68320 Nanofabrication and Nanocharacterization Techniques
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Description
Characterisation and fabrication of nano-materials and nano-devices requires analysis and manipulation tools with extreme precision. This is a central issue in nanotechnology and many contemporary areas of materials physics. Techniques, such as chemical vapour deposition, reactive ion etching, electron beam lithography and focused ion beam microscopy allows us to synthesize materials and devices at this level. Imaging and analysis with nano-scale resolution is performed by microscopy techniques such as electron microscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques. This subject introduces the concepts behind current nano-scale fabrication and analysis techniques as well as their use and application in many areas of science and technology. Recent developments in the techniques are introduced, and students have the opportunity to gain experience using a variety of imaging, analysis and nanofabrication techniques.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply theory and working principles to the practice of nano scale fabrication and analysis. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Competently operate a Scanning Electron Microscope. |
| 3. | Analyse experimental analytical microscopy results and prepare a formal scientific report. |
| 4. | Interpret data collected from nano scale analysis techniques. |
| 5. | Use nano scale analysis techniques in nanotechnology and nanoscience practical research applications. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate coherent understanding of physics and related knowledge applied to diverse contexts. (1.1)
- Evaluate the reliability of scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design, analysis and critical thinking to predict the behaviour of real-world systems using physical models (2.1)
- Engage autonomously or in teams to derive and analyse data from instrumentation and physical models to make ethical contributions to society. (3.1)
- Evaluate and design solutions to complex physical problems through creative problem-solving, using analytical, computational, and experimental approaches. (4.1)
- Apply effective and appropriate communication methods for discussing physics concepts, data and analysis with diverse audiences. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1. Disciplinary knowledge
A comprehensive knowledge of nano scale fabrication and analysis techniques and their application in scientific research and practical electronic devices is learnt through lectures, tutorials and laboratory work, where concepts are consolidated by critically analysing experimental results and solving problems. The depth of understanding of the subject material as well as laboratory and problem-solving skills are assessed via class tests and portfolios. The latter are based on laboratory reports, tutorial work and computational simulation/analysis exercises.
2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
The tutorials and laboratory/computer work are designed to stimulate enquiry, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students are encouraged to modify experiments requiring the application of learnt concepts in solid state physics to new experimental situations. Students will develop the ability to undertake systematic data collection and methodical analysis to interpret results through comparison of their observations to anticipated outcomes. These abilities are assessed by providing feedback in the assessment of the portfolios described above.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
Students will learn how to access information from a variety of sources including the Internet and the library to define and solve problems. These skills will also include the ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas as well as preparing professional scientific reports. Student will develop the ability to work and learn both independent as well as in a team through project and group laboratory work respectively. These skills are assessed via report marking and feedback on the student’s submitted portfolio work.
4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
The class test, practical and tutorial problems require inovative solutions and reflection in the context of discussions in literature provided to the students during the course of the subject. The problems also encourage a creative approaches to written and graphical presentation of conceptually complicated ideas and datasets.
5. Communication
Students will develop the ability to convey ideas clearly and fluently in written form as well as to present a physically based argument to justify interpretation of experimental results both assessed by the marking criteria.
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject comprises lectures, tutorials and laboratory work which run together each week of semester. Lecture material will be available in advance in Canvas. Students are expected to revise the lecture material prior to the lectures and tutorial sessions to facilitate participation in class discussion on the concepts and theories presented. Similarly tutorial work and laboratory notes will be on posted on Canvas in advance.
The content of the laboratory and tutorial exercises have been developed to reinforce the fundamental concepts taught in the lecture program. This basic knowledge is then use to build a deep understanding of the complex scientific concepts and nano scale fabrication and analysis techniques covered in this subject. A key element is strong integration of results from recent research projects at UTS that has used the methods covered in this subject. In addition many of the assessment tasks and exams involve questions that require students to reflect on what they have learnt and provide clear answers in everyday English using examples in addition to mathematical solutions.
In the laboratory work, students can work in groups and with a laboratory demonstrator. In the tutorial sessions, students will complete their practical work individually, however, they are encouraged to actively discuss and solve problems in groups with input from the lab demonstrators. The students will receive feedback from the demonstrators during class and will be able to complete their work in their own time. A class test will be split into 3 parts and held throughout the semester to evaluate and provide continuous feedback on the students' understanding of fundamental concepts and theories, demonstrate their ability to clearly explain these ideas in plain English and capacity to solve problems.
Attendance
Lectures, tutorials and/or practical sessions are scheduled every week apart from the normal UTS recesses, Science Faculty Tutorial Week and public holidays.
Content (topics)
Nanofabrication, microscopy and analysis techniques are widely acknowledged as indispensable tools for nanoscience research as they allow us to synthesize, image, analyse and manipulate materials and devices at the nanoscale. A practical understanding of these techniques, competency in their operation and application to nanoscience research and technology are essential skills for a nanotechnologist and the materials physicist. This subject provides the necessary expertise in in a number of techniques which are required for various Honours research projects in the Physics course as well as in the wider scientific community. Students discover how the pure science learnt in other subjects has been used to develop versatile nanofabrication and analysis techniques techniques that are then used in turn to explore new fields of science as well as solve cutting-edge problems in nanoscience and materials physics. The subject also aims to develop skills to accurately and effectively communicate scientific research results in a relevant and comprehensible way.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Laboratory & Tutorial Portfolios
| Intent: | Contribution to the development of graduate attributes 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Portfolio |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Criteria: | The practical and tutorial portfolios will be marked using a scheme provided by the subject lecturers to assess understanding of background theory, understanding of the work done and the topic overall, and the ability to prepare a scientific report. Criteria include:
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Assessment task 2: Class Tests
| Intent: | Contribution to the development of graduate attributes 1. Disciplinary knowledge 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Criteria: | Exam questions will be marked against a marking scheme provided by the subject lecturers. Criteria include:
|
Minimum requirements
A minimum overall mark of 50% is required to pass the subject.
Recommended texts
Books listed in CANVAS. Lecture notes, tutorial notes, laboratory notes and papers provided to students.