Nanotechnology
Bachelor of Science in Nanotechnology (Honours) - BScNano (Hons)
| Fast Facts |
| Course Level: | Undergraduate |
 |
| Course Length: | Four years full-time or equivalent part-time, including an Honours year.
Combined Degrees:
Nanotechnology / Diploma of Language - add one year to your full-time study
program; and
Nanotechnology / Innovation and Enterprise (Science & Technology
- add one year to your full-time study program. |
| Location: | Taught on-campus at Flinders. |
| Available To: | Australian and international students. |
| Prerequisites: | Biomedical Nanotechnology Stream - SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
Quantum Nanostructures Stream - SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Studies and Physics
Applicants who meet the Stage 2 Chemistry prerequisite will only be offered a place in the Biomedical Nanotechnology stream.
Applicants who meet the Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Studies and Physics prerequisites can nominate which stream they wish to undertake at enrolment. |
| SATAC Code |
214471 |
| Entry Cutoff Scores: |
Tertiary Education Rank (TER)
-
Science & Engineering Bonus Points Scheme for High School Students
 |
| Course Program Details: | A program of study is available in the University's Course Information Handbook. |
About the Course
What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is science at the molecular level. Like biotechnology and information technology, it is a growth industry with the potential to greatly change the world in which we live.
It is also a perfect example of how science can be applied in the workplace to create useful technologies. Some examples of projects underway include:
- building nanochips that interface with the human eye to help restore sight.
- making miniature machines that need no lubricants by building tiny moving parts into a silicon chip.
- creating molecules that are tuneable to particular bacteria, viruses, or environmental pollutants.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the nanotechnology degree will have many opportunities at the boundaries of traditional science due to the cross-disciplinary nature of their degree. This will be further enhanced by their industry exposure through placements in the later years of the degree.
Graduates of this course will find research-based careers in places like the DSTO (Defence, Science & Technology Organisation) in Adelaide. Graduates who wish to work in a commercial environment will find ever expanding opportunities in companies such as AMBRI in Sydney and Advanced Nanopowders Technology in Perth. Whatever the environment, commercial or research, these employment opportunities will be very exciting, at the cutting edge of technology.
To find out more about the jobs this degree can lead to, go to the Your Career section of the Flinders' graduate careers website.
Combining Degrees
Nanotechnology / Innovation and Enterprise (Science & Technology)
Adds one year to your full-time study program.
If you want to boost your business, management, enterprise and communication skills, and undertake a concentrated period of practical work experience, consider combining
Nanotechnology with the Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise (Science and Technology) (BIE).
You’ll graduate with two degrees. More importantly, you’ll increase your immediate attractiveness to employers and your potential to become a business leader. You will need to apply for both the Bachelor of Science in Nanotechnology (Honours) and the BIE via SATAC.
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What Will I Study?
Nanotechnology draws on the strengths of all the basic sciences and the course will give you a strong background in these sciences. There is an emphasis on developing computational skills and an awareness of the roles and uses of computers in science and society.
In First Year you'll take chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology and specialist topics in Nanotechnology.
In subsequent years, you'll take some core topics then specialise in one of two areas.
The Biomedical Nanotechnology stream includes extensive studies in chemistry and biology.
The Quantum Nanostructures stream has a stronger emphasis on physics, chemistry and mathematics, including areas such as optoelectronics.
Fourth Year offers advanced level studies in your area of specialisation; a
research project, while Industry placements in the course allow students to
engage with the workplace environment they will enter after graduation.
The full program of study, including topic descriptions, is set out in the Course rule and topic information for this degree.
Why Study Nanotechnology at Flinders?
This pioneering degree prepares scientists for the new industrial revolution. It was the first degree of its type in Australia.
This course allows students to specialise in one of two areas – Biomedical
Nanotechnology, and Quantum Nanostructures. It also provides insights into business, enterprise management, commerce and economics, and legal issues such as intellectual property, all of which are vital components for any professional scientist working in business and industry.
