Nanotechnology - Saxion University

The programme
Twente is the ultimate nanotechnology hotspot in the Netherlands. The region boasts impressive facilities and know-how in this subject area, including research groups at both Saxion and the UT. Furthermore, both MESA+ and MIRA are recognized throughout the world as leading institutions with state-of-the-art facilities. The area offers a lot of job opportunities in this field.

The projects within the master are:
- Lab-on-a-chip
You could design a lab-on-a-chip module to measure the amount of lithium in blood. Or a point-of-care test with which GP’s can perform tests on patients needing a minimal amount of blood.
- Organ-on-a-chip
You could, for example, make heart cells on a chip. In this way research can be done with human cells without animal testing.
- E-nose
In this project you will design an electronic nose that can detect certain molecules. This ‘nose’ can be applied to detect fireworks in football stadiums or lung cancer or COPD via your breath.

Year 1
Theory, practice and a project
The first semester of the year is taken up by a foundation course. Subjects include physics, mathematics, physical chemistry and micro-/nanotechnology. In the second semester you are assigned an individual project. The projects are inspired by a variety of specializations, including microfluidics, bio-functionalized surfaces and interface electronics.

Topics: Review of calculus / Creative facilitation / Interfaces and materials in bio-, micro- and nanotechnology / Dynamic system modeling in bio-, micro- and nanotechnology / Cross-disciplinary basics / Society and technology / Micro/nanoscale engineering and technology / Practicum / Project in an integrated R&D environment / In depth tutorials on 5 different subjects (e.g. optics, microfluidics, bio techniques)

Year 2
Topics: Business and money / Environmental nanotechnology & nanotoxicology / Scientific visualization / Signal inference or Advanced data analysis / Thesis preparation / Master thesis project: external project in industry

Career prospects
Nanotechnology generates an increasing number of jobs in the Netherlands. Chances are that you will find a job in the Twente region, because it has the highest concentration of high-tech businesses in the country: almost 400. Many of these businesses develop nanoscience and nanotechnology knowledge and apply it to design new products. They do so by working closely with the University of Twente, Saxion and active partners from the public sector.