Module manager: Dr Kevin Critchley
Email: K.Critchley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
An A-level (or Equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. This module is approved as a discovery module.
This module is approved as a discovery module
The smallest devices that can be fabricated operate on the nanometre scale. Miniaturisation opens up a wide range of technological opportunities, many of which are only beginning to be integrated into everyday life. At the nanoscale, materials exhibit physical properties that differ significantly from both their constituent atoms and their bulk counterparts-often in unique and unexpected ways. This module introduces the fundamental physics underpinning nanotechnology in a semi-quantitative manner, without requiring prior knowledge of quantum mechanics or Maxwell's equations. We begin by exploring the physics of atoms and molecules, then examine how properties evolve from the atomic to the nanoscale and bulk levels. The course also highlights current and emerging applications of nanotechnology, including developments in nanomedicine. Students will be introduced to physical models that help explain nanoscale phenomena.
• Develop a semi-quantitative understanding of atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical bonding.
• Understand the fundamental physics of bulk materials and how these properties change at the nanoscale.
• Explore the principles and implications of miniaturisation.
• Gain familiarity with key applications of nanotechnology and the science behind them.
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• Explain the concept of miniaturisation using scaling laws and physical models.
• Describe the structure of the atom and its relevance to nanotechnology.
• Compare the bulk properties of metals, insulators, and semiconductors with their nanoscale counterparts.
• Identify and explain various applications of several nanomaterials.
• Understand foundational concepts in nanomedicine research.
• Communicate scientific concepts, results, and methodologies effectively using formal scientific English, supported by figures and references to literature.
Students will acquire:
• A foundational understanding of the basic mathematical models for understanding the physics of the nanoscale.
• Critical thinking
• Evaluation and synthesis of varied data types and sources
• Introduction to the basic concepts of nanotechnology
• Introduction to miniaturisation and scaling laws
• Understand atoms and molecules
• Basic bulk materials properties and the effects of decreased dimensions
• Description of the useful applications of nanotechnology
• Description of nanotechnology in biology and medicine
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 78 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
• The students will be required to engage in private study to revise for the exam, guidance will be provided by way of problems provided during the course of the module.
• They will be provided with the answers by the lecturers, but the exercises will not be formally assessed.
• They will be required to write a formal essay on a nanotechnology topic (students will be given a choice of 3 essays) which will be assessed.
• Regular Quizzes
• Revision Workshops
• Methods of Assessment
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20 | |
Resits will be in standard exam format.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 30 Mins | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80 | |
• Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. • Students must submit a serious attempt at all assessment elements of this module to pass the module overall.
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 07/05/2025
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