Industry placements in the final year of the course allow students to engage with the workplace environment they will be entering after graduation. Graduates are equipped to immediately start working in a variety of scientific professions and to play a leading role in the future as nanotechnology grows, matures and reveals its full potential.
The formal course aims are set out in the Course rule and topic information for this degree.
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Entry requirements
Australian Students
SATAC Code: 214471
Separate prerequisite requirements will apply to the streams.
SACE Year 12 Chemistry is the prerequisite for the Biomedical Nanotechnology stream.
SACE Year 12 Chemistry, Physics and Mathematical Studies are prerequisites for
the Quantum Nanostructures stream.
Year 12 applicants must have qualified for SACE and obtained Recorded Achievement in at least five two-unit SACE Stage 2 subjects. Included among the five must be four HESS General subjects.
Applicants who have completed one of the following and meet the prerequisites are eligible to apply:
- SACE (Year 12) or interstate equivalent;
- International Baccalaureate (IB);
- TAFE/VET;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT);
- Foundation Course/Bridging Program;
- Overseas qualifications;
- Tertiary Transfer (Grade Point Average - GPA); and
- Other access schemes are eligible to apply.
International Students
CRICOS Provider Code: 00114A
See the Why choose Flinders section for the following information about this and other Flinders courses:
- Tuition fees
- Course entry requirements
- English language requirements
- Australian visa and health cover requirements
- Scholarships Information for AusAID applicants
See the When and how to apply section for information about the application process and access to application forms.
Note: Australian qualifications are recognised in most countries, but students are advised to discuss their proposed programs with the professional registration authority and relevant professional associations in their home country before commencing studies.
Required Background
Prerequisites: Separate prerequisite requirements will apply to the streams:
SACE Year 12 Chemistry is the prerequisite for the Biomedical Nanotechnology stream; and
SACE Year 12 Chemistry, Physics and Mathematical Studies are prerequisites for
the Quantum Nanostructures stream.
Nanotechnology appeals to students who have a broad interest in science and who seek to explore careers at the boundaries of the classic sciences. These are areas where many of the exciting advances are occurring. Given this, a strong science background is the best preparation and this background should be in several of the classic sciences (eg. chemistry, physics and mathematics). It is possible to pursue the degree without a diverse science background but this will limit choices in the degree and may require some initial background study before undertaking the degree.
How do I get the Required Background if I don't already have it?
The best approach to acquire the necessary background is through first year Bachelor of Science at Flinders, where you can study Introductory Chemistry, Physics and Maths.
Transferring Credit
Credit will be considered for any previous tertiary study especially in the physical sciences. These cases will be considered on an individual basis and application can be made through the normal channels of applying for status.
An Application for Credit form and relevant policies are available on the web.
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More on Nanotechnology
Professional Recognition
All Physics components of the Nanostructures stream are accredited with the Australian Institute of Physics.
Research Activities
There are several areas of Nanotechnology-related research at Flinders:
- We have a state of the art scanning probe microscopy lab with three research grade instruments.
- In addition to this, undergraduate students have access to two scanning tunnelling microscopes.
- The scanning probe lab is used by several researchers both at the university and the medical research institute of the university.
Research includes:
- The examination of individual molecules
- Preparation of new sensors
- Examination of marine life on a microscopic scale
Other nanotechnology research involves the controlled construction of molecular pairs with tailored properties. This, for example, involved formation of structures that act as artificial photosynthetic agents for use in efficient solar cells.
Web Resources
Disclaimer: The following links lead to a variety of Internet sites that are not affiliated with Flinders University. The presence of a link in the table below does NOT indicate an endorsement of the ownership, content or condition of the corresponding web site.
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Further Information
Flinders Web Resources
The following are additional links within the University of Flinders website where you will find information on costs, financial assistance, and other courses offered by the University.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about this course, or any of our other courses, please contact us:
Admissions Office
Science & Engineering
Course Co-ordinator
Apply Now!
If you've read enough and want to apply for entry into this course then contact:
Last reviewed August 2006.
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