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Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering (Leuven)

Master of Science
This master’s programme combines the basics of physics, biology, and chemistry at the nanometer scale
with courses on technology and engineering. The programme fits into the growing worldwide convergence
between the basic sciences and between science, technology and engineering sciences in general.
Nanotechnology and nanoenginineering are the application of this science in new nanomaterials and
nanoconcepts for new components, systems and products.
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Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering (120 ECTS)

Education

What is the Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering all

about?
Nanoscience is the study of phenomena and manipulation on the atomic and molecular scales (nanometers: i.e., one
billionth of a meter). Important material properties such as the electrical, optical and mechanical are determined by the way
molecules and atoms assemble into larger structures on the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is the application of this science
in new nanomaterials and nano-concepts to create new components, systems and products. Nanotechnology is the key to
unlocking the ability to design custom-made materials which possess any property we require. These newborn scientific
Key information
disciplines are situated at the interface of physics, chemistry, materials science, microelectronics, biochemistry and Location
biotechnology. Consequently, control of the discipline requires an academic and multidisciplinary scientific education. Leuven
In the Master of Science in Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering, you will learn the basics of physics,
biology and chemistry on the nanometer scale; these courses will be complemented by courses in technology and Ects + duration
engineering to ensure practical know-how. The programme is strongly research oriented, and is largely based on the 120 ECTS (2 years full-time)
research of centres like imec (Interuniversity Microelectronics Center), the Leuven Nanocenter and INPAC (Institute for
Nanoscale Physics and Chemistry) at the Faculty of Science, all global research leaders in nanoscience, nanotechnology Educational level
and nanoengineering. In your Master’s thesis, you will have the opportunity to work in the exciting research programmes of Master’s
these institutes.
Academic calendar
The objective of the Master of Science in Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nano-engineering is to provide top quality 1st semester: end of September -
multidisciplinary tertiary education in nanoscience as well as in the use of nanotechnologies for systems and sensors on
> end of January (exams in
the macro-scale.
January)
Structure 2nd semester: half of February ->
end of June (exams in June)
Students follow a set of introductory courses to give them a common starting basis, a compulsory common block of core
programme courses to give them the necessary multidisciplinary background of nanoscience, nanotechnology and KU Leuven academic calendar
nanoengineering, and a selection of programme courses to provide some non-technical skills. The students also select
their specialisation option for which they choose a set of compulsory specific programme courses, a number of elective Applying
broadening programme courses and do their Master’s thesis research project. Application deadline
1. The fundamental courses (max 15 credits, 6 courses) introduce the students to relevant disciplines in which they have 1 March (for non-EEA citizens)
had no or little training during their Bachelor’s education. These are necessary in order to prepare students from 1 June (for EEA citizens)
different backgrounds for the core programme courses and the specialisation programme courses of the Master’s.
2. The general interest courses (9-12 credits) are imparting non-technical skills to the students in domains such as How to apply
management, economics, languages, quality management, ethics, psychology, etc. www.kuleuven.be/application
3. The core courses (39 credits, 8 courses) contain first of all 6 compulsory courses focusing on the thorough basic
education within the main disciplines of the Master’s: nanophysics, nanochemistry, nanoelectronics and Tuition fee 2018-2019
nanobiochemistry. These core programme courses deliver the basic competences (knowledge, skills and attitudes) to €922.30 for EEA students
prepare the students for their specialisation in one of the subdisciplines of the Master. Next all students also have to
follow one out of two available practical courses where they learn to carry out some practical experimental work, which €6,000 for non-EEA students
takes place in small teams. Also part of the core courses is the Lecture Series on Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and
Nanoengineering, which is a series of seminars (14-18 per year) on various topics related to nanoscience, Most recent information
nanotechnology and nanoengineering, given by national and international guest speakers. on www.kuleuven.be/tuitionfees
4. The specific courses (21 credits) are compulsory programme courses of the specialisation option. These programme
courses are deepening the student’s competences in one of the specialising disciplines of the Master’s programme and Chat with our students
prepare them also for the thesis work. Student Ambassadors
5. The broadening courses (9-27 credits) allow the students to choose additional progamme courses, either from their
own or from the other options of the Master’s, which allow them to broaden their scope beyond the chosen Open days
specialisation. They can also choose to do an industrial internship on a nanoscience, nanotechnology or Meet us in Belgium
nanoengineering related topic at a nanotechnology company or research institute.
Meet us abroad
6. The Master’s thesis (24 credits) is intended to bring the students in close and active contact with a multidisciplinary
research environment. The student is assigned a relevant research project and works in close collaboration with PhD
Brochure
 Brochure
students, postdocs and professors. The research project is spread over the two semesters of the second Master’s year,
and is finalised with a written Master’s thesis report, a publishable summary paper and a public presentation. Download the brochure

