Course coordinator
Email any questions regarding 'Magnetic nanopmaterials' to A/Prof Hossain at the above address and face-to-face meetings available on request.
Introduction to nanomaterials with an emphasis on their fabrication, structures, properties and application
With the rapid development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, nanomaterials ᅠhave attracted ᅠgreat attention based on their fundamental scientific importance and potential technological applications. Thisᅠ course is an introduction ᅠto nanomaterials, providing students an updated overview on the unique properties (mechanical, physical and chemical) of nanomaterials and their key design and manufacturing techniques and potential applications. This course will also briefly introduce several key tools and techniques for characterising nanomaterials.ᅠ Students will learn these technniques in relation to theᅠmanufacturing and characterisation ofᅠ nanomaterials through lectures, lab practices, oral presentationsᅠ and independent assessments. ᅠAfter successful completion of the course, students will have a good understanding of the fundamentals of various functional nanomaterials, their properties, advanced characterisation processes and their applications with case studies.
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MECH2310
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEM3013 and CHEM3014 and CHEM3030 and CHEE4301 and CHEE7301
Email any questions regarding 'Magnetic nanopmaterials' to A/Prof Hossain at the above address and face-to-face meetings available on request.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Due to the public holiday on week 10 Monday 6 October, a replacement online lecture will be offered. The date, time and venue will be provided to students via Blackboard shortly after the commencement of the semester.
The course aims toᅠprovide essential knowledge in gaining a fundamental understandingᅠof a wide range of functional nanomaterials with focus on their design, manufacturing andᅠcharacterisationᅠtechniques to become familiar with crystal structures and how they affect the unique properties of nanomaterials, as well as their advanced applications in engineering, energy, environments, and health. The course alsoᅠprovides a platform for students to gain practical skills in analysis and evaluation through oral presentations, as well as design and implementation of scientific writing.ᅠ
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate an understanding of nanomaterials - Explain the difference between nanomaterials and their bulk counterparts in terms of their properties and applications
LO2.
Demonstrate an understanding of nanomaterials - Design the fabrication and characterisation of nanomaterials for securing their high-performance applications
LO3.
Experimentally characterise nanomaterials - Apply X-ray crystallography techniques to determine the microstructures of nanomaterials
LO4.
Experimentally characterise nanomaterials - Employ electron microscopy techniques to determine the microstructures of nanomaterials
LO5.
Experimentally characterise nanomaterials - Design approaches to establish the phase of unknown materials by comparing experimental data with data from peer-reviewed literature and justifying conclusions
LO6.
Design/fabricate functional nanomaterials - Describe the characteristics of gold loaded porous carbon nanostructures in terms of their fabrications, characterisations, and optical properties, as well as their applications
LO7.
Design/fabricate functional nanomaterials - Design/manufacture/characterise magnetic nanocomposites, analyse their properties and relate them to their practical applications
LO8.
Design/fabricate functional nanomaterials - Efficiently select magnetic and optical nanostructures to meet the requirements of designed applications
LO9.
Design/fabricate functional nanomaterials - Design approaches to enhance the mechanical properties and performance of selected nanocellulose
LO10.
Design/fabricate functional nanomaterials - Understand physical concepts and phenomena of nanocatalysts and describe the current and potential applications of nanocatalysts
LO11.
Fabricate/characterise porous nanostructures - Describe the current and prospective applications of porous materials in medical, energy, agriculture, and environment
LO12.
Fabricate/characterise porous nanostructures - Understand physical concepts and phenomena of porous nanostructures and how these are beneficially used in their designed applications
LO13.
Fabricate/characterise porous nanostructures - Fabricate various types of porous nanostructured materials and measure their properties for various applications
LO14.
Fabricate/characterise porous nanostructures - Design experimental methods to enhance the performance of porous nanostructured materials for their respective applications
LO15.
Communicate professionally - Construct literature reviews by critically evaluating the existing literature for given nanomaterial systems
LO16.
Communicate professionally - Employ the norms of the discipline to describe the outcomes of experimental investigations and other explorations into nanomaterials
LO17.
Communicate professionally - Present research outcomes by critically evaluating and logically presenting the topic for given nanomaterial systems
LO18.
Communicate professionally - Demonstrate a comprehensive insight of the R&D challenges by visiting nanomaterials manufacturing facilities at ANFF/AIBN/CMM and recommend roadmap for industries.
LO19.
Communicate professionally - Collect experimental data working in teams, independently analyse and critically evaluate both experimental and literature data for various applications of nanomaterials
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Portfolio |
Active class/Laboratory engagement and progress portfolio
|
20% |
9/10/2025 4:00 pm |
Presentation |
Critical analysis on selected published literature on nanomaterials, their characterisations and applications
|
20% |
Upload the presentation slide 21/10/2025 4:00 pm Presentation 24/10/2025 8:00 am |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project |
Development and characterisation of nanoporous gold film
|
20% |
4/09/2025 4:00 pm |
Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
9/10/2025 4:00 pm
An engagement portfolio is a collection of evidence that demonstrates that you have been actively engaged with your course, particularly application focused lecture classes and practical sessions. In the section of the portfolio devoted to class engagement tasks, you may be required to include information about tasks that you have completed individually but in collaboration with your peers. However, all sections of the portfolio, you should write reflections individually. This will allow you to reflect on your own learning and experiences, rather than just those of your team.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Upload the presentation slide 21/10/2025 4:00 pm
Presentation 24/10/2025 8:00 am
This assessment mimics an international conference. Each student/group will be assigned (depending on the number of enrolments) a high-quality journal article on nanostructure manufacturing and will be tasked to prepare a scientific presentation based on the article. The course lecturers will provide published journal papers on different topics on nanomaterials manufacturing based on their learning materials. Based on the assigned paper, the students will prepare a presentation. Students individual/group will present a 10-minute with 3-minute Q&A.
