Nanoscience embraces all aspects of physics, chemistry, semiconductor manufacturing, technology and even biology where the objects of study have a nanometre scale in one, two, or all three dimensions. What is most interesting about nanoscience is that the properties of materials change radically upon these changes of scale, often in unexpected ways, sometimes due to quantum mechanical effects, other times because of the nature of the atomic interactions. Nanoscience as a subject seeks ways to benefit from and to harness these new properties.

The ability to create new technologies would not be possible without the use of 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.

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 the future of the 21st century.

In the first two years (Fresher years) you will follow the Science (TR071) programme, taking chemistry, physics and mathematics. In the Sophister years (three and four), you will study specialised courses in materials physics and chemistry. Some laboratory training is provided in CRANN (Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices) - CRANN- which is Ireland's research centre for nanoscale materials. Many students carry out their final year project abroad, mainly in the USA, Australia, France and Germany.

Upon completing the Moderatorship (Honours degree) course in NPCAM you will graduate with a B.A. Mod. in Nanoscience, physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials, where B.A. Mod. stands for Bachelor of Arts (Moderatorship) and this indicates an honours degree. For historical reasons graduates of Science degrees in Trinity College Dublin are still awarded B.A. degrees as opposed to more recently established universities which grant Bachelor of Science degrees to graduates. It should further be noted that the NPCAM degree is recognised by the Institute of Physics, which is the professional body for physicists in Ireland and the UK, as qualifications for the professional title 'Chartered Physicist' (CPhys).

With this degree in hand the entry to the world of nanoscience, advanced materials and technology is very much open to all. In particular this degree prepares graduates for research and development in the world of nanoscience. A natural progression for some of our graduates who are drawn towards research in these areas is to remain in TCD for a higher degree in the Schools of Chemistry and Physics and get involved in research in CRANN. Beyond this every individual career trajectory differs but when we look at where our graduates have gone certain patterns emerge and a recent survey of current job titles for our graduates can be found in our Careers section.