Nanomaterials and Materials Science MSc

Program Overview

The MSc in Nanomaterials and Materials Science program at the University of Sheffield equips students with a comprehensive understanding of materials science and nanotechnology through core modules in science, processing, and engineering. Optional modules allow specialization in areas such as composites manufacturing, biomaterials, and energy storage. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, development, and engineering, and the program is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3).

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Nanomaterials and Materials Science program at the University of Sheffield is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become experts in materials science with a specialization in nanotechnology. The program provides a foundation in the general area of science and engineering of materials, followed by a nanoscience and nanotechnology-specific semester. The course content reflects the highly interdisciplinary nature of this subject and allows students to specialize via options and a major project.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of materials science and nanotechnology.
• Develop students' skills in materials characterization, processing, and modeling.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to conduct research in nanomaterials and materials science.
• Prepare students for careers in research, development, and engineering in the nanomaterials and materials science industries.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Core Modules:
• Science of Materials:
Introduces key concepts in materials science, covering metallic, polymeric, and inorganic materials. Topics include chemical bonding, crystallography, crystal defects, mechanical properties, phase diagrams, and overviews of metals, alloys, polymers, and inorganic solids. (15 credits)
• Materials Processing and Characterisation:
Introduces experimental methods for characterizing materials and the processes involved in their production. Covers characterization techniques like diffraction, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis, as well as processing methods like powder, thermomechanical, and molding. (15 credits)
• Practical, Modelling and Digital Skills:
Develops skills in materials characterization laboratory techniques, data handling and analysis using MATLAB, finite element modeling using ANSYS, scientific literature searching, technical skills for presenting data, and critical review of literature. (15 credits)
• Nanostructures and Nano-structuring:
Covers important groups of nanostructured materials and fabrication and characterization technologies. Focuses on nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, and nanoporous materials, and methods like Focused Ion Beam microscopy, Scanning Probe microscopy, and piezoelectric actuation. (15 credits)
• Functional Nano- and Bio-nanomaterials:
Provides an understanding of nanocomposite materials, 2D nanomaterials (graphene), nanocrystalline ceramics, bio-nanomaterials, thin films, deposition techniques, and nano-mechanics. (15 credits)
• Heat and Materials with Application:
Presents the theory of heat transfer and diffusion, covering conduction, convection, radiation, diffusion, and chemical thermodynamics. Introduces analytical and numerical solutions to heat transfer and diffusion problems. (15 credits)
• Project:
Students undertake a research project on a topic agreed with their supervisor, involving literature review, laboratory work, and a final report and presentation. (60 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Design and Manufacture of Composites:
Covers the design and manufacture of polymer composites, including classical laminate theory, manufacturing routes, defects, machining, failure, testing, and SMART composites. (15 credits)
• Structural and Physical Properties of Dental and Bio-materials:
Explores the properties of biomaterials used in regenerative medicine and dental applications, focusing on structural and physical properties, chemical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, surface modification, and characterization. (15 credits)
• Solid State Chemistry:
Covers functional inorganic materials, their synthesis, structure, properties, and uses in various applications. Includes crystal structures, diffraction and spectroscopic techniques, phase diagrams, phase transitions, ion substitutions, and structure-composition-property relations. (15 credits)
• Sustainable Materials Manufacturing:
Examines methods for carbon reduction in materials industries, including steelmaking, glass production, and cement manufacture. Covers new production technologies, alternative compositions, life cycle assessment, and industrial symbiosis approaches. (15 credits)
• Energy Generation and Storage:
Focuses on materials challenges in nuclear reactors (including fusion), the hydrogen economy, battery technologies, and energy recovery technologies. (15 credits)

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of:

• Formal examinations
• Coursework assignments
• Dissertation

Teaching:

The program is taught through a combination of:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Laboratory classes

Careers:

Graduates of the MSc Nanomaterials and Materials Science program are well-equipped for careers in:

• Research and development
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Consultancy

Other:

• The program is fully accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3).
• Graduates will have the underpinning knowledge for later professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• The program is taught by world-leading researchers in the field of nanomaterials and materials science.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including multidisciplinary engineering laboratories.
• The program provides opportunities for students to work on real-world projects with industrial partners.

Note:

The program content is reviewed annually to ensure it is up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules may be updated or withdrawn.

Home (2024 annual fee) : £13,000 Overseas (2024 annual fee) : £29,700