Postgraduate Courses
- NANO 5100Chemistry of Nanomaterials[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)NANO 510Co-list withCHEM 5540Exclusion(s)CHEM 4220, CHEM 5540DescriptionChemistry of materials with nano-dimensional structures and advanced functionalities. Working principles of liquid-crystalline displays and organic light-emitting diodes. High-tech applications of luminescent materials in optoelectronic systems, chemical sensors and biological probes.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate an understanding of the core ideas and concepts of materials science and technology.
- 2.Recognize the power of chemical synthesis and materials preparation and carry out investigative research work with independent judgment.
- 3.Apply chemical principles to formulate and analyze analytical and synthetic problems.
- 4.Conduct analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
- 5.Communicate problem solutions using correct materials chemistry terminology and good English.
- NANO 5130Computational Energy Materials and Electronic Structure Simulations[3-0-0:3]Co-list withPHYS 5120Exclusion(s)PHYS 5120BackgroundStudents should have enough knowledge in quantum mechanics, and preferably have learnt statistical mechanics.DescriptionThis course will introduce atomistic computational methods to model, understand, and predict the properties and behavior of real materials including solids, liquids, and nanostructures. We will discuss both basic theory and applications. Specific topics include: density-functional theory (DFT), Kohn-Sham equations, local and semi-local density approximations and hybrid functionals, basis sets, pseudopotentials; Hartree-Fock method; ab initio molecular dynamics with interatomic interactions derived on the fly from DFT, Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics; Monte-Carlo sampling; computational spectroscopy from first principles, IR and Raman. Students will learn how to write programs to simulate solids, liquids, and nanoparticles at the atomic scale, and how to use free open-source packages to do materials simulations on a Linux computer cluster. Students should have enough knowledge in quantum mechanics, and preferably have learnt statistical mechanics. The instructor's approval is required for taking this course.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain the principles of density-functional theory, including Kohn-Sham equations, band gap discontinuity, exchange-correlation potentials, basis sets, and pseudopotentials.
- 2.Explain the Hartree-Fock (HF) method and Koopmans' theory, and describe the basic principles of post-HF methods: Cl, MP2, and CCSD.
- 3.Explain the principles of molecular dynamics and identify the relation between classical and quantum molecular dynamics.
- 4.Assess the electronic and vibrational properties of molecules or nanostructures using an open-source DFT code.
- 5.Assess the band structures and transport properties of crystal materials using an open-source DFT code.
- NANO 5200Physics of Nanostructured Semiconductors[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)NANO 520Co-list withPHYS 5810Exclusion(s)PHYS 5810DescriptionFundamental physics on electronic, vibrational, transport, and optical properties of semiconductors and nano-scaled solid materials based on quantum mechanics. Emphasis on nanostructured heterostructures, quantum size and low-dimensional effects, and application to modern electronics and opto-electronics.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply the fundamental knowledge from Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics to explain new physical phenomena and new or improved device operations that low dimensional semiconductor heterostructures can offer.
- 2.Explain the basic principles of common experimental methods for structural, electrical and optical characterizations of low dimensional semiconductor heterostructures.
- 3.Demonstrate the team work, independent learning, and scientific presentation skills.
- NANO 5250Nano Beam Technology[3-1-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)NANO 525Co-list withPHYS 5820Exclusion(s)PHYS 5820DescriptionBasic physical principles underlying many nano-beam techniques for fabricating and characterizing nanomaterials. Introduction to nano process, e-beam and focus ion-beam lithograph, interaction between crystalline nanomaterials and electron/ion beams. Electron beam diffraction and imaging, imaging contrast mechanism, nanostructure characterization and analytical electron microscopy.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply the fundamental knowledge from crystallography and physics to explain the phenomena of high energy electron beams in diffraction and imaging of solid materials.
- 2.Explain the basic principles of experimental methods for determining atomic structures, interactions between electrons and solid crystalline materials and application in nanomaterials and nanotechnology.
- 3.Demonstrate the independent learning, scientific presentation skills and ability to solve materials science problems.
- NANO 5310Advanced Topics in Nano Biophysical Chemistry[2-1-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)NANO 531Co-list withLIFS 5120Exclusion(s)LIFS 5120DescriptionThis course is designed for the postgraduate students majoring in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology and Physics. Advanced nano-related topics such as bioinformatics, peptide design, basic and biological application of NMR, protein structure and function and techniques of biophysical chemistry, etc.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Understand the principals of the latest technological breakthroughs.
- 2.Effectively use modern technologies to answer biological questions.
- 3.Analyze and critique scientific papers.
- 4.Develop essential skills in scientific communication.
