MSc NanoBio Science

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

This MSc programme unites the technological with the biological aspects of nanotechnology in a unique way, equipping graduates with a truly interdisciplinary perspective of the field. Manipulating matter at the nanoscale is already leading to new and improved imaging and display technologies, biomedical sensors, and solar cells for environmentally friendly energy production. The design, fabrication and control of devices with nanoscale (billionth of a metre) dimensions is an engine of innovation in almost every sector.
The MSc in NanoBio Science at the UCD School of Physics is for students excited by the prospect of studying and researching in this emerging interdisciplinary area, where physics, chemistry, engineering and life sciences all come together.

Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)

  • Interdisciplinary NanoBio Science for Research and Industry
  • Experimental and Theoretical Excellence
  • World-Class Academic Team

Careers & Employability

The programme prepares you for industry or further research. Career opportunities include the pharmaceutical industry, telecommunications, diagnostic imaging, green technologies and sensor applications, both in Ireland and internationally. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in the areas of nanoscience, biophotonics and nanotechnology. 

Prospective employers include Abbott, Alcon, Allergan, Bausch & Lomb, Becton Dickinson, Boston Scientific, Eblana Photonics, Intel, Pfizer, Pharma-Bio Serv, Philips, and SensL.

Curricular information is subject to change


Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

The recruits to the course will come from a range of disciplines, including Physics, Theoretical Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, Biological Sciences and Medicine. 

The part time programme is aimed primarily at recent graduates from BSc programmes currently working or seeking employment in the area of NanoBio Science.

This MSc program provides a positive experience of nanobio science with state-of-the art applications in the nanoworld. The course is designed for applicants who have a strong background in physics, physical chemistry, engineering, material sciences or a related discipline with a significant physics, chemistry and/or mathematical content. The part time programme is aimed primarily at recent graduates from BSc programmes currently working or seeking employment in the area of NanoBio Science. 
We encourage/educate our students to become active, lifelong and autonomous learners with broad opportunities for future employment in academic or industrial research, predictive modeling, analytics, informatics and nanoscale-related industry sectors. 
Our students will become well-grounded in the fundamentals of modern Applied Physics topics with an appreciation of more specialised knowledge and the current frontiers of research.Students will develop an understanding of the structure, function and regulation of biological systems at the nanoscale and in real time. This requires nanometre and femtosecond (quadrillionth of a second) technologies that will ultimately lead to devices and techniques that mimic those found in nature, such as high-efficiency solar cells based on photosynthetic processes and adaptive biocompatible materials for regenerative medicine. Our inter-disciplinary learning environment relies on staff with a deep level of expertise and emphasises hands-on work through experimental, theoretical or computational work via a research module that is a large part of the MSc programme.  Students and staff have access to major technology platforms essential to the conduct of world-class cutting-edge research. Students are prepared for the reasearch project via lectures, practical/laboratory work, seminars, and the advancement of team and self-directed learning skills, project and problem-solving work. Our students will be endowed with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour.

The graduates from this programme should be familiar with a range of advanced experimental, analytical and data analysis technologies (including software packages, methods and algorithms) and interfacing between physical-based modelling and applied (e.g., biomedical or material science) systems. 

  • Apply knowledge gained and skills developed to specific fundamental or industrial problems.
  • Describe the state-of-the art knowledge and skills in NanoBio Science.
  • Draw on a suite of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, team-work, independent work, professional networking, project management.
  • Engage actively in addressing research topics of current relevance.
  • Formulate a mathematical/computational model of a physical phenomenon, execute and report the results of theoretical and numerical predictions and compare results critically with experimental evidence.
  • Present findings both orally and in written form, to thesis level.
  • Use the underlying physics of the field to find, assess and use up-to-date information in order to guide progress.

MSc NanoBio Science (T149) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10200
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

MSc NanoBio Science (T168) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5030
nonEU    fee per year - € 14550

***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Internship Opportunities*
There are opportunities to apply for an internship in an academic or industry workplace. The internship comprises a research project, the theme of which is chosen by the student in agreement with the supervisor and MSc Course Director. The project may include experimental research, modelling/simulations research, and/or other research appropriate to the MSc programme theme.

*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

  • This programme is intended for applicants with a degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Material Science or a related discipline. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  • Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

Graduate Profile
JiaJun Li, PhD student in area of Biomedical Optics

I chose to study the MSc in NanoBio Science because of its huge potential. The subjects in this course cover areas from physics to biology and the cutting-edge experiments and research will benefit you in your future career. The international aspect definitely brings new ideas and gives you a chance to get to know people in your area of study from around the world.

The following entry routes are available:

MSc NanoBio Science FT (T149)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised