UTS course code: C10170
UAC code: 607165
Testamur title: Bachelor of Science in Nanotechnology
Abbreviation: BSc
Course Director: Associate Professor Mike Ford
Course fee: HECS (local); $8,250 per semester (international)
Total credit points: 144

Overview
Course aims
Admission requirements
Advanced standing
Attendance
Course duration
Course structure
Course program
Assessment
Honours
Other information

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Nanotechnology is designed to educate and train graduates for careers in the multidisciplinary field of nanotechnology, covering biological, chemical and physical processes at the micro- and nanoscale. Major areas of study include nanoscale sensors, devices, machines, optics, nanotubes, and nanomaterials. Emphasis is placed on industrial applications of this fast growing science, and students gain an understanding of the principles of nanotechnology, imaging and manipulation at the nanometre scale, and acquire valuable practical skills. Many applications of nanotechnology will benefit society in practical ways such as: reductions in manufacturing costs; reduced dependence on fossil fuels and environmental pollution; and improved medical and environmental technologies.

Minor studies or electives may be undertaken in a wide range of areas offered within the Faculty of Science or within the University. See the Second majors section or contact the Course Director for more details. Students are encouraged to undertake the Diploma in Scientific Practice¹, a period of industrial training providing excellent preparation for employment in the field.

Footnotes:
1. The Diploma in Scientific Practice is not available to international students.

Course aims

This course aims to produce professional scientists with highly adaptable and practical scientific skills, accompanied by a thorough grounding in theory. Graduates can expect to find employment in a range of areas including research positions in: the development of patterned monolayers for a new generation of chemical and biological sensors; switching devices to improve computer storage capacity by a factor of a million; tiny medical probes that will not damage tissues; and entirely new drug and gene therapy systems and materials with greatly improved mechanical properties. Graduates also qualify for technical positions in manufacturing, quality control, sales and marketing of technical products.

Admission requirements

Australian students are required to apply for admission through the NSW University Admissions Centre (UAC). For school leavers, admission is based on UAI scores. We recommend that HSC studies include the following subjects: HSC Mathematics, English, Physics and Chemistry, preferably Mathematics Extension 1. Non-current school leavers should apply through UAC in addition to submitting a Personal Statement to UTS. Applications are taken from September to December each year.

International students should contact the UTS International Office for application procedures. In addition to academic requirements, students are required to meet English language proficiency requirements. Further details are available from the International Office.

Advanced standing

UTS recognises prior tertiary level learning, including that from other universities and TAFE (Associate Diploma and Diploma only). Once a student's application to study has been accepted, they may apply to receive recognition of successful prior learning, and may therefore be able to complete the course in less than the standard time. Applications for credits and exemptions should be made to the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Faculty of Science.

Attendance

Full-time attendance involves approximately 24 hours each week at the University. This enables a full stage of the course to be completed in one semester. Part-time attendance involves approximately 12 hours each week at the University. This form of attendance allows students to complete a full stage in one year. It is expected that employers will release part-time students for at least one half-day per week for attendance at classes.

Course duration

This course is offered over:

• three years, full time
• four years, full time with successful completion of the Diploma in Scientific Practice, or
• four years, full time with Honours.

Other patterns of attendance may also be permitted. For advice, contact the Course Director.

Course structure

This degree is structured to develop strong multidisciplinary skills in nanotechnology.

Course program

Assessment

Depending on the subjects chosen, students can expect to undergo a variety of assessment types before completion of this course including formal and informal examinations, assignments and essays, practical reports and write-ups, and seminar presentations. Assessment tasks may be based on individual or group work. For further details of individual subjects, see the Subject Descriptions section, or contact the subject's coordinator.

Honours

The Honours program is designed to introduce students to research work in medical science. It allows selected students to continue on with postgraduate studies if desired and enhances their employment prospects. For further information, contact the Course Director.

Other information

All academic inquiries should be made to:

Course Director
Associate Professor Mike Ford
telephone (02) 9514 7956
fax (02) 9514 7553
email Mike.Ford@uts.edu.au