offer this unique opportunity to gain an understanding of the science and characterisation techniques that describe the behaviour of nano-scale process and structure. The University has a long-established and universally recognised reputation for nanotechnology research in several of its departments and interdisciplinary collaboration is embedded in the culture here. There are now several examples of spin-off companies that exploit nanotechnology. This research is backed by world-class researchers and equipment including an ultra-high resolution electron microscope, a web-based remotely operated scanning electron microscope and a suite of state-of-the-art micro and nano-analysis equipment operated by the Department of Materials at Begbroke.’
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Posted 2nd June 2006
