BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS DEGREE IN APPLIED SCIENCES AND NANOTECHNOLOGY (HNN)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

• The degree programme aims to explore the cluster of technologies that harness the unique properties and functions of nanoscale systems.
• The delivery of the degree programme is focused on teaching Nanotechnology and related topics through the how-and-why approach of a physicist. There is an emphasis on developing flexibility in thinking with the ability to synthesize new ideas whilst further advancing practical skills.
• The degree programme particularly suits students who are interested in careers which leads to devices and technologies that can increase the efficiency of energy consumption, help clean the environment, and solve major health problems.
• Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology, constitute the core of the programme and provide a systematic and comprehensive treatment on both fundamental principles and practical applications.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For all entry pathways candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject at grade C or better

2.1     Normal Entry

Two Advanced level passes in Chemistry or Mathematics and Physics 

 2.2      Special Entry

      At least a minimum of ND in the relevant field

2.3      Mature Entry

             See General Academic Regulations

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

1. 4.1       Employability

Graduates with the BSc in Applied Sciences and Nanotechnology will seek employment in Industry, Commerce and Research as:

• Applications Engineer, 
• Director of Product Marketing, 
• Manufacturing Technician, 
• Director of Research, 
• Optical Engineer, 
• Technical Program Manager, 
• Research Scientist R& D Scientists; 
• Hi-Tech Consultants; and College/University Lecturers.

1. 4.2       Further Studies

Master’s and doctoral studies in Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, Engineering Science, Material Science and related.

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 2
Module	Credits
HNN131 Introduction to Nanotechnology*	12
HNN132 Chemistry of Materials	12
HCSCI132 Principles of programming Language*	12
HIPI133 Mechanics* 12	12
HMAT131 Calculus I*	12
CS131 Communication Skills*	12
Level 1 Semester 2  HNN133Analytic Spectroscopy*	12
HIPI134 Modern Physics*	12
HIPI135 Waves, Oscillations & Thermodynamics*	12
HMAT132 Linear Mathematics I*	12
HIPI136 Electricity & Magnetism*	12
Level 2 Semester 1 HNN231 Nanotechnology Practice*	12
HIPI231 Computational Physics*	12
HIPI236 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics	12
HMAT111 Ordinary Differential Equations*	12
TCNP201 Technopreneurship*	12
GS231 Introduction to Gender Studies*	12
Level 2 Semester 2 HNN232 Semiconductor device fabrication	12
HNN233 Computational Nanoscience*	12
HTENG233 Electromagnetic Theory*	10
HNN234 Solid State Physics	12
Electives (choose any one module) HNN235 Nanotechnology Laboratory	12
HNN236 Material Science	12
HIPI235 Optics and Optical Instrumentation	12
Level 3 Semester 1 HNN332 Work-Related Learning I	40
Level 3 Semester 2 HNN333 Work-Related Learning II	80
Level 4 semester 1 HNN431 Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology*	12
HIPI442 Quantum mechanics*	12
HNN432 Fabrication of nanostructures*	12
HNN433 Characterization of Nanostructures and Nanomaterials*	12
HTENG434 Project Management	12

 

Level 4 semester 2 HNN434 Carbon nanomaterials*	12
HNN435 Thermal properties at Nanoscale*	12
HNN438 Dissertation*	24
Electives (choose any two modules) HNN436 Nanotechnology in drug delivery	12
HIPI439 Lasers and Laser Technology	12
HNN437 Energy conversion and storage	12

HNN439 Environmental Nanotechnology.                                                                12

SYNOPSES

Module Synopsis

HNN131 Introduction to Nanotechnology

Introduction to Nanotechnology aims to provide a broad overview of fundamental principles and current research directions in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Specifically the course covers: Fundamental physical scaling laws applied to understanding the properties of materials at the nanometre scale. Experimental and computational characterisation of nanomaterials. Surfaces and interfaces in nanotechnology. Other specialist topics in nanotechnology.