- 5.Prepare students for conducting innovative research.
- NANO 5320Statistical Mechanics I[3-0-0:3]Co-list withPHYS 5310Exclusion(s)PHYS 5310DescriptionLaws and applications of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, phase transitions, classical statistical physics foundations, canonical and grand canonical ensemble, quantum statistical physics foundations, Fermi and Bose distributions, introduction to non-equilibrium statistical physics.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain how the core principles of thermodynamics can be derived from the statistical mechanics of Nparticle systems.
- 2.Use the basic tools of statistical mechanics (such as the partition function) to predict the macroscopic properties of a system from a given microscopic model.
- 3.Apply these tools in conjunction with appropriate approximation techniques to solve problems in a variety of physical systems, including (but not limited to) fluids and interacting assemblies of spins in magnetic
fields. - 4.Use the tools of statistical physics to predict the behaviour of systems in the neighbourhood of a phase transition.
- NANO 5350Nanomaterials for Chemical Engineering Applications[2-1-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)NANO 535Co-list withCENG 5840Prerequisite(s)CENG 1500, CENG 3210, CENG 3230Exclusion(s)CBME 5840, CENG 4540, CENG 5840DescriptionIntroduction to nanostructured materials and nanotechnology. Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials. Selected applications of nanostructured materials in chemical engineering, such as separation and catalysis.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Obtain knowledge about methods for preparation of nanomaterials, ranging from single nanoparticles to three-dimensional nanostructures.
- 2.Demonstrate understanding for important thermodynamic and kinetic theories related to such processing.
- 3.Understand fundamental chemistry and physics of nanomaterial.
- 4.Development of analytical skill for methods of characterizing the structure and properties of nanomaterials.
- 5.Demonstrate the knowledge of current and emerging applications for nanomaterials.
- NANO 5500Nanocomposite Science and Technology[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)NANO 550Co-list withMECH 5480Exclusion(s)MECH 5480DescriptionThis course is designed to provide fundamental understanding of emerging nanocomposite materials science and technology. The topical areas to discuss include synthesis of various nanoscale reinforcements, such as nanowires, nanotubes, and inorganic nanoparticles; fabrication and processing techniques of nanocomposites; dispersion of nanoreinforcements; interfacial adhesion; mechanical and functional properties of nanocomposites including gas/moisture barrier characteristics, electrical and magnetic properties, thermal properties and flame retardancy; molecular dynamic simulations; design and applications of nanocomposites.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the advantages of nanocomposites over conventional composites.
- 2.List common types of nanofillers, their functionalization techniques and fabrication methods for their nanocomposites.
- 3.Select and implement suitable nanofillers and nanocomposite fabrication techniques to achieve good dispersion and desired properties.
- 4.Compare and apply different characterisation techniques for nanofillers and nanocomposites.
- 5.Evaluate the mechanical and functional properties of nanocomposites by correlating their properties to the structure and dispersion of nanofillers and the synthesis techniques.
- 6.Design nanocomposites for specific functional applications.
- NANO 6010Advanced Topics in Nano Science and Technology[0-1-0:1]Previous Course Code(s)NANO 601DescriptionAdvanced topic series presented by the professors who are listed in the Nano PG Program and guest speakers, on most updated frontier researches in nano science and nano technology. Graded P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Understand the major issues and acquire a comprehensive set of professional skills and knowledge in nano science and nano technology.
- NANO 6100Independent Study in Nano Science and Technology[0-3-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)NANO 610DescriptionAn individual in-depth study of a current topic in nano science and technology under the supervision of a faculty member. For students of NANO program only. The instructor's approval is required for taking this course. Graded P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Conduct literature review.
- 2.Write professional researh paper or report.
- 3.Obtain in-depth understanding on a specific research topic in Nano Science or Technology.
- 4.Explain working principles or apply experimental techniques on a research topic in Nano Science and Technology.
- NANO 6990MPhil Thesis ResearchPrevious Course Code(s)NANO 699DescriptionMaster's thesis research supervised by a faculty member. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate research contriutions in form of a thesis.
- 2.Demonstrate research achievements, on knowledge in advanceing a research field in Nano Science and Technology, in the form of thesis.
- 3.Defend the research achievements and contributions through seminar or oral examination.
- NANO 7990Doctoral Thesis ResearchPrevious Course Code(s)NANO 799DescriptionOriginal and independent doctoral thesis research. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate research contriutions in form of a thesis.
- 2.Demonstrate original research achievements with impact on a research field in Nano Science and Technology, in the form of thesis.
- 3.Defend the research achievements and contributions through seminar or oral examination.