Environmental and Biological Nanoscience MRes

Program Overview

The Environmental and Biological Nanoscience MRes program at the University of Birmingham explores the potential environmental and health risks of nanoscience. It combines fundamental science with applications, policy, and research methods. Students conduct independent research projects, complemented by taught modules in nanoscience, toxicology, and research skills. The program aims to equip graduates for careers in research, industry, and government, where they can contribute to the development and regulation of nanotechnology.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Environmental and Biological Nanoscience MRes is a one-year, full-time postgraduate degree offered by the University of Birmingham. It is a collaborative program between the Environmental Health Science group in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the School of Biosciences. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nanoscience and its potential environmental and human health-related risks. It focuses on the fundamental science of nanoscience, but also explores applications, synthesis, policy, and regulatory responses. The program is research-focused, with a significant portion dedicated to an independent research project carried out in state-of-the-art laboratories.

Outline:

The program consists of a research project and a taught component:

Research Project:

• The research component comprises a major project, which can be based on the extended literature review and/or the research methods module.
• Students undertake a substantial piece of independent research, culminating in a written dissertation.
• The School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the School of Biosciences are heavily involved in nanoscience research and have excellent facilities, including research laboratories, field measurement instrumentation, and powerful computers.
• Supervision for projects with other foci is also possible from other schools.
• The breadth and depth of expertise and equipment allow for major projects to include experimental laboratory studies, fieldwork, and/or modeling 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 covers the fundamentals of nanoscience, including the unique properties of the nanoscale, synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, sources, transport, and fate of nanomaterials, and the relevant environmental processes.
It also discusses the UK and wider response to nanomaterials.
• Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of (Nanomaterial) Toxicology: This module covers the principles of toxicology, including how agents gain access to biological systems, their biotransformation, disposition, and excretion.
It highlights the differences between molecules and nanomaterials and investigates the mechanisms of adverse effects on biological systems, including cellular and genetic toxicity and potential disease consequences. Emphasis is placed on understanding dose-response relationships, methods of assessment and prediction, and specific studies on nanomaterials. A library project and an oral presentation to the student group are included.
• Research Methods: This module teaches key methods relevant to research through lectures and independent research exercises.
Areas covered include statistical analysis, hypothesis generation, research planning, and project management. Research seminars within the School and University inform students about current research in the field of air pollution.

Assessment:

• Taught components are assessed through exams, extended literature searches and essays, oral presentations, and a written proposal.
• The research project is assessed by a dissertation of approximately 15,000 words.

Teaching:

• The program utilizes a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study.
• The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in nanoscience, environmental health, and toxicology.
• The program emphasizes a research-led approach, with students encouraged to engage in independent research and critical thinking.

Careers:

• The program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in research, industry, and government.
• Potential career paths include:
• Research Scientist
• Environmental Consultant
• Policy Analyst
• Regulatory Officer
• Science Communicator
• Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to the development and regulation of nanotechnology.

Other:

• The program was previously known as MRes Human and Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology and Nanoscience.
• The program is designed for those with interests in human and environmental health implications of nanoparticles.
• It 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.
• While the production of nanomaterials is undergoing exponential growth, their biological effects and environmental fate and behavior are relatively unknown.