Physics – nanotechnology

Nanotechnologies are the applications of nanoscience studying matter at the atomic and molecular level, where its properties differ significantly from those in larger dimensions. It is expected that in the coming years, nanotechnology will affect almost all industries. The number of scientific institutes, associations and private companies that can harness the potential of nanotechnology is significantly increasing in the Czech Republic now. Although modern nanotechnology builds on the knowledge of chemistry, biology, medicine and other disciplines, an important role in its development belongs primarily to applied physics. The aim of this discipline is to prepare graduates who will be familiar with the theory, diagnostic methods and a wide variety of potential applications with respect to their physical nature.

Students graduating in Nanotechnology – Applied Physics master, besides basic knowledge and skills of core subjects, fundamental principles of electronics and deposition of semiconductor structures as well as nanostructures, surface analysis, plasma and nanotechnological treatment of materials, deposition procedures and measurement techniques. Graduate students obtain an overview and practical experience of diagnostic and analytical methods for deposition and diagnostics of nanolayers and nanostructures (electron microscopy, mechanical tests including tribology and nanoindentation methods, surface analysis, mass spectroscopy, XPS, FTIR, OEM, X-ray diagnostics, etc.).

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• understand the basic fields of physics
• understand the theory, diagnostic methods and a wide area of potential applications of nanotechnologies with respects to their physical nature
• apply knowledge of surface treatment and the deposition of nanolayers, including materials with atypical properties
• show a good knowledge of nanotechnologies used in practice.

The graduates of this study programme are prepared to study for the Master's degree in Physics. Thanks to physical-mathematics and chemical basis provided within the programme enhanced with nanotechnology studies, graduates can find employment in both basic and applied research of nationwide and departmental nature, as well as in laboratories and businesses using high-tech nanotechnology and others. Graduates of this type of education are well suited for positions that will ensure rapid transfer of technologies into practice and their smooth operation.

Practical training in companies or R&D institutions is not compulsory, but it is possible to experience it in the scope of relevant optional courses.

The Bachelor's work is a compulsory part of two semesters of the study and its defence is a part of the final state examination. By preparation of their Bachelor's theses, students prove that they are able to solve a physical problem at a middle level of difficulty. Bachelor's theses usually are of an experimental character. In this case the preparation of a thesis includes the design of an experiment, managing the experimental technique, data treatment and interpretation of results.

After completion of the Bachelor's studies, it is possible to continue further studies with any Master's degree programme (after satisfying the admission requirements). At the Faculty of Science students can directly apply for admission to a follow-up Master's degree in any specialisation of the programme Physics.