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Nanotechnology

Postgraduate Coursework in Nanotechnology

(Mid-year entry application closing date: 25th July 2008 for all three courses.)

  • Graduate Certificate in Nanotechnology  (Only available part-time in 2008 and will be open to international and domestic student in 2009 on full-time basis)
  • Graduate Diploma in Nanotechnology
  • Master of Nanotechnology

Picture yourself in the research area of the 21st century. You are constantly excited and motivated by new discoveries, weekly, sometimes daily. You are energised by the pace of change, flexible enough to adapt to the changes. You are in nanotechnology - tiny but terrific.

 

Fast Facts
Course Level: Postgraduate Digital Instruments Nanoscope IV Scanning Probe System
Course Length: Graduate Certificate - Part-time only (18 units)

Graduate Diploma - 1 year full time or part-time equivalent (36 units)

Master - 2 years full time or part-time equivalent (72 units)
Location: Taught on-campus at Flinders
Available To: Australian (Commonwealth Supported) and international students
Entry Requirements: Applicants for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters in Nanotechnology must normally hold a degree in any relevant discipline of science or engineering or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. Examples of relevant disciplines include but are not limited to Chemistry, Physics, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Biotechnology
Course Program Details: A program of study is available for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master in Nanotechnology in the University's Course Information Handbook

About the Course

Why Study Nanotechnology?  

Nanotechnology is science at the molecular level with the potential to greatly change the world. It brings chemistry, physics, engineering, biology and biomedical sciences together "to manufacture products of any size with atomic precision". It is a perfect example of how science can be applied in the workplace to create useful technologies.

High interest in nanotechnology from industry, investors and government is driving the fastest growth rate in science. About the only thing holding it back is the lack of trained nanotechnology professionals. Now is the time to get on board.

If you choose a Masters in nanotechnology you might work with researchers on building nanochips that interface with the human eye to restore sight, building miniature machines whose tiny moving parts have no need of lubricants, or creating molecules that are tuneable to particular bacteria, viruses or environmental pollutants. The science has already developed products that appear in our daily life such as chemical-free sunscreens, self-cleaning windows (based on the surface chemistry and nanostructure of lotus leaves), light-weight tennis racquets containing carbon nanotubes and nano-article-based antimicrobial surfaces to name a few. The world awaits your ideas in textiles, energy, cosmetics, computers and more.

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What Will I Study?

Students will develop the capacity to understand the basic scientific concepts underpinning nanoscience and the properties of materials and biomaterials at the atomic/molecular level and the scaling laws governing these properties. They will understand current frontier developments in nanotechnology, and recognise and develop novel and innovative ideas using a range of laboratory methods, specifically the fabrication and characterisation tools used in nanotechnology such as various microscopies, surface modifications and molecular level construction methods. Communication, problem-based and critical thinking skills that will promote life long learning in their future careers will also be developed during these courses.

The courses articulate and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards. Candidates who have completed the Graduate Certificate are awarded credit towards the Graduate Diploma. Candidates who have completed the Graduate Diploma are awarded credit towards the Masters.

The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are for students who require coverage of the fundamental knowledge and skills in the core areas. The Masters award also covers the fundamental knowledge and skills, subsequently extending them through advanced study of selected areas and development of research and problem solving skills. Masters candidates complete a significant research/industry training project, and prepare a professional thesis or report on the project – from project conception, design of methods, collection of results and their analysis, through to final conclusions and recommendations for future work. The project also equips students with skills in advanced experimental nanotechnology tools which will further enhance their employment prospects in the industry.

 

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How can I use Nanotechnology in my career?

Graduates of these nanotechnology postgraduate courses will be in great demand in industry, research institutions and government organisations. The cross-disciplinary nature of their degree opens up many possibilities and the collaborations forged in the Masters project only serve to expand the opportunities.

The skills in communication, research, teamwork and computing, along with the capacity for critical thinking and analysis, make graduates of these programs exceptional candidates for positions in forward thinking institutions. Careers in environment, biomedicine, chemistry, and industries such as building, electronics, materials and renewable energy beckon for these graduates – and an exciting career at the forefront of a new science awaits.

