Our students perform more than 30 practicals over an intense 7-week period at the very start of their course. These practicals are held in different departments or research groups all across the University in small groups of around 3 students. Each practical normally lasts for 3 hours. Students get hands-on training on cutting-edge techniques for nano research through these practicals, in addition to becoming closely aware of research going on across the University. Training in computational/simulation tools is also included in the practicals series.

The practicals planned for 2022-23 include:

  • AFM
  • Optical microscopy
  • Confocal microscopy
  • Superresolution microscopy
  • Intro to Python programming
  • Intro to HPC
  • Intro to COMSOL
  • Microfluidics
  • e-beam lithography
  • Nanoscribe two-photon lithography
  • Nanocrystal Batch Synthesis
  • Luminescent QD device fabrication & measurement
  • Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting
  • 2D Material Growth and Characterisation
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • R2R Nanoimprint
  • Intro to Chem Eng (+startups site visit)
  • Nanoparticle Flow Synthesis and Characterisation
  • Electrochemistry
  • DLS and iScat microscopy
  • Biological sample prep and characterisation
  • SEM and EDS
  • He-ion microscopy + FIB
  • High Resolution TEM
  • Multidimensional Data Analysis in Electron Microscopy
  • x-ray diffraction
  • Cathodoluminescence
  • CAD, 3D printing and making diagrams