HNN132 Chemistry of Materials

This course provides an introduction to Materials Chemistry. Scientific topics include:

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY: Atomic structure and bonding. ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: Nomenclature, structure, bonding and reactions of hydrocarbons; reactions and properties of haloalkanes, alcohols, ethers and amines. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY: Thermochemistry. Equilibria. Thermodynamics. Electrochemistry.

HIPI133 Mechanics

Inertia framework reference; motion in two dimensions, three dimensions. Particle dynamics, rotational dynamic systems, gravitation, mechanical oscillations, properties of matter, fluid mechanics. Special Relativity: Space-time frame reference Galilean transformation, simultaneity of event, Einstein special relativity theory and Lorentz transformation, time dilation and length contraction, velocity transformation, fluid mechanics

HCSCI132 Principles of Programming Language

This module examines the concepts and structures governing the design and implementation of programming languages. It presents an introduction to the concepts behind compilers and runtime representations of programming languages; features of programming languages supporting abstraction and polymorphism; and the procedural, functional, object-oriented, and concurrent programming paradigms. Programs are required in languages illustrating each of these paradigms

HMAT131 Calculus I

The principle of mathematical induction. The real number system: Functions: Limits of functions. Continuity. Sequences: Differentiation: Derivatives of functions of a single variable. Integration: Method of substitution, integration by parts and reduction formulae, fundamental theorem of calculus.

CS131 Communication Skills

Refer to communications department

HNN133 Analytical Spectroscopy

Analytical Spectroscopy, will enable you to identify the structures of simple organic molecules using chemical tests combined with NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry.

It also introduces you to methods of elemental analysis using atomic spectroscopy techniques. This is a very hands-on course and the material in the lectures and your laboratory work will be closely.

HIPI134 Modern Physics

The nuclear atom: Thompson and Rutherford; The Bohr Model of hydrogen atom; Quantisation of energy; Line spectra; Rydberg constant. Black Body radiation; radiation and quantization of light; Plank distribution; Compton effects; Continuous and discrete energy spectrum; Frank- Hertz experiment; spontaneous and stimulated emission; Wein and Plank distribution.Wave particle duality; Uncertainty principle; Nuclear Physics.

HIPI135 Waves, Oscillations & Thermodynamics

Oscillations and SHM; Wave motion and interaction, standing waves, sound propagation and effects; EM waves, ray model of light, the wave model of light. Temperature, thermal effects on solids, ideal gases; Kinetic theory of gases; 1st and 2nd law of thermodynamics. The Einstein model of a solid. The ideal gas. Temperature. Paramagnetism Mechanical equilibrium and pressure. Diffusive equilibrium and chemical potential. Engines and refrigerators. Free energy and chemical thermodynamics. Boltzmann- Maxwell statistics. Partition function. Elements of quantum statistics. Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac distributions

HMAT132 Linear Mathematics I

Complex numbers: De Moivre’s theorem polynomials and roots of polynomial equations. Matrices and determinants: solutions of simultaneous linear equations, applications to geometry and vectors. Differential equations: separable, homogeneous, exact, integrating factors, linear equation with constant coefficients.

HIPI136 Electricity & Magnetism

Static charges: Electric charge, Coulomb’s law, Electric fields, moving point charges in an electric field, lines of force, electric dipoles, Electric flux, Gauss’s law, Electric potential, capacitors, energy in a capacitor and dielectrics. Charge distributions, force vector at a point; superposition. Current and Resistance: Conductors, current density, Kirchhoff’s laws, DC network theorems, Wheatstone bridge, pd and resistance, capacitance and capacitors. Magnetic Fields: Force between currents, magnetic fields, magnetic flux density, magnetic intensity, magnets in magnetic fields, magnetic dipole moments, Torque on a current loop, motion of charge in a magnetic field, Bio-Savart law, Ampere’s law, Induction and Inductance, Faraday’s and lentz’s law, self and mutual inductance, energy storage in inductors in magnetic fields, Superconductivity, Principle of electric motor and generator, Laurenz’s force, Alternating currents: LR, LC and LCR circuits, ac circuts, phasor notation, power in ac circuits and ac networks, frequency filtering and tuning circuits, transformer, capacitor and inductor circuit in a generator, Eddy currents. Time constants and waveforms.

