Merforga
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In the event that I don't get into optometry i've decided that i'm going to go for Nanotech. Is there anyone that does it and if so pros, cons, opinions please?
Nanotechnology (1 Viewer)
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Lexicographer
Retired 13 May 2006
I do it at UTS, where it is infinitely better. Come visit the Nanotech stall at UTS open day tomorrow and talk to me, or Mike Ford (the course director, and assosciate director of the Institute for Nanoscale Technology). I can tell you more if you like but tomorrow is your best opportunity to ask everything you need. 
Lexicographer
Retired 13 May 2006
A shitload. We just finished an assignment in careers with nano - starting salary for your basic graduate isn't much (around US$35k per annum), but there are a few graduate positions that hit US$60k if you're lucky enough to get them. Realise that US$35k (AU$50k) is still more than your Medical or Law graduates get in their first year out. Not bad for a three year degree, eh?
Merforga
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Aren't most jobs offers for nano tech overseas?
mr EaZy
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Lexicographer said:I do it at UTS, where it is infinitely better. Come visit the Nanotech stall at UTS open day tomorrow and talk to me, or Mike Ford (the course director, and assosciate director of the Institute for Nanoscale Technology). I can tell you more if you like but tomorrow is your best opportunity to ask everything you need.
open day? tomorow? along with sydney? (i know they're not too far apart), but with me not doing so well in 4unit math, ive decided to stay home anywaxz
mr EaZy
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Also, isn't nano tech, like building nanoscopic tunnels to channel atom movement and designing nanoscopic robots that work in the body to destroy radicals and cancers and pathogens (viruses and stuff) ??
i saw a bit of that on quantum a few years back, they spent 1/2 an hour showing what was meant to happen at some uni ( i forgot which one), in the end, it didn't even work!!
o well, back to the drawing board
i saw a bit of that on quantum a few years back, they spent 1/2 an hour showing what was meant to happen at some uni ( i forgot which one), in the end, it didn't even work!!
o well, back to the drawing board
Lexicographer
Retired 13 May 2006
Merforga: Yes, they are. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, since Science in Australia is underfunded and underappreciated, leading to the current "brain drain" we're experiencing. Where do you think all the patents are going? Overseas, to people with money! There is still plenty of work here, but it's more specialised than one would expect for a straight BSc graduate.
mr Eazy: You should come anyway! The cutoff for Nano isn't all that high (probably won't break 82.00 this year) and there's a lot of interesting stuff to learn and do at the open days. There's plenty I'm sure you'd be interested to learn if only you showed up and asked some questions.
Also, what you've said about nano is mostly the science fiction side. It's what they want to do in about ten to twenty years, but not what they're working on now. Michael Crichton's Nanobots simply can not exist for a very long time yet. What we're mostly doing now is the development of new materials with ingenious properties, like transparent sunscreen and self-cleaning windows. My favourite is the nanopants - pants woven from a highly hydrophobic and lipophobic substance that simply can't be stained - all external agents just slide off (I've tested them myself). We even have a rock that when dipped in water will re-emerge bone dry (I've tested that too). All the stuff I've talked about is on the market right now, and piles more great stuff is just around the corner.
So, everyone, come to UTS and have a look!
mr Eazy: You should come anyway! The cutoff for Nano isn't all that high (probably won't break 82.00 this year) and there's a lot of interesting stuff to learn and do at the open days. There's plenty I'm sure you'd be interested to learn if only you showed up and asked some questions.
Also, what you've said about nano is mostly the science fiction side. It's what they want to do in about ten to twenty years, but not what they're working on now. Michael Crichton's Nanobots simply can not exist for a very long time yet. What we're mostly doing now is the development of new materials with ingenious properties, like transparent sunscreen and self-cleaning windows. My favourite is the nanopants - pants woven from a highly hydrophobic and lipophobic substance that simply can't be stained - all external agents just slide off (I've tested them myself). We even have a rock that when dipped in water will re-emerge bone dry (I've tested that too). All the stuff I've talked about is on the market right now, and piles more great stuff is just around the corner.
