Our Environmental and Biological Nanoscience MRes is a collaborative endeavour between the Environmental Health Science group in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the School of Biosciences. The course is research focused, with a large project carried out in state-of-the-art laboratories.

This programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of nanoscience and its potential environmental and human health-related risk. It focuses on the fundamental and underpinning science but also discusses applications, synthesis and policy, and regulatory responses. The programme is research focused, with a large part devoted to an independent but supervised research project carried out in state-of-the-art-laboratories.

*This programme was previously known as MRes Human and Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology and Nanoscience

Key features of the programme are:

  • Coverage of nanoscience and its implications
  • Focused teaching and learning modules
  • Experimental, field based or modelling research project

The programme is a collaborative endeavour between the Environmental Health Science group in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the School of Biosciences. Taught and research elements are undertaken concurrently.

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

MRes Environmental and Biological Nanoscience

Course Level:

Postgraduate, Combined research and taught

Credits 

180

Course

CODE P1159

How long it takes:

1 year full-time

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$22,500

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

The programme comprises a research project and a taught component:

Research project

The research component of the programme comprises a major project. Research may be based in the area of the extended literature review and/or the research methods module and requires a substantial piece of independent research upon which a written dissertation is based. The School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the School of Biosciences are heavily involved in research in nanosciences and its implications on environmental and human health, and have excellent facilities, which include research laboratories, field measurement instrumentation and powerful computers. For projects with other foci, supervision from other schools is also possible. The breadth and depth of expertise and equipment will enable major projects to include experimental laboratory studies, fieldwork and/or modelling and data analysis. The project is supervised by two members of academic staff with knowledge and understanding of the chosen research topic.

 

Taught component

Environmental and Biological Nanoscience
This module discusses the fundamentals of nanoscience, looking at the unique properties of the nanoscale. Synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials is discussed. Sources, transport and fate of nanomaterials are investigated, along with the relevant environmental processes. The background to the current UK and wider response to nanomaterials is discussed. An extended literature review is expected as part of this review. This broadly based activity is designed to give the student in-depth knowledge of a chosen area of research activity, as well as training in a number of generic skills such as literature searching, critical assessment of scientific literature, report writing and referencing. The extended literature review acts both as a means of formal assessment and a precursor to the major project.

 

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of (nanomaterial) Toxicology
The principles of toxicology will be covered with respect to the ways in which agents can gain access into biological systems, their biotransformation , disposition and excretion. Differences between molecules and nanomaterials will be highlighted. The mechanisms of adverse effects on biological systems will then be investigated in relation to cellular and genetic toxicity and the potential disease consequences. Particular emphasis will be on understanding the dose–response relationships, methods of assessment and prediction and specific studies on nanomaterials will be highlighted. A library project and an oral presentation to the student group is included.

 

Research Methods
Students learn key methods relevant to the conduct of research through a series of lectures and independent research exercises. The areas covered include statistical analysis, hypothesis generation, and research planning and project management. There are also research seminars within the School and University, which inform students of current research within the field of air pollution.

Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.

Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.

This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:

      • An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
      • Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
      • Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
      • Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs

Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21

MSc:  Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma:  Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300

   

Tuition fees for International students 2020/21

MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

This MRes is designed for those with interests in human and environmental health implications of nanoparticles and is recommended for those both in work and just leaving undergraduate education, with interests in nanoscience and its implications for health, safety and the environment. Manufactured nanoparticles and nanomaterials offer many potential socio-economic, health and environmental benefits as a result of the novel properties and behaviour that materials can exhibit when manufactured at the nanoscale. While the production of nanomaterials is undergoing exponential growth, their biological effects and environmental fate and behaviour are relatively unknown.