Education

In the initial Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, you will learn the basics of physics, biology, and chemistry at the nanometer scale, topped with courses on technology and engineering to ensure practical know-how. The programme fits into the growing worldwide convergence between these different basic sciences, and between science, technology, and engineering sciences in general.

Nanoscience studies phenomena and manipulation at the atomic and molecular scale (nanometers: i.e., one billionth of a meter). Important properties such as the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties are determined by the way molecules and atoms assemble on the nanoscale into larger structures.

Nanotechnology is the application of this science in new nanomaterials and nano concepts for new components, systems, and products. Therefore, nanotechnology provides us with the ability to design custom-made materials with any property we require.

These newborn scientific disciplines are situated at the interface of physics, chemistry, material science, microelectronics, biochemistry, and biotechnology. Command of these disciplines therefore requires an academic and multidisciplinary scientific education. This programme can also be taken part-time.

Profile

You have strong analytic, synthetic, and interpretive capabilities and a clear interest in both fundamental sciences as well as technological problems. You should be able to understand a large variety of problems and to translate them into an abstract academic level, to crosslink knowledge from a variety of scientific disciplines, to form a personal and independent opinion and to transmit it to others. You should show a strong interest in scientific and/or technological problems, be interested in how and why systems function and have a clear sense of the societal and psychological relevance of technology and its implications upon society.

From your Bachelor's education, you should have acquired a basic knowledge of mathematics (including advanced algebra and differential equations), physics, chemistry and electronics. If you are missing some of this background, introductory courses are offered to acquire this knowledge within the Master's programme. Knowledge of cell biology and biochemistry, molecular and atomic architecture, materials science and electromagnetism are considered an asset. Moreover, you be able to demonstrate excellence in your previous study results, as well as sufficient knowledge of English.

In general, you have a capacity to think in a mathematical-analytical way and have a strong interest for technology. You are fascinated by the relationship between science and technology, are eager and prepared to learn autonomously, are willing to work hard and show perseverance, entrepreneurship and creativity.

Non-Belgian students are required to submit proof of GPA, proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL test or equivalent) and a letter of motivation.

Objectives

The programme's aim is to provide students with an education emphasizing both materials aspects and electronics aspects. They should fill innovative functions in the research, production and application of components and systems for the present and future electronics sector and its suppliers.

By the end of the programme the student will possess:
- a thorough knowledge of the fundamental structures at the level of physical, biological and chemical systems in terms of their molecular and atomic characteristics;
- an understanding of the formation of complex macro systems which are unique in their operations and possessing new functionalities;
- a thorough knowledge of mathematics, materials science and electronics;
- proficiency in translating this knowledge into useful technological applications;
- extensive analytic and synthetic problem-solving capacities;
- sufficient scientific background to undertake research;
- leadership and management capacities as a result of skills in communicating knowledge, social capacities and an understanding of the ethical, social and economic context;
- the ability to assimilate new concepts, methodologies and research results in the discipline and apply them in research or a business setting;
- the ability to critically view the engineer's role in society.

After graduation

In the coming decades, nanoscience and nanotechnology will undoubtedly become the driving force for a new set of products, systems, and applications. These disciplines are even expected to form the basis for a new industrial revolution.

Within a few years, nanoscience applications are expected to impact virtually every technological sector and ultimately many aspects of our daily life. In the coming five-to-ten years, many new products and companies will emerge based on nanotechnology and nanosciences. These new products will stem from the knowledge developed at the interface of the various scientific disciplines offered in this Master's programme.

Thus, graduates will find a wealth of career opportunities in the sectors and industries developing these new technologies: electronics, new and smart materials, chemical technology, biotechnology, R&D, independent consultancies and more. Graduates have an ideal background to become the invaluable interface between these areas and will be able to apply their broad perspective on nanoscience and nanotechnology to the development and creation of new products and even new companies.

Spotlight

The programme is strongly research-oriented, and is largely based on the research of centres like Imec (Interuniversity Microelectronics Center) and INPAC (Institute for Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry) at the Faculty of Science, which are both worldwide research leaders in nanoscience and nanotechnology. During your Master's thesis, you will have the opportunity to work in the exciting research programmes of these institutes.

As a graduate of the Master of Nanosciences and Nanotechnology programme, you will have thorough scientific knowledge of the fundamental structures of physical, biological, and chemical systems in terms of their molecular and atomic characteristics. You will also understand the formation of complex macro systems, which are unique in their operations and possess new functionalities, based on their molecular and atomic properties.

The objective of the Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology is to provide a top quality multidisciplinary education in nanoscience as well as in the use of nanotechnologies for systems and sensors at the macro-scale. The programme encompasses the disciplines of the three contributing faculties:

• Science: Departments of Physics and Chemistry
• Engineering: Departments of Electrical Engineering and Material Sciences
• Bioscience Engineering

Some of the teaching staff are affiliated with Imec, bringing a strong nanoelectronic component to the programme. The courses are taught in English. The nanosciences are multidisciplinary. You will receive basic training in nanoscale physics, chemistry, biology, bio-chemistry, material science, and electronics. Special courses are designed to encourage thinking beyond the boundaries of these traditional scientific disciplines. This knowledge is complemented with courses in modern nanoelectronics and complex electronic systems, with an emphasis on the innovate role the nanosciences play in society.

The programme is strongly connected to the latest innovations in the field. The courses are continuously updated following the progress of science and technology in this young and highly innovative field. Furthermore, you will spend at least one fourth of the study programme elaborating your own research project in the context of a Master's thesis. There is ample room for elective courses, either to increase your level of proficiency, or to broaden your horizon, according to your own interest.

Contact

Faculty of Engineering Science
Programme director
Prof. dr. Ir. G. Groeseneken
Tel. +32 16 28 12 69
Administrative office
Kasteelpark Arenberg 1 bus 2200
3001 HEVERLEE
tel. + 32 16 32 13 50
fax + 32 16 32 19 82
info@eng.kuleuven.be
www.eng.kuleuven.be

General information
Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80 box 5415
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium
To contact us please complete the contact form on our website.

Useful links

Visit this programme's website.

Download this brochure

Download this Master's brochure.

Order this Master's brochure.