So, everyone, come to UTS and have a look!
Lexicographer
Retired 13 May 2006
Pfft you're not in Sydney!
Zarathustra
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I can't decide which science course to do and which uni to do it at. I talked to Mike Ford (I think) and he gave me a sheet full of the urls of companies that employ nanotechnology graduates, the money seems very good and its at the beginning of the 's' curve. If the pay and job opportunities are as good as people make them out to be I think that I'll do nano at UTS. What sort of courses can you study with nano - I want to do some philosophy and evolutionary biology/psychology courses. What's the best way about doing this? Could I do a BSc and do a double major in nanotech. and biology?
Lexicographer
Retired 13 May 2006
Ok this is where things get tricky. I wish I'd hung around at the nanostall a bit longer actually, it would be easier to explain this stuff in person.
What you're trying to do is very similar to what I want out of my course - I've decided I'd like to study Medical Science as well as Nanotechnology so I can get a head start on Medical Nanotechnology (and Medicine/Surgery). But there is an administrative problem.
Now, UTS Science is not like other science faculties around. We don't really have double majors, but rather one main field (your major) and one less important field (second major). None of this double major, single-major-two-minors crap you get at UNSW or USyd. The problem with that is you have to choose which area is most important to you...which, understandably, some may not like.
From the beginning. Science courses are divided into streams: Physical sciences, Medical and molecular biological, environmental etc. For each stream you spend first year taking eight core subjects, then the next two years are spent undertaking your specialisation subjects and electives. Usually a second major will be undertaken through the electives, but not all courses have the same number. What's more, some courses require more subjects than others for recognition of completion.
I've found a way to artificially construct a double major degree - however only one major can be recognised on the Testamur (your actual statement of attainment of your degree) - the second major is only mentioned on the academic transcript if at all. This is rather annoying, because Nanotechnology has only three electives (it's got more content than elsewhere, hence more core subjects). Medical science requires at least six subjects for recognition as a second major, and obviously that doesn't work with Nanotechnology. What's more Medical Science is in a different stream to Nanotechnology (Medical sciences, Physical sciences respectively) so has a different set of Core subjects in first year.
What I've done is undertaken the Bachelor of Science and followed the subject outline for Nanotechnology. This way I'm not automatically enrolled in the subjects and can choose the order in which I take them (bound by prerequisite rules of course). I have basically got three options. One is to convince the faculty that two of my nanotechnology subjects are not necessary and can be replaced by Medical Science subjects (hence allowing both majors). The second is to major in Medical Science and take a second major in Nanotechnology (only requires four third-year level subjects) - but this means I won't get Nanotechnology on my testamur. The third is to complete my Nanotechnology course pattern in the usual manner, cancel two of my first year subjects (to clear the credit points) and take the remaining Medical Science subjects in their place.
Now, I'll bet I've done some serious damage to your brain by explaining all that...or at least just confused you. If you're still with me you'll know now that Nano is a very involving science, and takes up nearly all of the 144 credit points in which you can very easily fit two other majors. However, UTS actually has the most flexible course - UNSW doesn't allow you to major in Nanotechnology unless you're in the dedicated degree, and then you have to choose a specialisation (chemical, biological etc) which restricts things further. At least my way I can play around with my course and do things a little closer to my way - plus the faculty at UTS are willing to do it. UNSW wouldn't even want to hear about my whacked study plans.
Now to answer your question: What kind of biology are you interested in? Just "biology" isn't a major. You have available for the Physical sciences majors (ie Nano) Biochemistry, Environmental Biology, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. All of these require 24 credit points for recognition whilst Nanotechnology only has 18 credit points worth of electives - however in some cases you'll be eligible for exemption (due to the many disciplines covered in the Nanotechnology course). Best thing to do is ask the faculty if there's an academic advisor available for prospective students - and use the online handbook! It's not as good as the paper version (I have mine here right now) but it will help you plan your course.