HNN231 Nanotechnology practice

The course will cover: Applications of neutron, X-ray and light scattering to nanotechnology. Advanced electron microscopy and surface analysis techniques. Computational methods in nanotechnology.

HIPI 231 Computational Physics

Computing has become part of the core toolset of the professional physicist. Through problem-solving, this module introduces their use for modelling and simulation of physical systems. Good programming practice is emphasised throughout the module so you should begin to appreciate the discipline of programming beyond that of developing simulations of simple physical systems. Assessment is based on written laboratory reports/mini projects and computer programming tasks. Hands-on application of Scientific Software for Numerial Analysis; Simulation and Modelling of Dynamic Systems and control processes- Programming, Simulation and Modelling of dynamic systems and control systems through Scientific Computing in Maple and Matlab, COMSOL, MULTIPHYSICS/ C++and other specialist Packages.

HIPI236 Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics

The course covers the structure of solids and other phases of condensed matter. The first part will give an introduction to materials which are not solid, or crystalline, and neither liquids, but are still condensed matter, such as colloidal fluids or glasses, gels and liquid crystals. The remainder of the course will be focused on providing a basic understanding of the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of solids, and in particular metals and semiconductors. The aim is to give a firm grounding in the core concepts.

HMAT111 Ordinary Differential Equations

This module aims at providing a broad introduction to differential equations (ordinary and partial), First order differential equations: Second order differential equations: 3D coordinate systems: Introduction to 2nd order partial differential equations, their solutions written in terms of a Fourier series; the one dimensional wave equation; the time dependent Schrodinger equation; the Laplace equation in two dimensions; the Diffusion equation. Fourier Series:. Fourier transforms: mathematical definition, relationship with Fourier series, inverse Fourier transform, Fourier transform pair, Fourier integrals; definition of odd and even functions. Dirac delta-function; Fourier transform of a Gaussian; Fourier transforms applied to diffraction, Young’s slits Lagrange’s Equations including the following: Generalised coordinates and forces, Holonomic constraints, The Lagrangian and Lagrange’s equations.

TCNP201 Technopreneurship

Introduction: Nature and importance of technopreneurship, Differences between technopreneurship and entrepreneurship; Relationship between technopreneurship and the national economy; Innovation and creativity, Qualities of an entrepreneur.

Small business model and financial issues: Developing a business model, Basics of small business management, Risks and stages of funding, Sources of funding, Financial funding for growth, product valuation, How to form and register a small business in Zimbabwe.

New Product development (NDP): Opportunity recognition and creation, Sources of opportunity, Screening technology opportunities, Designing your product/service: design thinking; process thinking, strategic thinking; The NPD process: idea generation, idea screening, concept testing, market strategy development, business financial analysis, prototyping, test marketing, commercialization.

Developing and Protecting Intellectual Property: Concept of intellectual property, Theory behind IP protection, Intellectual Property (IP)-driven vs non-IP driven technopreneurshipTrade secrets, Copyrights, Trademarks, Patent and Trademark protection and its significance, Basics of patenting, legislation governing IP in Zimbabwe; Case studies of successful technopreneurs.

GS231 Introduction to Gender Studies 

This module will empower the students with knowledge and skills that enable them to be gender sensitive in the University, workplace and in all their social interaction. Topics covered include: understanding gender, gender analysis, gender issue in Zimbabwe, redressing gender imbalances, empowerment and strategies for creating gender responsive environment. Science and Technology development contributions by gender. Students gain insight into accounts of gender studies in Science and Technology. 

