Engineering small worlds: micro and nano technologies
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This course demonstrates how matter can be manipulated at the atomic and molecular scale to serve the engineering needs of society for ever-smaller systems acting as intelligent monitors, controllers and micro-environments. It covers: science at the micro and nano scales; engineering micro and nano-scale systems; structural/inertial devices; electronic/optical devices; and fluidic/biological devices. The course examines how micro and nano technologies are being advanced. You’ll also gain a firm grounding in engineering on both micro and nano scales, through the detailed study of how scientific and engineering principles are applied to the design and manufacture of real devices.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Computing and ICT , Engineering and Technology and Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | T356 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
The course examines the development of micro- and nano-scale devices in terms of their engineering and operation. Mechanical, electrical, chemical and biological engineering of these ‘small worlds’ is revolutionising our lives through devices smaller than the eye can see. Aspects of this ‘unseen’ engineering are investigated in the light of scientific principles and the practical constraints they impose. A selection of applications, chosen to illustrate how engineering solutions are achieved on the micro and nano scales, is described.
The printed study materials are divided into three main themes together with a supporting text book as an introduction to the subject of nanotechnology. The course is accompanied by a DVD-ROM.
Structural and inertial systems
The techniques of micro- and nano-fabrication have been successfully applied to a wide range of mechanical, electromechanical and purely structural devices. The first part of this block takes an example of a particular atomic scale mechanism whose exact form is crucial to its performance. Through examining the details of the manufacturing techniques available and how they affect both the composition and the shape of the mechanism, you will discover just how inextricably they are connected. Part two goes a stage further and looks at an inertial sensor, asking the question ‘Why are successful micro- and nano-engineered devices not simply miniature, scaled-down versions of their conventional counterparts? The laws of nature, although universal, make the world at these small scales quite alien to our common experience.
Electronic and optical devices
The success of microelectronics has always been based on a very shallow layer of semiconductor. So progress has always been in the direction of smaller components, packed more closely together, albeit over wider areas. Just before its fiftieth birthday, silicon-based electronics was miniaturised to the point where an electronically captured copy of an optical image could threaten conventional film and photocopier technologies. Part one of this block explores how this came about. The second part reveals how various electrical manipulations of organic molecules provide the means to render such electronic images instantly visible, once again combining fine, shallow structures extending over relatively large areas. The opto-electronic revolution has turned our world inside out.
Working with nature
Nature provides us with a stunning array of highly sophisticated nanoscale ‘machinery’, brought to our attention as we explore ever smaller scales. Nature’s nano-machines tend to be soft, wet and sticky. In part one of this block you will see how these designs are ideally suited to the nanoscale and appreciate how molecules are able to ‘self-assemble’, to produce complex structures from the bottom up. In the second part, practical examples will be used to demonstrate how principles similar to those that operate in nature can be applied, both for constructing nanoscale devices and also for interacting with biological systems at the molecular level.
Entry
This is a Level 3 course. Level 3 courses build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at Levels 1 and 2. They are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably with The Open University. You must be familiar with the principal concepts of mechanics, dynamics, materials and electricity. Familiarity with algebraic expressions, calculus notation and mathematical models in general is necessary. One of the University’s Level 2 courses such as Engineering: mechanics, materials, design (T207) or The physical world (S207) together with Using mathematics (MST121) would be a good starting point.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Preparatory work
Make sure that you are familiar with Windows and suitable word-processing and spreadsheet software.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting Your Needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course books, other printed materials, audio programmes, DVD-ROMs, online forums, website.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you cannot use an Apple Mac or Linux computer unless it is running Windows using Boot Camp or similar dual-boot system.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day-schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where the tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2013. It will be available again in October 2014 when it will be available for the last time.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Computing and ICT , Engineering and Technology and Science.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | T356 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| Examination |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
Student Reviews
I enjoyed this course a lot, especially the biological materials towards the end - surprising since I've only studied mathematics ...
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The course topics are very interesting for those interested in semi conductor fabrication and photoconductors / capacitors. I thoroughly enjoyed ...
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Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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