Nanosciences / Nanowissenschaften

This interdisciplinary sciences degree program focuses on structures on the nanometer scale (1 nm = 1 billionth of a meter). Nanoscience researchers concentrate on the manufacture, characterization and manipulation of individual atoms and molecules as well as on the properties of nanometer structures and processes. New, special properties based on surface, quantum and self-organization effects are becoming increasingly important to various aspects of everyday life – information technology, energy, health and communication. Nanoscience is the interplay of various, specialist scientific fields. This is what makes it so exceptional and promising.

Focal areas of teaching and research

The master’s program takes an interdisciplinary approach by including two projects in different disciplines alongside the master’s thesis. There are 4 specializations offered:

• Nanophysics examines structures on the nanometer scale and aims to understand and control quantum phenomena.
   
• Nanochemistry focuses on generating and studying self-organizing structures, on surface chemistry, nanostructured materials and observing individual macromolecules (e.g. nanocontainers).
   
• Nanobiology studies the structure of biomolecules and nanomachine mechanisms (e.g. molecular motors and energy convertors).
   
• Medical Nanoscience focuses on applying nanotechnology to develop new drug therapies, on design and evaluation of nanopharmaceutical and, on formulations and interaction of nanomaterials with biomolecules. 

This interdisciplinary basic research creates close links with applied research and research with commercial applications, particularly in Basel.

Program structure

After earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates can progress to a master’s. The master’s program comprises 90 credit points (CP). The nanoscience master’s program is a single major degree with no further subjects.

There are 3 specializations (majors) offered on the master’s program: Chemistry, molecular biology and physics. The master’s program allows students to explore areas of interest in more depth.

Interdisciplinarity is ensured by allowing students to choose two practical projects in two different disciplines, and by striking a balance between majors and electives.

Admission

Direct admission to the master’s program is possible if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in nanosciences from the University of Basel or with the proof of equivalent academic achievements. After registering with the Student Administration Office, the relevant board will re view your application documents. If you hold a bachelor’s degree from a different university or in a subject other than nanosciences, the Faculty responsible may only partially recognize it as equivalent. In this case, admission to the master’s program may require the applicant to obtain further credits (up to a maximum of 30 credits) from the bachelor’s degree program in nanoscience. For further information on admission requirements, please visit: https://www.unibas.ch/en/Studies/Application-Admission/Admission.html 

Tuition fees per semester (also for examination semester) are CHF 850.

Guidelines: https://philnat.unibas.ch/de/studium/master/