Study programme
Nanomaterials Science is a two-years (120 EC) research-oriented programme with a strong emphasis on physical chemistry and materials science.
Curriculum
The curriculum consists of a 61 EC course part and a 59 EC research part. However, it is possible to choose a smaller research project of 36.5 EC which allows for more space and freedom to do elective courses. Nanomaterials Science has two intake moments, it is possible to start the programme in September or in February.
The programme addresses four main research themes: 'Colloids and Bio-inspired materials', 'Catalysts and Energy Materials', 'Nanophotonics鈥, and 鈥楺uantum Materials'. These four themes are reflected in the courses and research opportunities. Students have the freedom to combine elements of different themes to tailor their study programme.
Course part (61 EC)
The course part consists of:
- Compulsory courses (8,5 EC)
- Elective courses:
Primary electives (22.5 EC) from our Nanomaterials Science courses
Secondary electives (30 EC or 52.5 EC) to choose from courses within the Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Life Sciences or Geosciences or with which you can opt to spend up to 30 EC of your electives to- an internship (either two of 15 EC or one of 30 EC)
- or to a profile (see below for details)
In the course list below you can find an overview of the different course options including descriptions of the specific courses.
Research part (36.5 or 59 EC)
In our research-oriented Master programme, your research project has a central role, meaning you will devote a significant part of your time to it. You can choose a research topic of your own interest within one of the groups affiliated with the Debye Institute or the Institute of Sustainable and Circular Chemistry. You will shape your own research project and participate as a group member in the group鈥檚 team meetings and discussions. The research project can already start a few weeks after the start of the programme. Within the research project you will also write your master's thesis and learn to give presentations and discuss the progress and relevance of your research.
Thesis examples
- Morphological Considerations in Templated Porous Ag Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction鈥, Karen van den Akker, Materials Chemistry and Catalysis
- Photonic films from surfactant-coated cellulose nanocrystals in toluene for pressure and humidity sensing鈥, Steven Remiens, Soft Condensed Matter & Biophysics
- Near-Infrared Emitting Yb3+-doped CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br) Perovskite Nanocrystals for Luminescent Solar Concentrators鈥, Liselotte Nass, Condensed Matter and Interfaces
For more examples see the websites of the participating groups:
Educational methods
In our programme, most of your time is devoted to carrying out research. By definition on your Master's research project, but most students also choose to use 30 EC of their electives for one or two Internships outside Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 (either in companies, research institutes, or universities abroad). The course work consist of lectures and tutorials and an occasional small (group) project. Roughly, you require 2 days a week for every course including about 50% of contact hours (lecture, tutorials, group work) and 50% self-study.