A coursework Masters is also a pathway to PhD for those who don’t have an honours degree and prefer to develop a research career.

 

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Why come to Flinders University in Adelaide?

Flinders University is at the forefront of nanotechnology research. Every teacher in these courses is fully immersed in and excited by nanotechnology research. Flinders began the first undergraduate course in Australia in the discipline and maintains its position at the forefront. Nanostructures and Molecular Interactions Research is an Area of Strategic Research Investment at Flinders University.

Our postgraduate courses in nanotechnology are small, intimate and focused on the needs and the future of each individual student. At Flinders, the postgraduate courses have low numbers and small class sizes, and that’s the way we like it. It gives our staff time to devote to students, it gives students a more interactive atmosphere in which to embrace creative excellence.

Surveys have ranked Flinders University highly among Australian universities for student satisfaction, teaching quality, teaching and research links, employer satisfaction with students and research spending and publication rate. The student population is about 15,600, with international students making up about 12%. The campus boasts halls of residence and off-campus, affordable accommodation is available nearby. Regular and frequent public transport services the campus on several routes.


Affordable Adelaide, capital of the state of South Australia, is a city of about 1 million people with an eye to the future – a future you can be part of, for the time of your course or the rest of your life. It has the lowest cost of living of all major Australian cities. The state government has a focus on IT and is developing, in collaboration with private enterprise, a vibrant, innovative culture that looks to a bright future – quality of life in a sustainable environment.

 

Entry requirements

All Applicants

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters in Nanotechnology must normally hold a degree in any relevant discipline of science or engineering or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. Examples of relevant disciplines include but are not limited to Chemistry, Physics, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Biotechnology


Students who have completed the four-year undergraduate Nanotechnology course at Flinders cannot be admitted to the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma but may have 36 units of credit towards completion of the Masters program. Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (or other qualifications deemed equivalent) receive credit when progressing to the Graduate Diploma or Masters.  

Australian Students

Australian students should contact:
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: (08) 8201 2515 or 1800 803 131 (freecall within Australia)
Fax: (08) 8201 3399
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au

International Students

CRICOS Provider Code: 00114A
 

See the Why choose Flinders section for the following information about this and other Flinders courses:

  • Tuition fees
  • Course entry requirements
  • English language requirements
  • Australian visa and health cover requirements


For further information about studying in Australia:

The International Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (+ 618) 8201 2727
Fax (+ 618) 8201 3177


Ask Flinders - International enquiry form

 

Apply Now!

If you've read enough and want to apply for entry into this course then:

International Students: Australian Students:
  • Apply using GradStart
Three easy steps:
  1. Visit the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) website
  2. Link via the GradStart button. Click on 'Want to Apply?' to begin your application
  3. Submit your application. You will be sent a confirmation e-mail
You can apply for admission at any time during the year and GradStart applications are free.

If you receive any correspondence from SATAC requesting further information you will need to supply what is requested. Your application cannot be processed until all requested information is received. Note: you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia to apply through GradStart.

 

 

Credit Transfer

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (or other qualifications deemed equivalent) receive credit when progressing to the Graduate Diploma or Masters.

An Application for Credit form and relevant policies are available on the web.
 

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Course Fees


In 2008 these courses have been approved to have Commonwealth Supported (CS) places. These courses are also offered on a fee-paying basis. See the appropriate fee schedule for Australian students and International Students. Contact the relevant faculty office for further information.

Australian citizens, and those holding an Australian permanent humanitarian visa who meet eligibility criteria, are eligible to defer their fees through the Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP). Contact Student Finance Services on (08) 8201 3143 for details.

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Further Information

Flinders Web Resources


The following are additional links within the University of Flinders website where you will find information on costs, financial assistance, and other courses offered by the University.


Contact Us


If you would like to find out more about this course, or any of our other courses, please contact us:

Admissions Office

     Phone: +61 8 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
     Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au

Science & Engineering
     Hotline: 1800 803 131 (local call cost)
     Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au

Course Co-ordinator
     Name:Dr Nico Voelcker
     Phone:+61 8 8201 2781
     Email: nico.voelcker@flinders.edu.au

Last reviewed Oct 2006.

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