A groundbreaking nanotechnology course, to be delivered entirely online, has been launched by Oxford University. The part-time course is the result of close collaboration between Oxford University’s Begbroke Science Park and the Department for Continuing Education, to develop accredited course modules in nanotechnology leading to a postgraduate certificate award. Students should have educational qualifications in a physical science discipline or demonstrable work experience in any of these areas. The course has three modules, all of which are available to study separately and a residential weekend in Oxford at the end of the formal study period. The tutors will provide online support and replicate the tutorial system electronically.

Professor Sir Harry Kroto, a Nobel prize winner for Chemistry and world authority on nanotechnology based in Florida State University, launched the course on Friday 2 June. He said: ‘The challenge for this course is to train future nanoscientists to think about the dynamics of molecules and how those facts can be used to tackle the real issues facing the world today, namely, a sustainable existence on this planet.’

Professor Peter Dobson, Course Director from the Engineering Science Department, said: ‘Oxford is well placed to offer this unique opportunity to gain an understanding of the science and characterisation techniques that describe the behaviour of nano-scale process and structure. The University has a long-established and universally recognised reputation for nanotechnology research in several of its departments and interdisciplinary collaboration is embedded in the culture here.’

Dr Stuart Wilkinson, Advanced Technologies Programme Manager from Begbroke Science Park, said: ‘The postgraduate certificate has been designed specifically to train professionals in the fundamental science underpinning nanotechnology and how to apply it to produce useful technologies.’

Source and more information:

http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/po/060530.shtml

This story was posted on 28th June 2006.