What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is a field of science, engineering and technology conducted on the scale of atoms and molecules.
What is nanotechnology used for?
Understanding how things work on the nanoscale helps scientists and inventors to create revolutionary technologies and exciting new sustainable products, such as energy-efficient coatings, super bright lights, faster computers and targeted drug delivery systems.
How do scientists see atoms so small?
Scientists use a special instrument called an electron microscope which uses a beam of electrons to see and modify things on the nanoscale—unlike an optical microscope which uses a beam of light.
Did you know?
Your fingernails grow about 1 nanometre every second or about 86,400 nm a day - too small for you to notice the difference!
Your smart phone with it's tiny electronics, colourful sharp screen and long lasting battery is the direct result of nanotechnology!
Inside the lab
Our students and researchers work in a lab called the Microstructural Analysis Unit (MAU), which has heaps of cool machines and a nanophotonics lab where you get to use lasers, like physicist Seejeong Kim!
What do nanotechnology graduates do?
You could work as a materials scientist, imaging specialist or drug delivery researcher (check out the Institute of Biomedical Materials and Devices).
Like lots of our science or maths degrees, you can apply your skills to heaps of other areas. We’ve had graduates who analyse traffic flows and even evaluate the environmental impact of pollution. Michael Walz (check out the video below!) completed a combined degree in nanotechnology and engineering and now works as an Asset Data and Reporting Engineer for Veolia.
Text: Where Are Our UTS Science Graduates Now?
(Aerial shot of workers walking through facility, Michael Walz peaking to camera)
Studying at UTS Science was a real hands-on experience and this is something that’s really valuable when you’re studying nanotechnology. I’m Michael Walz and I studied a Bachelor of Science in Nanotechnology at UTS.
(Sequence of shots Michael and co-worker walking through facility
I’ve always had an inquisitive way of looking at the world, I’ve loved physics, chemistry, maths and how things function on a molecular level and to me nanotechnology is the bringing together of physics and chemistry, and as an emerging field it really appealed to me.
(Michael speaking to camera, walking up stairs )
UTS Science gave me a really good skill set in solving problems. It taught me how to break down a problem into its separate components then look at those components, analyse them, put them back together and get the correct answer.
(Michael training a group of workers, working on computer)
As an Asset Data and Reporting Engineer here at Veolia I get to go on site, train operators, deal with site and the best way is to collect data then go back to the office, look at that data and the relationships between it and produce reports that influence business decisions.
(Michael sharing data with colleagues, taking measurements, walking outside facility- aerial shot)
And that’s one of the many reasons why I love what I do. I want to drive efficiency and reduce waste in business. Looking at what we’re currently doing, how we’re currently doing it and how we can improve on this. Not only is that good for the business, it’s good for the environment and it’s good for the planet.
Text: UTS Science Future Innovators
Interested in studying nanotechnology?
Check out the Bachelor of Science in Nanotechnology, the Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics or the Bachelor of Advanced Science in Advanced Materials and Data Science.
