Module manager: Professor RM Brydson
Email: mtlrmdb@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Appropriate level of prior study
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module covers the properties and processing of inorganic nanomaterials, nanoparticles and thin films and how this leads to a wide range of potential.
The objective of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the properties and processing of inorganic nanomaterials, nanoparticles and thin films and how this leads to their potential applications in electronic, biomedical and structural applications.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Understand the principles behind the classification of nanomaterial structures and the fundamental reasons why they are of interest in terms of functional and structural properties;
2. Understand the principles governing a variety of preparative techniques which may be employed for the production of nanoparticles and bulk nanocrystalline and nanocomposite materials;
3. Understand the capabilities and practical application of a wide range of preparative techniques for the production of nanoparticles and bulk crystalline and nanocomposite materials;
4. Understand and be able to apply the physical properties underlying microstructural control in the preparation of nanoparticles and bulk nanocrystalline and nanocomposite materials;
5. Understand the potential property improvements which may be obtained via microstructural control on the nanometre scale and the novel properties which may be obtained only through nanostructured materials.
6. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
7. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
8. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
9. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Technical skills
b. Problem solving
c. Computational and analytical skills
d. Information skills
- Properties of nanomaterials and nanoparticulates: chemical behaviour and catalysis; physical and electronic behaviour; mechanical properties and microstructure-mechanical property relationships.- Production techniques for nanoparticle and nanomaterials: vapour deposition techniques, decomposition of supersaturated solid solutions and glass crystallisation, sol-gel methods, mechanical alloying and mechanical milling, nanoporous materials; agglomeration, sintering and microstructural stability in nanoparticles and nanomaterials; colloid science and colloidal nanoparticles.
- Examination of a range of nanomaterials, such as metal nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, nanoparticles for electronic ceramics, nanoparticles for structural ceramics, nanoparticles for biomaterials, and thin film materials for photonics/electronics.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminars | 14 | 1 | 14 |
| Lecture | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Independent online learning hours | 44 | ||
| Private study hours | 84 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Independent on-line blended learning which consolidates and extends the lecture material and allows students to assess their progress via integrated quizzes;
Revision of lecture material in preparation for exam (24 hours);
Research and report writing (60 hours).
Performance in formative quizzes integrated into online learning resources and also given in tutorials and in coursework submissions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | 4500 words | 65 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 65 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 35 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 35 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team