Erasmus Mundus Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (EMM-nano)

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1 Erasmus Mundus Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (EMM-nano) CO-ORDINATOR: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) PARTNERS: Chalmers Tekniska Högskola (Sweden) Technische Universiteit Delft & Universiteit Leiden (the Netherlands) Technische Universität Dresden (Germany)

2 Delft

3 Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology In Europe, higher education is a public good and a public responsibility. The European Commission has a mission to strengthen high-quality international academic cooperation while promoting social cohesion both at the national and European level. Erasmus Mundus Programme The Erasmus Mundus programme is a European Union (EU) co-operation and mobility programme. It aims to enhance the quality and attractiveness of European higher education on a global level and to promote intercultural understanding through co-operation with third countries. It intends to prepare its European and non- European participants for life in a global, knowledge-based society. Through the creation of European 1 master courses and the provision of generous EU-funded scholarships to non- European 2 students, the programme enables students and visiting scholars from around the world to engage in postgraduate study at European universities. It also encourages the outgoing mobility of European students and scholars towards non-european countries. 1 Formally, the European Economic Area (EEA) = 25 EU Member States (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, the UK, Sweden, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia), the EEA-EFTA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway). The candidate countries for accession to the EU (presently Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey) have a status depending on the partner within the EMM-nano consortium. 2 With non-europeans we formally mean those who do not reside in any of the above countries, and who have not carried out their main activities (studies, work, etc.) for more than a total of 12 months over the last five years in any of the above countries.

4 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) Chalmers Tekniska Högskola (Sweden) Erasmus Mundus programme in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology - participating universities Within the Erasmus Mundus framework, the following five top European universities have now joined forces, pooling their individual expertise and experience in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology, to offer an exciting new master programme. The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium): programme coordinator Chalmers Tekniska Högskola (Sweden) Delft University of Technology (the Netherlands) Leiden University (the Netherlands) Technische Universität Dresden (Germany) The lectures offered by the consortium are embedded within various research centres such as IMEC in Leuven, the Casimir Research School in Delft/Leiden, the Max Planck Institute in Dresden, and the MC2 centre in Chalmers. This strong link between education and research ensures a contemporary programme at the cutting edge of state-of-the art research. Delft University of Technology (the Netherlands) Leiden University (the Netherlands) Technische Universität Dresden (Germany)

5 What is nanoscience and Why study nanoscience and nanotechnology? nanotechnology? With Nanoscience and Nanotechnology we mean the Nanoscience and nanotechnology are at the forefront study and manipulation of matter on the nanometer of modern research. The fast growing economy in scale (one billionth of a meter, the scale of atoms and this area requires experts who have an outstanding molecules). Important properties of materials, such knowledge of nanoscience in combination with the as the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, skills to apply this knowledge. A multidisciplinary are determined by the way molecules and atoms scientific education is crucial to provide industry and assemble on the nanoscale into larger structures. research institutes with top quality experts. The edu- Therefore nanotechnology will eventually provide us cational programme in Nanoscience and Nanotech- with the ability to design custom-made materials with nology provides the basics in physics, biology and any property we require. This new interdisciplinary chemistry at nanometer scale, and supplements this area of science involves physics, (bio)chemistry, biology, with courses on technology and engineering to promote medicine, and materials science. an understanding of practical applications. It creates a unique opportunity for students to specialise in a continuously expanding research field with a bright future. Leuven Delft Dresden Delft

6 One programme - two locations - two degrees A unique educational concept The EMM-nano is a two-year, English language degree programme (120 ECTS credits). It facilitates study at two separate participating universities where students spend one year per country. It is strongly multidisciplinary in that it permits students to receive a basic training in all the disciplines offered, one of which becomes the student s area of specialisation. The programme is embedded in ongoing research programmes at the participating Universities. At least one quarter of the curriculum is reserved for students own individual research projects. These are carried out in research environments of internationally renowned quality. Participation in the EMM-nano programme requires that the student chooses a combination of two of the participating universities in advance. Students are required to obtain at least 60 ECTS credits from each university. On completion of the two year cycle, successful students will be conferred with two Master degrees: one from each university attended. Any combination of universities and thus degrees is possible 3. In addition, the EMM-nano consortium furnishes a degree-supplement providing a description of the nature and level of the programme followed. Consortium and Degrees: Chalmers Tekniska Högskola (Sweden): Master of science (in engineering) in nanoscale Science and Technology Technische Universiteit Delft and Universiteit Leiden (the Netherlands): Master of science in Nanoscience Technische Universität Dresden (Germany): Master of science in Molecular Bio-engineering Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium): Master of Nanosciences and Nanotechnology. 3 The participating Universities in the Netherlands (TU Delft and Leiden Universities) operate as a joint partner in the EMM programme. Students who wish to spend one year in the Netherlands will study both in Leiden and Delft and can choose to receive their degree from either university.

