Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing new area of Science and Technology. It will find many applications in many sectors. The Internet carries a plethora of articles describing these possibilities, so this document is not intended to be an exhaustive description, but rather a brief analysis of possible applications in a chosen example area and an examination of how BITE could participate in the overall scenario.

By introducing nanotechnology, many materials and improved products can be created which rely on a change in the physical properties when the feature sizes are shrunk. Nanoparticles take advantage of their dramatically increased surface area to volume ratio. This can give a significant increase in chemical reaction speed, generating major improvements in areas such as rocket propellants.

The materials optical properties are often a function of the particle diameter. From simple applications such as ‘sunscreen’ to complex sensors, nanotechnology offers much promise.

When incorporated into a bulk material, nanoparticles can strongly influence the mechanical properties of the material, like stiffness or elasticity. For example, traditional polymers can be reinforced by nanoparticles or by carbon nanotubes, resulting in novel materials that can be used as lightweight replacements for metals or more traditional carbon fibre composites. Such nanotechnologically enhanced materials will enable a weight reduction accompanied by an increase in stability and an improved functionality.

Medical applications are manifold, from controlled drug release to joint replacements. Equally, the use of nonmaterial filters could also transform water purification and change the health of developing and populous nations dramatically.

Thus, an increasing societal benefit of nanotechnology can be expected as technology reaches maturity and more and more applications are explored and delivered. However, as in all new technologies, the key to success will be to identify applications where nanotechnology offers real advantages and where the return on investment offers a real business opportunity.

Nanotechnology will find application in many sectors, as the processes mature and production costs drop. Early adopters will be the higher value ones, where the advantages outweigh the additional initial costs. The Aerospace sector is described below solely as an example.

This programme will develop conceptual understanding of nano technology and solutions in the electronics world. It will foster innovation through an interdisciplinary approach to industry and non-industrial sectors that rely on emerging

BITE offers a balance between an industry and academic learning environment with small class sizes and on-going support and guidance for the best achievement. Our approach to learning is focused on the student and the development of a skill-set that can be applied.

The Institute will apply the principle of equality of opportunity to its admission process and will encourage the recruitment of local and national students and those with special needs. In considering individual applicants for admission to a course of study the Institute will seek evidence of personal, professional and educational experience that provides indications of ability to meet the demands of the programme.

Student will be called for interview to discuss admission to the programme.

The entry requirement for the MSc programme is normally satisfied by possession of one of the following:

• BSc(Hons) or BEng(Hons) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, or an appropriate and related subject, with an award classification of no less than a lower second class honours (2:2).
• A degree qualification of a standard equivalent to that obtained after a programme of study in a recognised university outside the UK. (Note: Sources such as the British Council Handbook and NARIC will be used as references to verify the qualifications equivalence to a UK degree)
• Students may be admitted with advanced standing through the recognition of credit or the accreditation of experiential or certificated learning according to the University of East London Accreditation of (Experiential) Learning (A(E)L) policy.
  A student may gain admission to a programme, with advanced standing, with up to half of the credits associated with the award being achieved through accredited experiential learning, or up two thirds through accredited certificated learning (Where a combination of experiential and certificated learning is involved up to one half of the credits for the award may be achieved through accredited experiential learning with further credits being achieved through accredited certificated learning up to a maximum of two thirds of the credits for the award)
• Applicants will also be required to meet the Institutes standard for competence in English language and will be expected to hold GCSE grade C or an equivalent in English or a TOFEL score or IELTs 6.5 or equivalent.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes. Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

The programme is offered for one calendar year on the full-time mode commencing in September, February and a minimum of two calendar years on the part-time mode. The calendar year for the full-time mode consists of two semesters, plus the summer recess for research dissertation. The minimum period for completion of the MSc is 1 year full-time and 2 years part-time.

Students joining the programme in February will take 16 months to complete the programme due to the timing of the research project within the confines of the academic calendar.

Our Learning environment consists of the tradition lecture, Seminars, workshops, and laboratory space. There will also be external visits to cooperating organisations and local universities who are giving us access to some specialist lab equipment. We will also be using our online virtual learning environment to supplement the delivery of the programming.

Assessment methods which enable students to demonstrate the learning outcomes for each Module, with the exception of the dissertation, have the following weights:

• Assignment 50%
• Examination 50%

Students will be given coursework during the semester and exams will take place at the end of the semester.

Nanotechnology will find application in many sectors, as the processes mature and production costs drop. Early adopters will be the higher value ones, where the advantages outweigh the additional initial costs. The Aerospace sector is described below solely as an example.

This programme will develop conceptual understanding of nano technology and solutions in the electronics world. It will foster innovation through an interdisciplinary approach to industry and non-industrial sectors that rely on emerging. Students who successfully complete this programme may be able to work in the following sectors:

• pharmaceutical
• bio-tech industry
• aerospace
• manufacturing
• energy industry
• consumer electronics
• telecommunications
• food

The research dissertation is a key element of this programme and as such counts as a double module (60 credits). Research topics are often developed from work-based problems and many are supported by industrialists.

The objective of the dissertation is to develop the student's ability to study independently, making their own critical appraisal of their chosen subject and drawing conclusions from it.

Students will be required to demonstrate that the research undertaken has been completed to an appropriate level for a Masters award. The dissertation must therefore, in general terms, include elements of research, independent work, the derivation of a product (through laboratory testing, critical analysis or computer programming) and the analysis of data.

The research will be required to make a contribution to the understanding of the field studied and will be supervised by a member of staff with an interest in the field.

Student who study this programme may seek exemptions from professional bodies.

This programme will develop conceptual understanding of nano technology and solutions in the electronics world. It will foster innovation through an interdisciplinary approach to industry and non-industrial sectors that rely on emerging. Students who successfully complete this programme may be able to work in the following sectors:

• pharmaceutical
• bio-tech industry
• aerospace
• manufacturing
• energy industry
• consumer electronics
• telecommunications
• food

BITE strives for excellence in supporting students in many ways. We help you identify your strengths and direct you towards the development of sound and practical knowledge in that field. BITE’s support service has an enviable ratio of students to each tutor.

Each student is allocated a personal tutor. This is a member of the academic staff who they can go to individually for general guidance and advice.

The Institute Careers Advisory Service is based in the main building and provides presentations and skills workshops, one-to-one guidance, a library and information service (including vacancies and help with preparing for job-search).

Located in the heart of East London, we are well placed to work with the thriving businesses of Canary Wharf and the City of London. Academics from around the world have reviewed our specialised degree and research programmes with interest and excitement.

BITE is well known for combining academic theory with a hands-on practical approach to a high standard of delivery and academic achievement. All of our programmes give you the opportunity to develop the IT, research and business skills that we know employers are looking for.