Masters (MSc) course in bionanotechnology

Full-time MSc study entails a 12-month programme, split between Leeds and Sheffield campuses. In order to complete the full MSc programme, you must complete the eight lecture modules and a major project, as described below. Each module is valued at 15M (Masters credits), and the project is valued at 60M, giving a total of 180M credits.

Module 1B: Generic Methodologies in Nanotechnology and Biophysical Techniques

Introduction to nanotechnology and overview of nanoscale materials; effect of length scale on properties; introduction to bionanotechnology; challenges and opportunities associated with biology on the Nanoscale; bionanotechnology systems; introduction to bioelectronics and biophysics; preparation methods for molecular nanostructures, self assembly and templating; surface patterning and functionalisation; soft lithography contrast with conventional lithography). Characterisation techniques for molecular nanostructures; scanning probe microscopy; electron microscopy and compositional analysis of soft matter; fluorescence; NMR; surface characterisation; surface plasmon resonance, ellipsometry, dual polarization interferometry, SAXS, XPS.

Module 1B

Module 2B: Physics for Bionanotechnology (MAT6740)

Students will be introduced to elements of biophysics and physics at the nano-scale so provide breadth to their education. The course will span from basic principles of thermodynamics, transport phenomena, Low-Reynolds number fluid dynamics, quantum mechanics, and examples of how nature produce and convert energy.

Module 2B

Module 3B: Biosensors (SOMS5700)

Introduction to biosensors; the biological component; the sensor surface; Immobilisation of the sensor molecule; Transduction of the sensor signal -Optical sensors; Transduction of the sensor signal - Electrochemical sensors; Electrochemical considerations; Transduction of the sensor signal, mechanical sensors; Suppression or substraction of non-specific background interaction at sensor surfaces; Sensor stabilisation; Data analysis.

Module 3B

Module 4B: Biophotonics and bioimaging (MAT6750)

This 15 credit module provides a comprehensive overview of the practical and theoretical aspects of imaging biological systems, from the cellular level through to whole-body medical imaging. The unit starts with an introduction to biophysics and then moves on to describe the basic physical concepts in imaging. Major techniques using ionising and non-ionising radiation are then introduced including fluorescence and multi-photon microscopy, spectroscopy, OCT, MRI, X-ray CT, PET and SPECT imaging.

Module 5: Self-assembling nanostructured molecular materials and devices (SOMS5500)

This module covers the principles of self-assembly, self-organisation and its application to biology. Also covered is phase behaviour, structures and properties of thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals, block copolymers, and ordered colloidal dispersions.

Module 5

Module 6: Macromolecules at interfaces and structured organic films (PHY6006)

This module covers the principles of surface and interface chemistry. It includes techniques for surface manipulation, coatings and non-lithographic pattern methods; inorganic/organic hybrid interfaces; interaction of fluids with natural and patterned surfaces.

Module 6

Module 7B: Nanotoxicology (SOMS5850)

Principles of toxicology; toxicology models, experimental toxicology studies; detoxification mechanisms; chemical speciation of dissolved species; importance of biological membrane in toxicology; Toxicology and bioaccumulation of particles; Environmental behaviour and speciation of particles; Introduction to nanomaterials; General surface and colloid chemistry, principles, experimental techniques, surface potential, DVLO theory; Characteristics of nanoparticles; Environmental behaviour of nanoparticles; Case studies of nanomaterial biological activity; Application of toxicology studies to study toxicology and bioaccumulation of nanomaterials.

Module 7B

Module 8NM: Bionanomaterials (MAT6730)

This module introduces basic concepts of cell and molecular biology, before looking at examples of how biomolecules can be used for designing nano-structures, and the use of these nano-structures in biological and medical applications.

Module 8NM

Projects

Full-time MSc students take a substantial research-type project during the study period. Projects are generally based in one of the nanoscience/technology research groups at either Leeds or Sheffield University, and involve a structured experimental investigation of a research or development nature.

Project