What you're trying to do is very similar to what I want out of my course - I've decided I'd like to study Medical Science as well as Nanotechnology so I can get a head start on Medical Nanotechnology (and Medicine/Surgery
). But there is an administrative problem.Now, UTS Science is not like other science faculties around. We don't really have double majors, but rather one main field (your major) and one less important field (second major). None of this double major, single-major-two-minors crap you get at UNSW or USyd. The problem with that is you have to choose which area is most important to you...which, understandably, some may not like.
From the beginning. Science courses are divided into streams: Physical sciences, Medical and molecular biological, environmental etc. For each stream you spend first year taking eight core subjects, then the next two years are spent undertaking your specialisation subjects and electives. Usually a second major will be undertaken through the electives, but not all courses have the same number. What's more, some courses require more subjects than others for recognition of completion.
I've found a way to artificially construct a double major degree - however only one major can be recognised on the Testamur (your actual statement of attainment of your degree) - the second major is only mentioned on the academic transcript if at all. This is rather annoying, because Nanotechnology has only three electives (it's got more content than elsewhere, hence more core subjects). Medical science requires at least six subjects for recognition as a second major, and obviously that doesn't work with Nanotechnology. What's more Medical Science is in a different stream to Nanotechnology (Medical sciences, Physical sciences respectively) so has a different set of Core subjects in first year.
What I've done is undertaken the Bachelor of Science and followed the subject outline for Nanotechnology. This way I'm not automatically enrolled in the subjects and can choose the order in which I take them (bound by prerequisite rules of course). I have basically got three options. One is to convince the faculty that two of my nanotechnology subjects are not necessary and can be replaced by Medical Science subjects (hence allowing both majors). The second is to major in Medical Science and take a second major in Nanotechnology (only requires four third-year level subjects) - but this means I won't get Nanotechnology on my testamur. The third is to complete my Nanotechnology course pattern in the usual manner, cancel two of my first year subjects (to clear the credit points) and take the remaining Medical Science subjects in their place.
Now, I'll bet I've done some serious damage to your brain by explaining all that...or at least just confused you. If you're still with me you'll know now that Nano is a very involving science, and takes up nearly all of the 144 credit points in which you can very easily fit two other majors. However, UTS actually has the most flexible course - UNSW doesn't allow you to major in Nanotechnology unless you're in the dedicated degree, and then you have to choose a specialisation (chemical, biological etc) which restricts things further. At least my way I can play around with my course and do things a little closer to my way - plus the faculty at UTS are willing to do it. UNSW wouldn't even want to hear about my whacked study plans.
Now to answer your question: What kind of biology are you interested in? Just "biology" isn't a major. You have available for the Physical sciences majors (ie Nano) Biochemistry, Environmental Biology, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. All of these require 24 credit points for recognition whilst Nanotechnology only has 18 credit points worth of electives - however in some cases you'll be eligible for exemption (due to the many disciplines covered in the Nanotechnology course). Best thing to do is ask the faculty if there's an academic advisor available for prospective students - and use the online handbook! It's not as good as the paper version (I have mine here right now) but it will help you plan your course.
mr EaZy
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Hey, lexi, u were right about intrernational studies. its a great subject. But only UTS offeres a combined Int studies and med science which i am interested in. its uai is ~~90 so its ok. But at the UTS website, i get the impression the Medical science and UTS dont mix very well. so i think ill use it as a reserve option.
Also, is UTS like a pretty big UNI like all the others? or is it many faculties scattered over the city campus?
Thnxs,
Also, is UTS like a pretty big UNI like all the others? or is it many faculties scattered over the city campus?
Thnxs,
Lexicographer
Retired 13 May 2006
Actually UTS has one of the best Medical Sciences degrees around (from an industry viewpoint). And from next year all Science subjects will be based in the city campus (with our brand new building! ) so you won't have to bus up to St Leonards one a week like me.
The UTS campus isn't nearly as big as USyd or UNSW, but that's because where they go wide we go up. There are still several buildings spread across the lower city that make up the main campus, plus the Kuring-Gai campus and the soon-to-be-transferred St Leonards facilities. Blackfriars is really part of City campus (they're just down Broadway) but they tend to be referred to as a seperate campus.
