Syllabus 2009/2010 FAFN20

Syllabus academic year 2009/2010
(Created 2009-08-11.)

UNIFYING CONCEPTS IN NANOSCIENCE: SIZE EFFECTS AND SELF-ASSEMBLY

FAFN20

Higher education credits: 15. Grading scale: UG. Level: A (Second level). Language of instruction: The course will be given in English. Optional for: F4, F4nfe, K4m, MNAV2, N4. Course coordinator: Prof Tommy Nylander, Tommy.Nylander@fkem1.lu.se, Fysik, kurslaboratoriet. Prerequisites: The course requires 120 hp or more in chemistry, physics, nanoscience or similar with LTH or the natural science faculty. The course might be cancelled if the numer of applicants is less than 10. The number of participants is limited to 50 Selection criteria: Credits remaining for the degree. Assessment: Essay (60 %) on research article defended at oral exam (40 %). Parts: 2. Home page: http://isis.ku.dk/kurser/index.aspx?kursusid=26740&xslt=simple6¶m8=false¶m1=175026.

Aim
The objective of the course is

to understand the special biological, chemical and physical properties of nanoscale systems, and
to learn to combine the classical disciplines (thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, etc) taught at the bachelor level to describe specific examples of nanoscale systems and phenomena.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

be able to account for the difference between nanoscale systems, atomic systems and bulk systems for specific examples in biology, chemistry and physics.
be able to describe theory for and central examples of self-organizing systems
be able to use the concept of surface energy
be able to use simple models (e.g. particles in a box, tight binding, molecular orbitals) to describe the electronic structure of molecular and solid state nanosystems.
be able to use simple models and examples to describe how the electronic structure of nanosystems is influenced by electron-electron interactions (charge, spin) and coupling to the vibrations.
be able to explain electronic conduction through nanosystems and identify different regimes (Ballistic, Coulomb Blockade etc)
be able to explain the biological, physical and chemical properties of functional nanosystems based on combinations of model considerations covered in the course

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

be able to find scientific information not included in the course material
be able to assimilate and summarize scientific articles
be able to write well structured project reports which summarize, explain and analyse either experimental or theoretical scientific articles
be able to present result in oral presentations and be active in scientific discussions

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

have increased knowledge about fundamental aspects with respect to theory, methods and the scientific challenges that are addressed within nanoscience in a broad perspective.

Contents
The physical and chemical basis for the special properties of nanoscale systems will be developed systematically using simple models and examples from current nanoscience and -technology.

Themes include: Size-effects, fluctuations, self-organization, surface energies, micelles, nanoparticles, chemical, biological, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of molecular and solid state nanostructures.

Literature
J. Israelachvili Intermolecular & Surface Forces (Academic Press), P.A. Cox The Electronic Structure and Chemistry of Solids (Oxford) .
Supplemented by books from bachelor courses in physical chemistry, mechanics, biology and quantum physics.

Parts

Code: 0108. Name: Essay.
Higher education credits: 9. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Report is written.

Code: 0208. Name: Oral examination.
Higher education credits: 6. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Report is written.