Module: Nanotechnology & Surface Analysis 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Nanotechnology & Surface Analysis 2
Module Code	PHY1077 (ITS: PS525)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module introduces research to measurement techniques in the field of Nanotechnology and surface science available to postgraduate students and other researchers in DCU. It revises principles and methods discussed in the graduate module (Size confinement, STM/AFM, SEM/TEM, XPS/UPS, Optical methods) in form of asynchronous online resources. The main focus though is hands on training on techniques available in the new Advance Material Characterisation and Imaging Platform (AM-CHAMP) including XPS, HAXPES, SEM, Auger spectroscopy, REELS, depth profiling. The module goes through the basic principles of each method and applications of them when measuring nanostructures. It also trains student on specific analysis software for fitting and interpreting XPS spectra. The module is designed for students of all faculties/schools who wish to use the new facilities, or learn more about what these tools can do in general.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of the application of quantum mechanics to nanostructures and devices.
2. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of both hard and soft materials in nanotechnology.
3. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of the principles of microscopy on the nanoscale.
4. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of experimental methods for the surface characterisation of nanoscale materials.
5. Develop and articulate a systematic understanding of knowledge at, or informed by, the forefront of research both qualitatively, and quantitatively of the principles of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy both from a point of the measurements as well as from a measurement analysis perspective.
6. Demonstrate this systematic understanding by preparing and delivering a brief presentation outlining the key scientific elements underpinning a particular topic in nanotechnology or surface analysis of relevance to the student's own research project.
7. Demonstrate this systematic understanding and also demonstrate a critical awareness of the main issues in a particular topic in nanotechnology or surface analysis by undertaking a literature survey on a particular topic of relevance to the student's own research project.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Online activity	40	Asynchronous online lecture/learning material in topical sections, formative and summative quizzes
Class Presentation	10	Participation in class presentation (preparation, actual seminar style presentation)
Independent Study	105	Study for lectures and tutorials (31 hours), work on presentation preparation (25 hours), work on literature survey (25 hours), preparation for examination (20 hours).
Assignment Completion	20	Literature report for a PhD/MSc relevant topic
Laboratory	5	Hands on training on XPS measurement and analysis
Total Workload: 180

Section Breakdown
CRN	20906	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	50%	Examination Weight	50%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Karsten Fleischer	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Report(s)	Literature survey on a topic intersecting the course material (Nanotechnology, Surface analysis) and the PhD students research field.	20%	Once per semester
Presentation	Presentation on how their own research topic intersects with nanotechnology and surface science to an undergraduate audience.	20%	Once per semester
Loop Quiz	Loop quizzes on all online asynchronous material taken upon finishing each topic (asynchronous delivery, timing depends on student alone)	30%	As required
Practical/skills evaluation	Completion of a practical workshop on operating the XPS instrument and analysis/fitting of the measurements taken. The workshop will be targeted to the field of study of the PhD student including samples from their own research and common test samples. The activity is run at the end of term (in Week 12 or 13) for the class, or individually for each students if access to the AM-CHAMP infrastructure is required before this workshop.	30%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Prerequisite physics background
Review of (i) elementary quantum mechanics; (ii) elementary statistical physics;(iii) essentials of solid state physics

Physical properties at the nanoscale
The effects of quantum confinement on optical and magnetic properties, tunneling phenomena, Coulomb blockade.

Transport at the nanoscale
(i)Time and length scales of electrons in solids (ii) Statistics of electrons in solids and nanostructures (iii) Density of states of electrons in nanostructures (iv) Electron transport in nanostructures

Measurement techniques at the nanoscale
(i)Scanning probes, (ii) Electron microscopy,(iii) Optical and electron spectroscopies, (iv) Photoelectron spectroscopy/imaging (v) Auger spectroscopy/imaging, (vi) sputtering techniques for depth profiling

Special topics in nanoscale science and technology
Topics selected from: (i)Nanoelectronics; (ii)Photonic crystals and nanophotonics; (iii)Nano electromechanical systems (NEMS); (iv) Spintronics, (v)Nanomagnetics, (vi)Quantum Computation; (vii) Biotechnology.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

S.M. Lindsay: 2010, Introduction to Nanoscience, 1, Oxford University Press, UK, 9780199544219
D. Natelson: 2015, Nanostructures and Nanotechnology, 1, Cambridge University Press, UK, 9780521877008
A. De Stefanis and A.A.G. Tomlinson.: 0, Scanning probe microscopies : from surface structure to nano-scale engineering.,
R. Saito, G. Dresselhaus, M.S. Dresselhaus: 0, Physical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes,
C.P. Poole and F. J. Owen: 2003, Introduction to Nanotechnology,, Wiley Interscience,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None