) so you won't have to bus up to St Leonards one a week like me.The UTS campus isn't nearly as big as USyd or UNSW, but that's because where they go wide we go up. There are still several buildings spread across the lower city that make up the main campus, plus the Kuring-Gai campus and the soon-to-be-transferred St Leonards facilities. Blackfriars is really part of City campus (they're just down Broadway) but they tend to be referred to as a seperate campus.
Lexicographer
Retired 13 May 2006
Hmm... I'm at uni at the moment trying to finish a nano assignment worth 30% of the subject. However, even if I weren't busy trying to maintain an HD average I still wouldn't have time to type out the pages of information required to convey my understanding of it.
www.nano.uts.edu.au is a good start though, and there are many links that you'll probably be very interested in. I know the page design isn't so great (we're more interested in pouring money into equipment after all) but it's easy enough to navigate.
www.nano.uts.edu.au is a good start though, and there are many links that you'll probably be very interested in. I know the page design isn't so great (we're more interested in pouring money into equipment after all) but it's easy enough to navigate.
inasero
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you dont have to go to uts to do nano...
unsw and usyd have them also and they r superlatively good unis...but since this is a new field of knowledge i'd imagine all the teaching would be similar.
best bet (as with all courses) is to see quality of international research papers (could check up the proquest database for this) and have a talk to the heads of the respective schools- look up their email on the net and write 'em a friendly letter
unsw and usyd have them also and they r superlatively good unis...but since this is a new field of knowledge i'd imagine all the teaching would be similar.
best bet (as with all courses) is to see quality of international research papers (could check up the proquest database for this) and have a talk to the heads of the respective schools- look up their email on the net and write 'em a friendly letter
Lexicographer
Retired 13 May 2006
a) Wilson is right, you don't have to do Nano at UTS. However, it is universally recognised as the leading Nanotechnology institution in our region (not just Australia) and this is easily reflected in the collaboration with CSIRO to produce the NanoHouse and NanoBody projects (as well as the publications mentioned before).
b) UNSW and USyd are highly reputable institutions, yes. However, as I am always stressing, one must look not only at the overall name of the institution but the faculty, department and course involved before choosing one's path. I could reiterate what I've said about the UTS department and courses in comparison with the UNSW course and the USyd major (they don't even have a dedicated course)...but I don't think it would change anything at this point. You've heard more than enough from me (the only currently identified nanotechnology student on this forum) that you should be looking into the field yourself. Contact the universities, speak with the academics and other students, read the faculty handbooks and take the initiative! Without initiative, in nanotechnology you are doomed.
c) You can call me biased if you like, I know it certainly looks that way. But I came to the decision to stay with the UTS course rather than transfer to UNSW or USyd after much research and consideration. Clearly an informed opinion would be handy, but you should do the same when choosing your own path. So go forth and read!
b) UNSW and USyd are highly reputable institutions, yes. However, as I am always stressing, one must look not only at the overall name of the institution but the faculty, department and course involved before choosing one's path. I could reiterate what I've said about the UTS department and courses in comparison with the UNSW course and the USyd major (they don't even have a dedicated course)...but I don't think it would change anything at this point. You've heard more than enough from me (the only currently identified nanotechnology student on this forum) that you should be looking into the field yourself. Contact the universities, speak with the academics and other students, read the faculty handbooks and take the initiative! Without initiative, in nanotechnology you are doomed.
c) You can call me biased if you like, I know it certainly looks that way. But I came to the decision to stay with the UTS course rather than transfer to UNSW or USyd after much research and consideration. Clearly an informed opinion would be handy, but you should do the same when choosing your own path. So go forth and read!
Lexicographer
Retired 13 May 2006
Oh, and Wilson, just to correct you - since this is a new field all the teaching is in fact very different. Each institution identifies and focuses on different aspects it considers to be important (eg UNSW tends towards surface chemistry, UTS on all three major disciplines) and thus the programs vary greatly between institutions. Just look at the subject outlines/descriptions if you don't believe me.