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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
167
Nanoscience, physics
and chemistry of
advanced materials
COURSE CODES:
PLACES 2012:
POINTS 2011:
DEGREE AWARDED:
TR076
10
475
B.A.
Special Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate
OA2 or HC3 Mathematics
HC3
In two of physics,
chemistry, biology,
physics/chemistry,
applied mathematics
and mathematics
GCSE
Grade A
Mathematics
or
Advanced GCE (A-Level)
Grade C
Mathematics
Advanced GCE (A-Level)
Grade C
In two of physics,
chemistry, biology,
mathematics, or
applied mathematics
Combinations not permitted:
Physics/chemistry with physics or chemistry
Applied mathematics with mathematics
See also:
TR035: Theoretical physics, page 168
TR071: Science, page 140
TR074: Chemistry with molecular modelling, page 160
TR075: Medicinal chemistry, page 165
What is Nanoscience
and Advanced materials?
The ability to create new technologies or devices would not
be possible without the use of advanced materials. Energy is
an important issue for any new device, and making devices
smaller approaching the nano-scale can reduce the energy cost,
while increasing speed. These nanostructures or nanodevices
can behave in surprising ways which are not like miniaturised
versions of the macroscopic devices. Ultimately this behaviour
is explicable by quantum mechanics but new methods of
fabricating or interacting with such nanostructures is what
nanoscience is all about, ideally to the benefit of technology and
to people. Nanoscience incorporates applications in photonics,
medical diagnostics, ultra-fast electronics and many other areas
which in addition use advanced materials. Advanced materials
include superconductors, polymers, lasers and optoelectronics
and they can be found in applications ranging from computers
and electronics, to telecommunications and broadcasting, to
airlines and healthcare.
Is this the right course for you?
This course will appeal to you if you are interested in science
and have a strong desire to apply your scientific skills to
industries and technologies that are shaping our futures.
Course overview
This degree will teach you how to use and apply the principles
of chemistry and physics to solve practical problems associated
with the development of new technologies and their application
to the areas of nanoscience. To understand how to make,
develop, control and use advanced materials, nanostructures or
nanodevices it is advisable to have a thorough grounding in both
chemistry and physics.
The Freshman years
In the first two years you will follow the Science (TR071)
programme, taking chemistry, physics and mathematics
(pages 141-143). There will be special tutorials on historical
and modern aspects of nanoscience and materials science from
world leading experts based in the Schools of Physics and
Chemistry, and in CRANN
(Centre for Research on Adaptive
Nanostructures and Nanodevices) –
– which
is Ireland’s research centre for nanoscale materials. In the
Senior Freshman (2nd year) there will be special courses on
the properties of materials and other aspects of nanoscience.
There are approximately 15 hours of lectures/tutorials and 6
hours in laboratory classes each week.
The Sophister years
In the Sophister (third and fourth) years, you will study
specialised courses in materials physics and chemistry.
The course in the Junior Sophister (third) year includes lectures
on solid state physics and chemistry, quantum mechanics,
lasers, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, macromolecules,
spectroscopy, group theory, materials preparation and
microelectronic technology.
The practical course will introduce you to a wide range of
techniques for the synthesis, preparation and characterisation
of modern materials.
Some laboratory training is provided
in CRANN using their state-of the art facilities in
nanofabrication and nanocharacterisation.
The Senior Sophister (fourth year) course further explores
nanoscience and other topics, including more advanced solid
state physics and chemistry, non-linear optics, materials for
electronic and optoelectronic devices, conducting and insulating
polymers and metal oxides, superconductivity, surface and
interface effects, computer simulation and advanced growth
techniques (with specific examples of their applications in the
nanosciences).