You can also follow a similar programme in the frame of an interuniversity programme, the Erasmus Mundus Master of Programme website
Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
Master of Nanoscience,
Nanotechnology and
Strengths
Nanoengineering
The programme is strongly research-oriented, and is largely based on the research of centres like imec
(interuniversity microelectronics center) and INPAC (institute for nanoscale physics and chemistry) at the Faculty of
Science, which are both worldwide research leaders in nanoscience and nanotechnology. During the Master’s thesis,
students will have the opportunity to work in the exciting research programmes of these institutes.
As a graduate of the Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering programme, you will have
thorough scientific knowledge of the fundamental structures of physical, biological and chemical systems in terms of
their molecular and atomic characteristics. You will also understand the formation of complex macro systems, which are
unique in their operations and possess new functionalities, based on their molecular and atomic properties.
The objective of the Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering is to provide a top quality
multidisciplinary education in nanoscience as well as in the use of nanotechnologies for systems and sensors at the
macro-scale. The programme encompasses the disciplines of the three contributing faculties: Science (Departments of
Physics and Chemistry), Engineering Science: Departments of Electrical Engineering and Materials Engineering, and
Bioscience Engineering.
Some of the teaching staff are affiliated with imec, bringing a strong nanoelectronic component to the programme. The
courses are taught in English. The nanosciences are multidisciplinary. Students will receive basic training in nanoscale
physics, chemistry, biology, bio-chemistry, materials science and electronics. Special courses are designed to encourage
thinking beyond the boundaries of these traditional scientific disciplines. This knowledge is complemented with courses
in modern nanoelectronics and complex electronic systems, with an emphasis on the innovative role the nanosciences
play in society.
The programme is strongly connected to the latest innovations in the field. The courses are continuously updated
following the progress of science and technology in this young and highly innovative field. Furthermore, students will
spend at least one fourth of the study programme elaborating their own research project in the context of a Master’s
thesis. There is ample room for elective courses, either to increase students’ level of proficiency or to broaden their
horizon, according to their own interest.
The programmes offer a broad education covering all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology where the
students are acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes, with on the one hand a strong horizontal
multidisciplinary core education, in the various underlying disciplines, and on the other hand a more vertical
specialisation in one specific subfield of nanoscience and nanotechnology. All this is realised in programmes with a
strong international dimension. The programme is well structured with choice of several subdisciplines as specialisation
options which allows for individual tuning of the students study programme to their individual interest. Course contents
build on one another throughout the programme.
The programme sufficiently refers to specific current situations and relevant problems, and can be considered as
state-of-the-art. It gives a broad multidisciplinary education with sufficient attention to theoretical foundation. Each year a
number of company visits is organised in the second semester to expose students to the type of companies in which
they can find jobs (Holst Centre, Melexis, Europlasma, Solvay, On Semiconductor, ASML, etc.)
The professors’ and assistants’ expertise is an asset of the programme. The research infrastructure and the
contributing faculties are state-of-the-art. The link, both in teaching and in research, to a world renowned research
organisation in the field of Nanotechnoly such as imec adds to the uniqueness of the programmes. According to the
students' feedback they perceive it as positive that the programme challenges them to work had during their studies.
Students think that there is a very broad variation and a wide choice of Master’s thesis topics offered and that the
guidance during the development of the Master’s thesis is good.

Application deadline for 2019-2020

1 March 2019 (for non-EEA citizens)

1 June 2019 (for EEA citizens)

KU Leuven uses an online application system. You can download and submit your application form
via www.kuleuven.be/application. Students with a Flemish degree can consult www.kuleuven.be/inschrijven.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the current academic year is €922.30 for EEA students and €6,000 for non-EEA students. The tuition fee
for the 2019-2020 academic year will be determined in the spring of 2019. Please consult the website for the most recent
information: www.kuleuven.be/tuitionfees.

