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Unit of study_
AMME5271: Computational Nanotechnology
2025 unit information
This course introduces atomistic computational techniques used in modern engineering to understand phenomena and predict material properties, behaviour, structure and interactions at nano-scale. The advancement of nanotechnology and manipulation of matter at the molecular level have provided ways for developing new materials with desired properties. The miniaturisation at the nanometre scale requires an understanding of material behaviour which could be much different from that of the bulk. Computational nanotechnology plays a growingly important role in understanding mechanical properties at such a small scale. The aim is to demonstrate how atomistic level simulations can be used to predict the properties of matter under various conditions of load, deformation and flow. The course covers areas mainly related to fluid as well as solid properties, whereas, the methodologies learned can be applied to diverse areas in nanotechnology such as, liquid-solid interfaces, surface engineering, nanorheology, nanotribology and biological systems. This is a course with a modern perspective for engineers who wish to keep abreast with advanced computational tools for material characterisation at the atomic scale.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Understanding of basic principles of Newtonian mechanics, physics and chemistry, fluid mechanics and solid mechanics |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. calculate properties of materials such as simple fluids and polymer melts, solids, explore structure-property relations in various situations
- LO2. understand specific processes stated in the aims and goals, and apply it to specific problems
- LO3. relate the microscopic state of materials to their macroscopic properties such as stresses, temperature, strain and viscosity. They will learn how to set up simulations of materials and probe their properties, interpret the results from visualised molecular snapshots
- LO4. understand basic and advanced theory of molecular dynamics simulation techniques such as force potentials for modelling fluids and solids, statistical analysis and accuracy, and advanced algorithms of high performance computations
- LO5. be familiar with available scientific software for computational nanotechnology and will learn how to use software and conduct their projects
- LO6. prepare reports and present their findings in a professional manner
- LO7. work within a group to conduct research and share work load to achieve common objectives.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.
Additional advice
This unit requires departmental permission to ensure appropriate foundational knowledge is met. If the assumed knowledge was completed at the University of Sydney, your request will be approved without supporting documentation being required. If you have completed studies at another institution, you must include your transcript when submitting your permission request for review by the Faculty. Please note that spaces may be limited for this unit.