HNN232 Semiconductor Device Fabrication

The course will focus on the fabrication procedures which are used in industry to produce silicon semiconductor devices. The topic material will be supported where practicable by laboratory/clean room demonstrations and student activities relevant to the various processes presented in lectures.

The subject material is divided into five modules as follows:

Introduction of basic fabrication processes, materials and clean room protocols. Photolithography, masking and patterning of materials. Semiconductor oxidation and diffusion. Ion implantation and thermal processing. Metal and dielectric deposition for contacts, gate and interconnect engineering.

HNN233 Computational Nanoscience

This course will provide the fundamentals of computational problem-solving techniques that are used to understand and predict properties of nanoscale systems. Emphasis will be placed on how to use simulations effectively, intelligently, and cohesively to predict properties that occur at the nanoscale for real systems.

HTENG233 Electromagnetic Theory

Maxwell’s equations. Laplace and Poisson equations and their solution. Boundary conditions. Plane waves in a perfect dielectric; propagation in imperfect dielectric. Propagation in imperfect conductors, skin effect. Generalized wave equation, field distributions in rectangular waveguide. Radiation field, dipoles, radiation resistance, impedance, mutual impedance, linear arrays.

HNN234 Solid State Physics

A module in the physics underlying solid state electronic and optical devices. The module presents an introduction to the electrical and optical properties of insulators, semiconductors and metals, including crystal structure, band theory, and electron transport. Ewald’s sphere, interplanar distance of reciprocal lattice, Methods of x-ray diffraction lane’s method, Rotating crystal and powder method. Brillouin zones.

This is applied to obtain a physical understanding of the physics governing the behaviour of diodes, field effect and bipolar transistors, and other discrete optical and electronic devices.

HNN235 Nanotechnology laboratory

Nanotechnology Methodology provides a framework of laboratory sessions and tutorials which aims to further your understanding and give practical experience in solving Nanotechnology problems. A series of lectures will also be given to provide the background knowledge to laboratory work into context.

Specifically the course covers: Preparation of nanoscale/nano-featured materials. Analysis of nanoscale/nano-featured materials using electromagnetic radiation and standard and sophisticated instrumental techniques.

HNN236 Material Science

Classification of crystalline solids into insulators. Interatomic forces, metallic, ionic, covelent and van der Waals forces. Crystal systems and brais lattices substitutional and intertial solutions. Smart material systems (piezoelectric; piezorestrictive;magnetoresistive; etc); Hume- Rotary rules for solid solutions. Phase diagrams, ceramic phase systems- (eutectic, hypher eutectic and hypho eutectic compositions. Alloys and their applications lattice defects, point defects. Deformation of metals: Fracture,Corrosion: Corrosion prevention methods:

HIPI235 Optics and Optical Instrumentation

Waves- snapshot and history graphs. wavelength, period, displacement, amplitude, speed, phase and phase difference, wave superposition, reflection at a boundaries and discontinuities, coherence, coherence length Interference in thin films, thin film equation. Huygen’s Principle Single slit, Young’s double slit experiment, and diffraction grating. Michelson Interferometer Fresnel and Fraunhofer Diffraction Polarisation, Malus’s Law, polarising filter. Monochromator Spectrometer.

WRL332 WORK-RELATED LEARNING

WRL333 WORK-RELATED LEARNING

HNN431 Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology

Nanomaterials is a field of study that takes fundamental science approach to nanotechnology. It covers materials with special properties stemming from their nanoscale size regime, 1-100 nm.

This course covers Feynman’s vision. Synthesis and Fabrication: Top down vs. bottom up techniques, nucleation theory, surface energy and stabilization. Characterization: Composition, structure, porosity, crystallinity, single vs. ensemble measurements. Examples: General classification (zero – two dimensional and assembled nanostructures), materials composition/function (metals, metal oxides, semiconductors, carbon, biological). Size Dependent Chemical and Physical Properties: Electrical, optical, catalytic, magnetic, thermodynamic, why purification is needed Applications: Electrical, optical, catalytic, magnetic, thermodynamic, purification, sensing, biology, medicine, solar cells, etc. (literature) Implications: Environment, health, and safety as well as impacts on policy, society, and education.

