To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) 1 year .

Specialisations have different admission requirements to other programs of study available in the Bachelor of Science (Honours). In order to undertake a Specialisation students must be admitted to the Specialisation program. The name of the Specialisation will be on the transcript and parchment.

Admission requirements

A student who has completed all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in Nanotechnology, or completed another qualification which the Faculty Board agrees is equivalent, may be accepted for admission to the honours program provided a sufficiently high standard has been achieved in fulfilling the requirements of the bachelors degree.

As well as the student's undergraduate record the availability of an academic supervisor for the research project will be taken into account.

Course Aims

This honours program in chemistry extends the foundation in chemistry gained during undergraduate studies to incorporate extensive subject knowledge in the discipline. The honours year also aims to develop a range of skills including the capacity to:

  • undertake an individual research project in an area of nanotechnology, from planning to execution
  • understand and apply advanced nanotechnology principles to solve problems
  • master the various laboratory techniques and instrumentation used in diverse chemical fields so as to be able to work independently in a laboratory
  • present information about nanotechnology in a scientific manner, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form 
  • retrieve, critically analyse and evaluate information relevant to nanotechnology and apply this knowledge to solve problems or form hypotheses
  • analyse and evaluate numerical data
  • appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of the discipline of nanotechnology and engage positively with people and ideas beyond the discipline 
  • work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills 
  • appreciate the role of nanotechnology in society, the regulatory framework within which it operates and the ethical issues it raises 
  • work cooperatively and productively within a team.

The honours year prepares students for ongoing professional development, for further study in nanotechnology, another science or non-science related discipline or for a career in a nanotechnology related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

Graduates are expected to be able to:

  • plan and execute an individual research project in nanotechnology applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
  • understand and critically apply advanced theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to the discipline of nanotechnology
  • have a sound grounding in multidisciplinary areas of nanoscience as well as hands on research experience 
  • have an increased understanding of materials and their properties at the atomic level, including an understanding of the intimate relationship between scale and size, nanostructure and the properties of materials
  • be skilled in areas of nanoscience with relevant hands on experience and will be qualified for jobs in traditional science-based industries and government laboratories such as DSTO and, as the nanotechnologies emerge and mature, will be positioned for jobs in this applied area
  • work independently, and as part of a team, in a chemical laboratory using appropriate techniques and instrumentation
  • analyse, critically evaluate and apply ideas/information/data, as well as apply relevant scientific principles, to solve problems
  • design and carry out experiments using both established and novel nanotechnology techniques and protocols without the need for direct supervision
  • effectively communicate chemically based information to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form 
  • appreciate the relationships and connections between nanotechnology and other science and non-science disciplines
  • work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
  • work effectively within the regulatory framework surrounding nanotechnology, for example Occupational Health and Safety, ethics, data storage and Intellectual Property 
  • work productively individually, as well as part of a team, in order to achieve goals.

Program of study

Core - Honours Year topics

To qualify for the Bachelor of Science (Nanotechnology) (Honours) a student must complete 36 units, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

36 unit comprising:

 NANO4700A  Research Project in Nanotechnology  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 NANO4700B  Research Project in Nanotechnology  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 NANO4700C  Research Project in Nanotechnology  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 NANO4700D  Research Project in Nanotechnology  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 NANO4700E  Research Project in Nanotechnology  (4.5/22.5 units)  
 NANO4711  Advanced Nanotechnology  (4.5 units)

Plus two of*:

 CHEM4703  Advanced Organic Chemistry  (4.5 units)
 CHEM4723  Advanced Macromolecular Science  (4.5 units)
 FACH4703  Chemistry of Energetic Materials  (4.5 units
 PHYS4701  Advanced Special Topics in Physics A (Atomic and Molecular)  (4.5 units)
 PHYS4711  Advanced Special Topics in Physics B (Quantum Theory)  (4.5 units)
 PHYS4721  Advanced Special Topics in Physics C (Space and Surface Science)  (4.5 units)

 *Students must consult with the Course Co-ordinator regarding which option topics to choose for their honours program.