7 Programme description The EMM-nano educational programme is divided into four major disciplines: Nanotechnology Nanoscience Biophysics Bionanotechnology Each partner offers speciality courses in at least two of these themes as well as broadening or preparatory courses for the other themes. Students choose one theme as their minor (1st year) and one theme as their major (2nd year). Principal theme per university Nanotechnology Nanoscience Biophysics Bionanotechnology K.U.Leuven Delft/Leiden TU Dresden Chalmers The programme modules are divided into four categories: The introductory modules will introduce the The core modules provide the basic knowledge students to disciplines in which they have had required within the main disciplines. no training and which are essential for participation Each student will take these modules irrespective in other modules in the programme. of specialisation. The non-technical programme modules are The theme course modules are elective modules necessary to impart non-technical knowledge that cover the full range of subjects within to the nanoscientists. Modules such as ethics, the nano field. scientific writing skills, entrepreneurship, intellectual property etc. are offered.

8 Chalmers In addition to modules, the programme encompasses: The master thesis research project that is intended The Erasmus Lecture Series on Nanotechnology to bring the student in close contact with a multi- in Modern Society that will enable national and national and multidisciplinary research environment international experts to speak on topics such of a research institute in academia or in industry. as ethics of nanotechnology developments, The student will be assigned a relevant research opportunities for nanotechnology applications project and work in close collaboration with PhD and the risks of nanotechnology etc. students, Post docs and Professors. The research project culminates with the public presentation of the master thesis at both of the universities contributing to the student s curriculum. INTRODUCTORY COURSES (6 CREDITS) TOTAL 120 CREDITS NON-TECHNICAL COURSES (3-6 CREDITS) CORE MODULES (18 CREDITS) THEME MODULES FOR THE MINOR (12-15 CREDITS) THEME MODULES FOR THE MAJOR (30-48 CREDITS) LECTURE SERIES ON NANOTECHNOLOGY IN MODERN SOCIETY MASTER THESIS PROJECT (30-48 CREDITS)

9 Admission requirements Tuition fees Applications will be considered from candidates in possession of: A top-level bachelor degree in Physics or in another field of science and engineering (such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science) but with a proven knowledge of Physics. A bachelor degree represents a minimum of 180 ECTS (applications will also be accepted from candidates who expect to receive a bachelor degree before the EMM-nano master degree programme commences) A GPA (Grade Point Average) of at least 75% of the scale maximum An IELTS (Academic version) overall band score of at least 6.0. For non-chinese applicants a TOEFL score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer based) will also be accepted Non-EEA students: 5000 per year EEA students: Fees as dictated by local legislation. Please refer to the EMM-nano website for the current rates: The admissions policy is intended to ensure equal opportunity of access to higher education for qualified EEA and non-eea students. In general, candidate students, in possession of the above mentioned documents, will be individually assessed on the basis of their previous academic record, their personally written letter of motivation and their letters of reference. The availability of places will also be taken into account.

10 Application procedure The online application form is available on the K.U.Leuven website: Applications should contain: the completed application form the candidate s choice of the two universities and his/her preferred trajectory within the Erasmus Mundus programme original certified copies of degrees and transcripts in duplicate a certificate attesting English proficiency (IELTS-test, or TOEFL test for non-asian applicants) a letter of motivation 2 letters of reference All applications should be submitted to the following address: Office for International Students and Scholars Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Naamsestraat 22 BE-3000 Leuven Belgium Deadline for submission of applications Non-EEA students: 1 February EEA students: 1 June For additional information you may contact the Office for International Students and Scholars of the K.U.Leuven: csb@dir.kuleuven.be Tel: Fax:

11 Erasmus Mundus scholarship A limited number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships are provided by the European Commission for non-eea students. This royal scholarship amounts to a total maximum award of 42,000 consisting of 20 monthly instalments of 1600 plus an annual (max. 2x) stipend of The EMM-nano consortium selects those applicants eligible for a scholarship and submits the shortlist to the European Commission for approval. Successful candidates are notified by the K.U.Leuven in the latter half of April. EEA students are not eligible for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships. However, the EMMnano presents such students with a unique opportunity to study in an internationally prominent and promising area of science in a truly international environment. Leiden

12 Contact information: Prof. Karen Maex (K.U.Leuven), Co-ordinator Erasmus Mundus Master of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Beeld cover Leiden