HIPI442 Quantum Mechanics

Origins of Quantum Mechanics. Introductory Wave Mechanics: Schrodinger’s equation and its physical interpretation. Energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Potential wells, harmonic oscillator Step potentials and barrier potentials & tunnelling. Operators, particle in a 2-D box. The Hydrogen Atom: Radial solutions, Radial probability densities, energy level. Separation of variables. Spherical harmonics & angular momentum.

HNN432 Fabrication of Nanostructures

The thermodynamic driving force and the kinetics of nucleation and growth of nanoparticles focusing on precipitation from solutions. Mechanisms for nucleation and crystal growth along with calculations of nucleation and growth rates define the basis for the design of different particle populations. The classical crystallization theory is the fundamental theoretical. Synthesis and functionalization of metallic and polymeric nanoparticles. An understanding of how growth can be controlled by tuning synthetic parameters. Functionalization of particle surfaces. Solution-based characterization techniques. Methods for the fabrication of catalysts and catalyst supports based on precipitation, e.g., sol-gel and colloid-based fabrication. Significance of particle and pore size (Au, Co, Ni- catalysts and carbon nanofibres (CNF)). An introduction to the catalytic model systems and surface science and their experimental and theoretical applications.

HNN433 Characterization of Nanomaterials and Nanostructures

Basic concepts. Synthesis of materials. Diffraction and scattering techniques (XRD, SAXS, DLS, SANS). Electron microscopy, Scanning Probe Microscopy

Spectroscopy: UV-Vis, IR, Fluorescence, ultrafast spectroscopy, NMR, Raman, SERS Confocal technique: Confocal Raman, Confocal FL, FCS

Surface Characterization: BET, XPS Electrochemistry: CV, Electrochemical analysis Magnetic: Superparagnetism

Basic concepts of biochemistry: DSC, ITC, TGA/DTA, CD Separation techniques: HPLC, GC, GCMS

Mass spectroscopy, Applications of nanotechnology

HNN434 Carbon Nanomaterials

Introduction to Carbon nanomaterials and their physical properties: C-C bonding, Types of carbon fullerenes, Crystal structure of selected carbon nanomaterials: CNT, Graphene, nano crystalline diamond, Electronic Band structure of CNT and Graphene, Electrical transport properties of graphene & CNTs, Thermal transport and electron-phonon interaction, Effect of structural disorder, Elastic Properties, Optical response.

Synthesis and Characterizations: Brief introduction to various techniques of CNTs and Graphene- Arc Discharge, Thermal CVD, Microwave plasma CVD, Laser Ablation; Growth mechanism; Special synthesis techniques- Vertical aligned growth of CNT, Selective area growth of CNT, single walled CNT growth, Large area graphene synthesis, nano-patterning on graphene, Characterization of Carbon Nanomaterials: Raman spectroscopy, SEM, HRTEM, AFM, STM. Applications of CNTs and Graphene: Field emission, Electronic Devices, Optoelectronic devices, Chemical and Biological sensors.

HNN435 Thermal properties at Nanoscale

Heat transfer mechanism: Laws of macroscopic heat transfer and their limits, Electrons and Phonons, thermal properties of solid and fluids and thermal radiation.

Simulation methods: Solutions of the Boltzmann and Maxwell equations, Technique of Molecular dynamics simulations, First-principles based approaches.

Experimental techniques: Introductions to different forms of near-field microscopy and discuss their application in thermal science, Photothermal microscope and reflectometry, Hybrid technique and multipurpose microscopes.

HTENG434 Project Management

Project proposal writing- types of proposals; Project definition, life cycle, and systems approach; Project scoping, work definition, and work breakdown structure (WBS); Project time estimation and scheduling using GANTT, PERT and CPM. Project costing, budgeting, and financial appraisal; Project control and management, using standard tools of cost and schedule variance analysis; project management use-case through practical, example projects; use of computers in project management, some software tools for PM e.g. MS Project; PM techniques e.g. PRINCE2.

