Nanotechnology for Industrial Applications in Life Science
Syllabus, Master's level, 1TE698
- Code
- 1TE698
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Materials Engineering A1N, Technology A1N
- Grading system
- Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 3 June 2016
- Responsible department
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Entry requirements
120 credits in science/engineering/pharmacy.
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding of how nanomaterials and nanotechnology can be used to develop new materials, products and methods for industrial applications in a wide field of life sciences as well as to give the students a foundation for working with synthesis, characterization , applications and safety related to nanomaterials and nanostructures in industrial nanotechnological development projects.
After a successfully completed course the students should be able to:
- discuss and analyse problems regarding definitions and terminology in the field of nanotechnology in different areas of life sciences as well as relate them to regulatory aspects,
- apply and describe the most common bottom-up and top-down processes for the synthesis of nanomaterials and, with access to limited information, choose the appropriate process for a given application,
- select the appropriate characterization method and independently use relevant characterization tools for a given application,
- account for complex health and environmental risk factors associated with nanoparticles and how various risks can be estimated,
- provide examples of international and national industrial applications and development projects in which nanotechnology is used in the life sciences area, as well as scientifically explain why nanotechnology is an essential prerequisite for their implementation.
Content
Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Synthesis of nanomaterials: bottom-up vs. top-down strategies. Characterization of nanomaterials: nanoparticle size and surface charge characterization, analysis of nanoporous materials, electron microscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM). Safety and risk factors associated with nanomaterials. Characterization of cell and blood toxicity of nanomaterials. Formulation strategies for nanomaterials intended as drug carriers. Diagnostics, teranostics (therapy methods combined with diagnostic tools), and imaging using nanotechnology. Nanomedicine and nanocosmetics for skin applications. Nanotechnology for gene delivery. Case studies of industrial nanoprojects.
Instruction
Lectures, guest lectures, seminars and laboratory exercises. The laboratory tasks as well as the laboratory groups are defined in such a way as to utilize prior knowledge and skills of the heterogeneous student group.
Assessment
Written exam (4 credits). Active participation in seminars as well as oral presentation of laboratory work (1 credit).