Postgraduate Courses
NANO
Nano Science and Technology
- NANO 5100Chemistry of Nanomaterials[3-0-0:3]Co-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 at the UG level, 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. Their applications to sustainable energy will be discussed. 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 use free open-source packages to do materials simulations on a Linux computer cluster.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]Co-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]Co-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 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 6010Advanced Topics in Nano Science and Technology[0-1-0:1]DescriptionAdvanced 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]DescriptionAn 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 ResearchDescriptionMaster'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 ResearchDescriptionOriginal 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.
