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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
168
and they can be found in applications ranging from computers
and electronics, to telecommunications and broadcasting, to
airlines and healthcare. In nanoscience size matters.
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 140-142). 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) –
www.crann.tcd.ie
– 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).
In the final year you will also carry out a research
project, frequently abroad in an industrial laboratory
, to
become familiar with the applications of advanced materials,
nanostructures or nanodevices in real-life situations. Many
students do their projects in innovative research areas such
as nano-technology, and smart and biomimetic materials.
Laboratories where projects have taken place include the IMEC
micro- and nano-electronics research centre in Leuven, Belgium;
The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California; and the
University of Potsdam (Universität Potsdam) Germany.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of continuous
assessment and end-of-year examinations.
Study abroad
Many students carry out their final year project abroad, mainly
in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany or the USA. This allows
students to develop their practical skills in materials science and
to learn about different countries and cultures.
Career opportunities
This degree will provide you with a flexible qualification for
employment in cutting-edge high technology industries, such
as the semiconductor, polymer and optical industries. There are
also opportunities to carry out postgraduate study in advanced
materials, a key research area in Trinity College itself.
Did you know?
n
Many graduates from this course go on to do
research in the CRANN research centre for nanoscale
materials. It is housed in the new Naughton Institute
in Trinity College and has state of the art facilities for
research into the nanoworld. CRANN was pioneered
by the Schools of Physics and Chemistry in Trinity
College.
Further information
www.tcd.ie/Chemistry/nanoscience
Tel: +353 1 896 1726 / 2040