The ability to create new technologies or devices would not be possible without advanced materials at the nano-scale. Energy is an important issue for any new device, and making devices smaller approaching the nano-scale can reduce energy cost, while increasing speed. These nanostructures or nanodevices may behave in surprising ways, unlike miniaturised versions of the macroscopic devices. Ultimately this behaviour is explicable by quantum mechanics but new methods of fabricating or interacting with such nanostructures is what nanoscience is all about, ideally to the benefit of both technology and society. Nanoscience incorporates applications in energy, photonics, medical diagnostics, ultra-fast electronics and many other areas that, in addition, use advanced materials. Advanced materials include superconductors, polymers, lasers and optoelectronics, which can be found in applications ranging from computers and electronics, to telecommunications and broadcasting, to airlines and healthcare.

This degree will provide you with a flexible qualification for employment in cutting-edge high-technology industries, such as the semiconductor, polymer and optical industries. There are also opportunities to carry out postgraduate study in advanced materials, a key research area in Trinity itself.