 

HNN436 Nanotechnology in drug delivery

Fundamentals of Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery: Past, Present and Future; Conventional delivery of pharmaceuticals and its limitations; Significance of nano-size in Pharmacy,

Pharmacokinetics and Bio distribution: Introduction, Definitions, concepts of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and excretion, concentration time profile,

Nano carriers for Drug Delivery: Design, fabrication Properties and applications Closed bilayered system:

Controlled and Targeted drug delivery: Programmed Drug Delivery Systems- principles of sustained, controlled, pulsatile and triggered release of drug from nanoparticles.

Nano toxicology and regulatory issues- Potential Risks and Remedies Human health and safety- Interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems, Toxicology of nanoparticles- in-vitro and in-vivo, Complications with Nanotoxicity studies, environmental impact of nano-materials, Regulatory Toxicology. Bio-imaging tools Overview of tools and tasks in various biological and biomedical imaging modalities, such as fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy (SEM, TEM).

HIPI439 Lasers and Laser Technology

Introduction to laser physics: Classical electron oscillator model. Fundamental optical processes: absorption, spontaneous emission, stimulated emission. Basic principles of lasers: Gain processes, optical feedback, spectral linewidth. Laser performance: Frequency and intensity distribution, temporal behavior, pulsed systems. Laser systems: Solid, liquid and gaseous systems. Applications of lasers: CD players, holography, optical fibre communications, gas sensing and LIDAR, medical applications. Pumping processes: optical pumping, radiative and transfer efficiency, Quantum efficiencies for absorption and power, Electrical pumping: electron impact excitation, ionization balance equation, pump rate calculations. Optical systems; Matrix formulation of geometrical optics, Fabray-Parot interferometer, Fox and Lee treatment. Confocal resonator, Gaussion beam propagation and ABCD Law. Stability condition, unstable resonators, hard edge, unstable resonators. Resonators design, and transformation of impedance multilayer optical systems. Applications in optical instruments, metrology & medicine.

HNN437 Energy conversion and storage

Photovoltaic Cell Introduction, Semiconductor Junctions, Solar Cell Parameters and Equivalent Circuit, Losses and Efficiency Limits,

Electrocatalysis Introduction; Hydrogen from different routes and viability, electrocatalysis & catalysis; effect of potential on rate of reaction; rates of complex processes;

Photocatalytic Water Splitting Introduction, Basic Principles of Photocatalytic water splitting, Experimental method for water splitting

Waste Energy Harvesting Introduction, Special topic on renewable energy, Energy sources, Mechanical energy harvesting: Piezoelectric effect, Nanopiezotronics, Triboelectric effect, Thermal energy harvesting: Thermoelectric effect, Pyroelectric effect, Nanogenerator, Self-powered Systems, Device fabrication.

Fuel Cell Design: Types of fuel cells, their operational principles and basic electrochemistry for understanding key processes in the fuel cell.

Energy Storage Batteries: Battery Applications and Parameters, History of Batteries, Principles of Batteries, Lead Acid Batteries, Lithium Ion Batteries, Lithium recycling, Beyond Lithium Ion Batteries.

HNN438 Dissertation

Provides students with opportunity to design, undertake or conduct an independent piece of research of study related to their programme of study under the guidance of a supervisor who is usually a member of academic staff of the department. Runs over two semesters: Regular report backs to the departmental board by the supervisor. The project is continually assessed throughout two semesters. A student undertakes a viva for the project.

HNN439 Environmental Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology and the Environment: An Overview Nanomaterials: Preparation, Fabrication, and Characterization

Photocatalysts for Applications in Environmental Treatment and Sensing. Carbon Nanomaterials for Environmental Applications. Nanoiron and Nanoscale Bimetals for Subsurface Remediation.