Nanoscience, Master's, 2 years

In this master’s programme, you get substantial knowledge about nanoscientific thinking and research methods. You will gain insight into modern research in one of the specific areas of nanoscience;  nanochemistry, nanophysics, nanobiomedicine, nanotoxicology or nanomolecular biology. 

Society needs specialists in nanotechnology and nanoscience: 

1. to develop interdisciplinary research environments for manufacturing more useful applications to serve society 
2. to govern the use of this powerful science to the best for society  
3. to evaluate ethical questions connected to research and application of nanoscience and –technology 

Structure

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in both the autumn and spring.    

In semester 1 and 2 you follow courses worth a total of 50 ECTS. You choose from the available courses (lenke) in collaboration with your supervisor. Normally you start working on your thesis work in semester 2. 

In semester 3 (start autumn) or semester 2 (start spring), Seminar in Nanoscience NANO300 (5 ECTS) and Nanoethics NANO310 (5 ECTS) are mandatory and locked to this semester. You also work on your master’s thesis 

In semester 4, you finish your master's thesis (60 ECTS).

Career

Our graduates work: 

• as PhD candidates within (nano)biomedicine, (nano)physics and (nano)chemistry 
• in the chemical and engineering and petroleum industry 
• as teachers 
• as researchers 

7 out of 10 of alumni with a degree from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences say that they have found relevant work within two years of graduating.   

Academic life

Nanoscience belongs to The Department of Chemistry in the Science building in the University’s city centre campus.  

Social environment 

All our students are included and integrated in their respective research groups in different departments and faculties, and are regarded as equal members of the group. Our supervisors have an open-door policy with high priority for helping and supervising the students in the research and thesis work.  

You will also be a member of the nano-student welfare group Nanos with immediate access to a strong social network of fellow students in nanoscience and -technology. 

You will be offered the facilities you need to carry out your master’s project, and, within the regulations of your host department, you will have your own study desk to carry out your master’s project.   

Teaching and work load 

The Master’s Programme in Nanoscience uses a mix of teaching forms, like lectures and laboratory courses, seminars, oral and written presentations, independent laboratory work and a final, oral master's exam. In the first semester, there is 10—14 hours of lectures; in the second and third semester, the course load is a bit lighter. Your attendance is regulated either by the course descriptions or by the necessary presence in the lab. Being a master’s student is a full-time occupation. 

Master’s thesis 

The master’s thesis is a research project. You must be able to reason from the results of your research with application to the proposed problem, and to see your own master project in a broader scientific context within the selected field of nanoscience. 

Some examples of topics for a master’s project: 

• Nanotechnological instruments and measurement science 
• Nanostructured catalysts 
• Natural nanoparticles and -drops 
• Nanomaterials 
• Quantum control and dynamics 
• Magnetic nanoparticles 
• Protein structure and function 
• Protein-surface interactions 
• Protein dynamics 
• Micro-contact printing 
• Nanotoxicology 

What will I learn?

With a Master’s Degree in Nanoscience, you 

• have extensive knowledge in your area of specialisation, and find relevant methods to solve the scientific problem.  
• can work independently with a nanoscientific research project, and interpret the results in light of the problem.  
• can get familiar with new application areas for nanoscience, and work and communicate between disciplines. 

Full list of learning outcomes. 

Study period abroad

You can spend some time visiting collaborating research groups abroad. This is planned in cooperation with your supervisor.  

How to apply

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (application deadline 1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (application deadline 15 April)

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.

The programme has main admission in fall and supplementary admission in spring (application deadline 1 November), if not all spots have been filled in the fall admission.