MSc — 2025 entry Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy

Expected prior learning:  Students should have an interest in materials and devices Module purpose:  Nanotechnology promises new strong and light materials, faster electronic devices which consume less energy and have enhanced functionality. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials are everywhere; it is on the nanometer scale that many of the well-known descriptions and properties of materials breakdown and where an understanding of quantum effects becomes vital.  New materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes with outstanding physical and electronic properties have emerged. This module will introduce quantum engineering and new nanomaterials as well as showing how developments have led to unprecedented ability to see and manipulate atoms and materials on the nanoscale. The module builds upon prior study of electronic materials delivered in Year 2 of the undergraduate programme such as EEE2040 Electronic and Photonics Devices, EEE2045 Electrical Science II. This module facilitates future advanced master level leaning in advanced and modern electronic materials and devices such as in module EEEM022 Nanoelectronics and Devices.

Expected prior learning: Students should have an interest in practical aspects of experimental methods in nanotechnology applications. Module purpose: This module provides students with an introduction to some of the most widely used experimental techniques and skills in engineering applications that leverage phenomena on the nanoscale, from characterising new solar cells to measuring the morphology and properties of thin layers down to single-sheet 2D materials. The module introduces students to key transferrable research skills, building confidence and competence in how to use statistical analytical tools to design experiments and significantly reduce the number of redundant experiments in quality assurance of manufacturing processes, improving their resilience and sustainability. EEEM050 complements fundamental aspects of nanoengineering taught in parallel in EEE3037 and provides essential learning for experimental project dissertations in EEEM004.

Expected prior learning:  None. Module purpose:  To inform students as to the importance of renewable energy in the energy mix required for generation within nations. This is now becoming law in developed countries following the Kyoto agreement and green energy obligations. Students will learn as to the various energy generation options available from power scavengers for handheld calculators to energy generation to power the world’s energy need. Furthermore, an appreciation for the need for energy storage at all power levels will be discussed, with special emphasis on the materials requirements. Students will be able to examine next generation materials being proposed for meeting world's demand based on green energy.  

Expected prior/parallel learning:  Students should have an interest in materials and devices; it would be of benefit to have studied EEE3037 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Module purpose:  Nanoelectronics represent the ultimate in advanced electronic device design and operation. At the nanoscale the quantum nature of matter is evident in the operation of faster, energy efficient devices with greater functionality. New materials, such as graphene and new molecular electronic materials, offer unique electronic properties which continually emerge in parallel to advances in device architecture and performance aligned to the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems. This module will introduce some of the key concepts in low dimensional mesoscopic science and engineering, and molecular electronics and associated devices. The module builds on materials seen earlier in the undergraduate programme such as in EEE2042 Electronic and Photonic Devices, EEE2045 Electrical Science II, EEE3037 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and EEE3041 Semiconductor Devices and Optoelectronics.

Developing high-performance energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries could greatly promote the development of portable electronics, vehicle electrification and smart grid, alleviate environmental pollution and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, addressing the “grand challenges” in the sustainability and resilience of environments. This module aims to introduce fundamental scientific, technological or engineering principles and technology applications of batteries used in different electrical systems. Students will learn as to the battery types, battery parts and how to test/monitor a battery. Battery performance requirement by electric vehicles, smart grids, next-generation electronics and electrical systems will also be covered in this module. The discussion of new materials goes beyond that found in EEE3037 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Expected prior learning:  Students should have an interest in materials and devices Module purpose:  Nanotechnology promises new strong and light materials, faster electronic devices which consume less energy and have enhanced functionality. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials are everywhere; it is on the nanometer scale that many of the well-known descriptions and properties of materials breakdown and where an understanding of quantum effects becomes vital.  New materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes with outstanding physical and electronic properties have emerged. This module will introduce quantum engineering and new nanomaterials as well as showing how developments have led to unprecedented ability to see and manipulate atoms and materials on the nanoscale. The module builds upon prior study of electronic materials delivered in Year 2 of the undergraduate programme such as EEE2040 Electronic and Photonics Devices, EEE2045 Electrical Science II. This module facilitates future advanced master level leaning in advanced and modern electronic materials and devices such as in module EEEM022 Nanoelectronics and Devices.

Expected prior learning: Students should have an interest in practical aspects of experimental methods in nanotechnology applications. Module purpose: This module provides students with an introduction to some of the most widely used experimental techniques and skills in engineering applications that leverage phenomena on the nanoscale, from characterising new solar cells to measuring the morphology and properties of thin layers down to single-sheet 2D materials. The module introduces students to key transferrable research skills, building confidence and competence in how to use statistical analytical tools to design experiments and significantly reduce the number of redundant experiments in quality assurance of manufacturing processes, improving their resilience and sustainability. EEEM050 complements fundamental aspects of nanoengineering taught in parallel in EEE3037 and provides essential learning for experimental project dissertations in EEEM004.

Expected prior learning:  None. Module purpose:  To inform students as to the importance of renewable energy in the energy mix required for generation within nations. This is now becoming law in developed countries following the Kyoto agreement and green energy obligations. Students will learn as to the various energy generation options available from power scavengers for handheld calculators to energy generation to power the world’s energy need. Furthermore, an appreciation for the need for energy storage at all power levels will be discussed, with special emphasis on the materials requirements. Students will be able to examine next generation materials being proposed for meeting world's demand based on green energy.  

Expected prior/parallel learning:  Students should have an interest in materials and devices; it would be of benefit to have studied EEE3037 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Module purpose:  Nanoelectronics represent the ultimate in advanced electronic device design and operation. At the nanoscale the quantum nature of matter is evident in the operation of faster, energy efficient devices with greater functionality. New materials, such as graphene and new molecular electronic materials, offer unique electronic properties which continually emerge in parallel to advances in device architecture and performance aligned to the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems. This module will introduce some of the key concepts in low dimensional mesoscopic science and engineering, and molecular electronics and associated devices. The module builds on materials seen earlier in the undergraduate programme such as in EEE2042 Electronic and Photonic Devices, EEE2045 Electrical Science II, EEE3037 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and EEE3041 Semiconductor Devices and Optoelectronics.

Developing high-performance energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries could greatly promote the development of portable electronics, vehicle electrification and smart grid, alleviate environmental pollution and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, addressing the “grand challenges” in the sustainability and resilience of environments. This module aims to introduce fundamental scientific, technological or engineering principles and technology applications of batteries used in different electrical systems. Students will learn as to the battery types, battery parts and how to test/monitor a battery. Battery performance requirement by electric vehicles, smart grids, next-generation electronics and electrical systems will also be covered in this module. The discussion of new materials goes beyond that found in EEE3037 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.