Master's programme in Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science and technology related to materials and device structures with critical dimensions in the nanometer regime.
Based on a solid understanding of basic materials science and solid state physics the Nanotechnology Master’s program aims to establish an understanding of size-dependent materials, device and system properties, and the other way around, how these properties can be tailored by a controlled manipulation of the microstructure down to the atomic or molecular level. Furthermore, it aims for a good knowledge of various nano-scale devices as well as their applications and fabrication methods. The program is mainly materials-oriented, partly with a clear emphasis on microelectronics and photonics, but specialization towards materials chemistry, biomedical applications or basic materials physics is also possible. Special emphasis is furthermore paid to the understanding and usage of advanced characterization methods to assess detailed materials and device properties. The program is closely linked to the extensive research and development activities at the KTH Electrum laboratory, a world-leading resource for the education, research and product development related to micro and nano-fabrication.
Programme outline
The Master's Programme in Nanotechnology provides a solid background in solid state physics, semiconductor devices, materials science and design, microelectronics, materials chemistry and an introduction to biotechnology. It offers a broad range of fundamental courses, e.g., quantum mechanics and solid state physics, but the programme is also experimentally oriented and provides several laboratory exercises as well as practical experience from advanced research tools for materials and device characterization. Device processing in the department's clean room is offered at the Degree project level.
The programme comprises two years of study divided into three terms of course work and a final term spent on the Degree project. The compulsory courses include 45 ECTS credits and provide students with a solid (equally theoretical and conceptual) background. Elective courses constitute 45 ECTS and the Degree project 30 ECTS.
The Master's Programme in Nanotechnology is based at the KTH campus in Kista some 10 km north of central Stockholm and has an admission of about 30 students annually.
Course overview
Degree project
The Degree project gives students an opportunity to study a specific problem in-depth and comprises nominally 20 weeks of work, normally during the final term. It is usually carried out as a minor research project within a research group or in business/ industry. For the final completion of the degree project, the student prepares a written thesis and makes an oral presentation of his/her results in a formal seminar.
Career prospects
The employment market in nanotechnology is expected to grow significantly in the future although few companies presently view themselves as pure nanotechnology companies. However, the field of nanotechnology penetrates a number of technology areas such as microelectronics, photonics, wireless technology (mobile communications), automotive industry and the chemical and biotechnology industries. Within the semiconductor industry there are a number of global players like Intel, Hewelett-Packard, Agilent, Intel, Texas Instruments, IBM, etc. In Europe there are companies like Osram, Infineon, ST Microelectronics, Philips, etc., but also many companies specializing in various components or subsystems. In Sweden there are companies such as Tyco and Syntune (photonics), IRnova and FLIR (infrared cameras and detectors), Micronics (photomask manufacturing), Silex and Omicron (micro-mechanics), Acreo (contract research), and so on. There are also a number of startup companies in the microelectronics field. Outside the semiconductor business there is also a Swedish labor market in the automotive industry (Saab, Volvo, Autoliv, etc.), materials processing (Sandvik, Outokumpu, etc.), pharmaceutical (AstraZeneca, etc), chemical industry (Akzo Nobel, etc.), etc.
Nanotechnology is also a rapidly growing academic field of research, and the program provides a good basis for postgraduate studies, in Sweden or abroad, and / or work in industrial R & D departments or research institutes.
Application and admission
Nanotechnology - Application and admission for external applicants
Contact
Programme Director: Prof. Mattias Hammar
Programme Coordinator: Petra Rosenquist
Address: KTH, Information and Communication Technology
Forum 105
SE-164 40 Kista
Sweden