Master mind

Excellent students who are eligible for a Master Mind Scholarship are invited to submit their application before 1
February 2019.

Profile

Is this the right programme for me?

You have strong analytic, synthetic, and interpretive capabilities and a clear interest in both fundamental sciences as
well as technological problems.
You should be able to understand a large variety of problems and to translate them into an abstract academic level, to
crosslink knowledge from a variety of scientific disciplines, to form a personal and independent opinion and to transmit it
to others.
You should show a strong interest in scientific and/or technological problems, be interested in how and why systems
function and have a clear sense of the societal and psychological relevance of technology and its implications upon
 society.
From your Bachelor's education, you should have acquired a basic knowledge of mathematics (including advanced
algebra and differential equations), physics, chemistry and electronics. If you are missing some of this background,
introductory fundamental courses are offered to acquire this knowledge within the Master's programme.
Knowledge of cell biology and biochemistry, molecular and atomic architecture, materials science and
electromagnetism are considered as asset.
Moreover, you are able to demonstrate excellence in your previous study results, as well as sufficient knowledge of
English.
In general, you have a capacity to think in a mathematical-analytical way and have a strong interest in technology.
You are fascinated by the relationship between science and technology, are eager and prepared to learn
autonomously, are willing to work hard and show perseverance, entrepreneurship and creativity.
Non-Belgian students are required to submit proof of GPA, proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL test or equivalent) and a
letter of motivation.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering (Leuven)

Career perspectives

Career perspectives
In the coming decades, nanoscience and nanotechnology will undoubtedly become the driving force for a new set of
products, systems, and applications. These disciplines are even expected to form the basis for a new industrial revolution.

Within a few years, nanoscience applications are expected to impact virtually every technological sector and ultimately
many aspects of our daily life. In the coming five-to-ten years, many new products and companies will emerge based on
nanotechnology and nanosciences. These new products will stem from the knowledge developed at the interface of the
various scientific disciplines offered in this Master's programme.

Thus, graduates will find a wealth of career opportunities in the sectors and industries developing these new
technologies: electronics, new and smart materials, chemical technology, biotechnology, R&D, independent
consultancies and more. Graduates have an ideal background to become the invaluable interface between these areas
and will be able to apply their broad perspective on nanoscience and nanotechnology to the development and creation of
new products and even new companies.

Start your career, during your studies

During your bachelor's and master's programme you can already shape your own profile by choosing a certain
specialisation, studying abroad (Erasmus), doing a work placement, or starting your own business.

The Student Career Centre is happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience. The centre also
coaches you in the search for an interesting job and helps you with job interviews. For students wanting to start their own
business KU Leuven also has Lcie, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and
entrepreneurial ideas.

Don’t know where to start? The Student Career Centre's databases contain offers for jobs, volunteer work, innovation
projects and student jobs. You can also visit one of the events organised by the Career Centre.

Contact

Faculty of Engineering Science

Kasteelpark Arenberg 1 box 2200
3001 HEVERLEE, Belgium
tel. + 32 16 32 13 50
fax + 32 16 32 19 82
info@eng.kuleuven.be

Programme director
Prof. M. Heyns
tel. +32 16 28 13 48

Visit the programme's website

General
Study Advice Service
Naamsestraat 80 box 5415
3000 LEUVEN, Belgium
To contact us, please complete the contact form on our website.

Objectives
1. Competent in one or more scientific disciplines

(1)Will possess a thorough knowledge of the basic underlying disciplines of nanoscience, nanotechnology and
nanoengineering:
o material physics, devices and technologies for nanoelectronic applications and a clear view on the evolution of these
applications in future
o physics, chemistry and biochemistry at nanometre scale
o electronic, optical, mechanical and thermodynamic qualities of metals, semiconductors and insulators
o physics and technology for building nanoelectronic and optoelectronic systems, electronic and optical interconnection
technology for high speed and high pin count, packaging technology, thermal management in electronic systems and
system-in-a-package
o structure, stability, folding and conformational dynamics of nanostructured biomolecules and their industrial applications
o chemical methods for preparing and characterizing nanostructured materials and supramolecular systems (molecular
devices) and the properties of these materials and systems.
o mesoscopic properties which appear when the size of a system becomes comparable to characteristic physical length
scales, and an understanding of how mesoscopic effects can be manipulated and controlled

