Many future applications within electronics, telecommunication, information systems, medicine, and natural or artificial biosystems build upon progress in nanoscale technologies. On the nanoscale, new physical, chemical, and biological properties become important, and research often takes place on the borders between these disciplines. Proficiency in theoretical and practical aspects of these fields will therefore be important both within the industry and the academia. The nanotechnology programme is based on both physics and chemistry and will give you a thorough, yet advanced knowledge of the nanoscale system properties.
Programme description
Besides equipping you with a solid theoretical background in the physics, chemistry and technology of nanoscale systems the programme will also provide you with unique competencies, such as knowledge of the innovative possibilities of nanotechnology and ample hands-on experience in experimental techniques. You will be working in the MC2 cleanroom environment (one of few cleanrooms worldwide to allow Master's level student projects in the facilities) and other modern laboratories for both manufacturing and analysis, already during your first year. You will have the possibility to continue working in the laboratories as part of your Master's thesis.
Science on the nanoscale is typically carried out either in a “bottom-up” approach, where functional nanostructures are formed through molecular interactions, or by nanostructuring in a “top-down” approach. The core curriculum consists of a handful of compulsory courses that create a solid basis for both approaches. The programme also includes several semi-compulsory courses, creating a number of possible tracks within the program, as well as a number of courses that can be chosen to provide you with a deeper knowledge of your choice of area within nanotechnology. The conclusion of the programme consists of a thesis based on a half- or full-year research work carried out with some of the researchers in the area, either within our departments or with industrial partners.
The research conducted comprises three profile areas:
- Nanophysics research, with a top-down perspective, includes studies of engineered nanosystems such as quantum computers, nanoelectronics and spintronics, applications and fundamental science of carbon nanotubes and graphene, nanosensors for bioanalytics and measurement technologies, and nano-optics with applications in, e.g. efficient solar energy production.
- Nanochemistry, with a bottom-up focus, targets the ultimate miniaturization of electronics and photonics, molecular electronics, and the development of molecular methods to create nanodevices.
- The Nanobiophysics activity, which forms a bridge between the other two and focuses on nanofluidics, soft matter nanotechnology, DNA-based self-assembly and biomimetic material science.
As a unique feature of the programme you will become part of this research and have access to our cleanroom and other world-class facilities for labs and group projects.
The Master’s Programme in Nanotechnology is tailored towards students aiming at international careers in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology, both in fundamental nanoscience and in the design and creation of components on the nanoscale.
Research activity
The programme has a visible connection to frontline research and many course projects are embedded in actual research projects. Nano research at Chalmers has a strong infrastructure with advanced laboratories and cleanroom facilities, which support a broad spectrum of activities involving over 150 researchers. Our industrial collaboration is well established and we have successfully launched several spin-off companies. The connection to one of Chalmers' Areas of Advance, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, further enables interdisciplinary collaboration within Chalmers and reinforces collaboration with academia, industry and society throughout the world.
Besides the clean room, our research environment includes a number of research groups, involved in research in a wide range of nanoscience areas, such as quantum information processing with superconducting circuits, quantum device fabrication and characterization, oxide electronics, bottom-up studies of DNA and photochromic molecules, atomic-scale materials computations, and transport phenomena in nanostructures. Further, the European Commission has chosen Chalmers to coordinate the Graphene project, one of EU’s first FET flagships.
Career opportunities
With a Master’s degree in Nanotechnology you will play a key role in tomorrow’s frontier of nano-innovation in industry or academia. Examples of positions held by graduates:
- head of industrial R&D department
- research engineer
- consultant
- academic positions