Academic content · Nanobiotechnology (Nanotechnology) (Aalborg)
This two-year master’s programme consists of 4 semesters. During each of the first three semesters, you will split your time equally between three 5 ECTS courses and one 15 ECTS project. The courses will provide you with the basic knowledge, and the projects will allow you to dig deep into the matter and focus firmly on particular subjects. The projects are typically done in small groups consisting of fellow students. The team aspect of the project work is essential. The master’s project can go over one or two semesters.
SEMESTER I: Nanobioengineering
The theme for this semester is “Nanobioengineering”. During this semester, fundamental engineering and manufacturing concepts within the Bio world and modelling of Bio-related systems are introduced. The 3 x 5 ECTS courses will provide the student with the necessary background knowledge in the area of advanced gene technology (covering important aspects within high throughput systems, drug discovery, microbial recombinant technology, and medical recombinant technology), reaction engineering and molecular electronics (covering design principles for chemical and biological reactors on the macro and micro/nanoscale as well as manufacturing of bio-based nano-electronic systems), and molecular simulations (dealing with the theoretical background for modelling of biological systems such as proteins, membranes, and DNA).
A typical project is dealing with design, construction, engineering, and modelling of functional nanobiostructures such as biosensors, medical therapeutics or bio-based electronic devices.
SEMESTER II: Characterization of Nanobiostructures
Under the theme "Characterization of Nanobiostructures" theoretical and practical skills are developed in order to understand the properties and behaviour of nanosized objects as well as the experimental characterization techniques. The 3 x 5 ECTS courses cover spectroscopic methods such as NMR and MS (used for characterization of nanobiostructures), self-assembling systems (DNA-based, protein-based, and lipid-based systems such as drug delivery systems), and reactions at interfaces (describing physical and chemical phenomena at surfaces of nano-sized objects such as nanoparticles). A representative project of this semester would deal with several aspects relevant for manufacturing and characterization of functional nanobiostructures.
SEMESTER III: Advanced Nanobiotechnology
This semester with the theme "Advanced Nanobiotechnology" focuses on advanced nanobiostructures and their static and dynamic properties. In most cases, the MSc yhesis is started this semester and the exam at the end of the semester is considered as a midterm evaluation of the thesis. During the exam, the student has to present the so far obtained results and discuss their relevance for the project and present a plan for the following semester. This should be accompanied by a short written report. This semester can also be used to go abroad or work on a project in collaboration with Danish or international companies.
SEMESTER IV: Master Thesis
This semester is devoted to the master thesis. The project can also be a continuation from the 3rd semester.
NanoLab at Aalborg University, download brochure
