Nanosciences Abschluss: Master
This interdisciplinary sciences degree program focuses on structures on the nanometer scale (1 nm = 1 billionth of a meter).
Nanoscience researchers concentrate on the manufacture, characterization and manipulation of individual atoms and molecules as well as on the properties of nanometer structures and processes. New, special properties based on surface, quantum and self-organization effects are becoming increasingly important to various aspects of everyday life – information technology, energy, health and communication. Nanoscience is the interplay of various, specialist scientific fields. This is what makes it so exceptional and promising.
Focal areas of teaching and research
The master’s program takes an interdisciplinary approach by including two projects in different disciplines alongside the master’s thesis. There are 4 specializations offered:
- Nanophysics examines structures on the nanometer scale and aims to understand and control quantum phenomena.
- Nanochemistry focuses on generating and studying self-organizing structures, on surface chemistry, nanostructured materials and observing individual macromolecules (e.g. nanocontainers).
- Nanobiology studies the structure of biomolecules and nanomachine mechanisms (e.g. molecular motors and energy convertors).
- Medical Nanoscience focuses on applying nanotechnology to develop new drug therapies, on design and evaluation of nanopharmaceutical and, on formulations and interaction of nanomaterials with biomolecules.
This interdisciplinary basic research creates close links with applied research and research with commercial applications, particularly in Basel.
Program structure
After earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates can progress to a master’s. The master’s program comprises 90 credit points (CP). One ECTS credit point equates to around 30 hours of work. The nanoscience master’s program is a single major degree with no further subjects. There are 3 specializations (majors) offered on the master’s program: Chemistry, molecular biology and physics. The master’s program allows students to explore areas of interest in more depth. Interdisciplinarity is ensured by allowing students to choose two practical projects in two different disciplines, and by striking a balance between majors and electives.
| Master of Science (90 CP) | |
|---|---|
| Nanoscience 76 CP |
Electives 14 CP |
| Degree program | |
Combination of subjects
The degree programs offered at the Faculty of Science are single major degrees with specialization options and one elective. Nanoscience is studied as a degree program with no further subjects – the master’s program includes one major.
Career opportunities
Graduates work in basic research, the high-tech industry, as well as for chemical and pharmaceutical companies – essentially, anywhere that uses nanoscience measurement methods and manufacturing procedures. Most graduates work in research groups in Switzerland and abroad.