The presentation and Q&A will be during the seminar.
Specific details for the presentation will be available on Blackboard.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students must submit their slides online on Blackboard.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Oral presentations are scheduled with multiple markers. Students must engage with other presenters by asking and answering questions from their peers.
Late submission of the presentation slides without an approved extension application as described above will attract a penalty consistent with UQ's Assessment Procedure.
4/09/2025 4:00 pm
The project will be conducted in four sessions: deposition of mesoporous Au thin film, followed by characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The project will be performed by in person lab demonstrations for students. Students will be given experimental data, and each student is required to write an independent report.
Although this project will be conducted in groups, each student is required to write an independent report.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is provided to students following 14 calendar days.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
The final exam will comprehensively test knowledge learned during the course.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
---|---|---|
1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a Pass. Overall grade: 45.00-49.99% or less that 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the course. Overall grade 50.00-64.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the course, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. Overall grade 65.00-74.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the course, such as ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to adapt and apply ideas to new situations, and ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. Overall grade 75.00-84.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course; work is interesting or surprising or exciting or challenging or erudite. Overall grade 85.00-100% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
Grading Criteria
Specific grading criteria will be provided for each assessment item. These are available on Blackboard in the assessment folder.
Identity verified assessment
Identity verified assessment (IVA)ᅠwill be through obtaining ᅠat least 40% ᅠof the available marksᅠ in the final exam.
You need to pass the IVA hurdle to pass the course regardless of your final mark. Students who achieve a total mark of 50 or greater but do not pass the IVA hurdle will receive a grade of 3.
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Further details on assessment description and the relevant criteria will be available on the course Blackboard site.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Information will be provided in theᅠ Learning Resources ᅠof Blackboard.
Laboratory access
Students must have Laboratory Safety Inductionᅠto a specific laboratory, all accessed via Blackboard.
Risk assessment numbers - RAs 24466 (Synthesis), 26835 (SEM), 26845 (XRD) & 18244 (TEM) will be used for Lab practices for this year’s MATE6301.
If you require access for experimental work, then register for an induction by searching for that laboratory at the following link:ᅠhttps://student.eait.uq.edu.au/urite/
Additional requirements to be inducted into each laboratory will be listed on that link.
Students can also check their HSW training card here:ᅠhttps://student.eait.uq.edu.au/safe
Access to laboratories will be granted after all of the specific laboratory requirements have been met.
If you have any enquiries regarding HSW please contact the School’s Technical Services Team on ᅠlabsupport@mechmining.uq.edu.
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Course Intro and nanomaterials basics/fabrication A/Prof. Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, L19 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Synthesis of nanomaterials and X-ray crystallography Dr Aditya Ashok and A/Prof Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L15, L16 |
Practical |
Synthesis of nanoporous gold film and X-Ray characterisation Dr Aditya Ashok and A/Prof Hossain/Demonstrator Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L15, L16 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Dr Aditya Ashok and A/Prof Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L15, L16 |
Practical |
SEM characterisation and data analysis on nanoporous structured gold film Dr Aditya Ashok and A/Prof Hossain/Demonstrator Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L15, L16 |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Dr Aditya Ashok and A/Prof Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L15, L16 |
Practical |
TEM characterisation and data analysis on nanoporous structured gold film Dr Aditya Ashok and A/Prof. Hossain/Demonstrator Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L15, L16 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Nanocatalysts - Waste water treatment Dr Valentino Kaneti and A/Prof Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L17 |
Practical |
Nanocatalysts synthesis/characterisation for waste water treatment Dr. Kaneti/Demonstrator Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L10, L11, L15, L16, L17, L19 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Nanomagnetism and fabrication of magnetic nanomaterials A/Prof. Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07, L08, L15, L16, L17, L19 |
Practical |
Synthesis and surface modification of magnetic nanocomposites A/Prof. Hossain/Demonstrator Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07, L08, L15, L16, L17, L19 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Case study: applications of magnetic nanocomposite A/Prof. Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07, L08, L15, L16, L17, L19 |
Practical |
Electrochemical characterisation of magnetic nanocomposite Dr Mostafa Masud and A/Prof. Md Shahriar Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07, L08, L15, L16, L17, L19 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Plasmonic porous metal nanocomposite Dr Moatafa Masud and A/Prof. Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08, L11, L15, L19 |
Practical |
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) using plasmonic nanomaterials for optical biosensing Dr. Mostafa Masud and A/Prof. Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08, L11, L15, L19 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Bi- and tri-metallic nanocomposite for optical biosensing DR Mostafa Masud and A/Prof. Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L10, L11, L19 |
Practical |
Electrochemical deposition of bi- tri modal nanocomposite for biosensing applications Dr Mostafa Masud and A/Prof.Md Shahriar Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L10, L11, L19 |
|
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Nano-cellulose manufacturing from Australian biomass and their characterisation Dr Nasim Amiralian - Lecture + Practical in the class (online due to public holiday) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L09, L15, L16, L17, L19 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture on nanostructured photodetector Dr Aditya Ashok and A/Prof Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L19 |
Practical |
Lab demo on nanostructured materials based photodetector Dr Aditya Ashok and A/Prof Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Workshop |
Presentation preparation, discussion and Q/A A/Prof. Shahriar Hossain Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, L19 |
Seminar |
Critical analysis on published articles on nanomaterials - Presentation All teaching team Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, L19 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Manufacture of nanostructured porous carbon and application in supercapacitor A/Prof. Shahriar Hossain - Lecture + in class practical demo Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L12, L13, L14, L15, L19 |
Workshop |
Nano-manufacturing - Course overview and discussion on Final exam All teaching team Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L17, L18, L19 |
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.