(2)Have specialized knowledge in one of the following domains:

o Nanodevices and nanophysics
o Nanoelectronic design
o Nanomaterials and nanochemistry
o Bionanotechnology

(3)Graduates are able to apply knowledge from various domains and specializations in a creative way, expand it, deepen it
and integrate it in functional systems
o Will possess a thorough knowledge of the methods used in technological problem solving and design.
o Will have an understanding of the formation of complex macro-systems which are unique in their operations and
possess new functionalities.
o Are capable of thinking and acting across the boundaries of the underlying disciplines (physics, electronics, chemistry,
biology).

2. Competent in conducting research

(4)Possess the ability to systematically acquire and critically assess the scientific value and relevance of the state-of-the-
art, related to nanoscience, nanotechnology and nanoengineering

(5)Possess the capability to analyze complex problems, define problem statements and formulate clearly structured
research questions with the correct level of abstraction.

(6)Have the ability to assimilate existing and new concepts, methodologies and research results and apply them in an
academic or industrial research environment.

3. Competent in designing

(7)Possess the expertise to use and combine the various disciplines of nanoscience and nanotechnology to formulate new
research questions based on a design problem

(8)Use acquired skills and knowledge to solve design problems by developing new models, (bio-)materials, devices,
integrated circuits and systems while taking into account relevant boundary conditions

(9)Have the skill to independently take decisions related to the design, and to justify and evaluate these in a systematic
manner

4. A scientific approach

(10)Graduates possess a broad analytical, integrating, and problem-solving mind and are able to combine knowledge from
nanotechnology and related domains.

(11)Graduates can select and process the most suitable information sources (scientific literature, internet, workshops,
conferences, experimental data, and professional networks).

(12)Evaluate, select and exploit advanced scientific models, including the system/process model and boundary conditions,
with the appropriate level of complexity for the specific application.

(13)Possess the correct attitudes to continuously adapt in a knowledge based society and to learn new technologies.

5. Basic intellectual skills

(14)Can reflect autonomously on a variation of different problems related to nanoscience and nanotechnology

(15)Graduates have a critical-constructive attitude with respect to new discoveries and developments encountered in the
scientific literature and in their own research.

(16)Have the capability of developing and defending opinions about their field, based on objective argumentations

6. Competent in collaboration and communication

(17)Experience in communication, both written and orally (in Dutch and/or English) with experts and non-experts about
their own research and design results
 (18)Co-operate and manage projects in a (multidisciplinary) team: distribute and assume responsibilities, observe time and
resource constraints, document project progress and results

7. Takes the temporal and social context into account

(19)Are able to function within a context of social, economic and environmental boundary conditions as well as in an
international context

(20)Are aware of their societal, ethical and ecological responsibility and act on it.

(21)Are aware of the challenges, risks and promises of nanotechnological developments.

Direct:
Master of Actuarial and Financial Engineering (New programme as from 2018-2019) (Leuven)
Master in de actuariële en financiële wetenschappen (nieuw programma vanaf 2018-2019) (Leuven)
Master in de ingenieurswetenschappen: logistiek en verkeer (Leuven)
Master of Engineering: Logistics and Traffic (Leuven)

When allowed:
Master of Welding Engineering (Sint-Katelijne-Waver)
Master in de bio-ingenieurswetenschappen: katalytische technologie (nieuw programma vanaf 2018-2019) (Leuven)

Admission requirements

Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering (Leuven)

In the context of the wellbeing law certain data must be stored for each student and they must be informed timely on the
subject of:

the risks to which the student is exposed during the study programme (practicals, traineeships, master's theses,…)
the associated preventive measures for each risk, such as medical follow-up, personal protective equipment and
instructions.
The risks and preventive measures are collected in the HSE-file for students. Through this link you can consult the HSE-
file. The HSE-file will be used for traineeships and/or master’s theses. For more information about traineeships, we refer to
the following site: traineeship.. For questions, please contact the HSE Department.

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