CHE3172 Nanotechnology and materials 1
Faculty of Engineering
CHE3172 Nanotechnology and materials 1 is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs CHM1011, CHM1022, CHM1052 or CHM1051 and unlocks 2 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 4 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before CHE3172
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After CHE3172
2 units list CHE3172 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE:
Australian VCE Chemistry (Units 3 & 4) or equivalent OR (CHM1011 or CHM1022 or CHM1051 or CHM1052)
- E3004 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- E3008 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
If you are enrolled in E3004 or E3008, you are exempt from the prerequisite rule.
Overview
This unit introduces the foundation concepts of nanotechnology and nanosynthesis methods, self-assembly of colloids and some characterisation techniques of materials. This unit also covers polymer synthesis and characterisation as well as a number of useful applications of nanotechnology including smart coatings and nanomedicine. The global market and safety associated with nanomaterials and nanotechnology will be described.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- Mid-semester testExaminationThreshold hurdle20%
- Written assignmentWrittenThreshold hurdle10%
- Assignment presentationPresentationThreshold hurdle10%
- Laboratory reportWrittenThreshold hurdle10%
- Weekly in-class quizQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle10%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the fundamental concepts related to nanotechnology and nanomaterials.
- 2
Evaluate the synthesis methods and characterisation techniques of nanomaterials.
- 3
Describe the principles of supramolecular self-assembly, polymer synthesis and smart coatings.
- 4
Conduct structural characterisation of nanostructured materials.
- 5
Review the literature on nanotechnology-related topics in a teamwork manner.
- 6
Evaluate the ethical and business drivers that underpin the nanotechnology industry.
Workload and teaching
- Practical activities24 hours
- Laboratories3 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Assessments2 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachOnline learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
You will participate in a live virtual active learning session.
Teaching will be provided through pre-recorded lecture videos.
Learning resources
Required resources
Dip-coating equipment
Scanning electron microscope
Where it fits
CHE3172 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Patrick Tang
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Udo Bach
- Dr Patrick Tang
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for CHE3172?
You need CHM1011, CHM1022, CHM1052 or CHM1051 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.
What can I take after CHE3172?
CHE3172 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including CHE4172 and MTE4597.
When is CHE3172 offered?
In 2026, CHE3172 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is CHE3172?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does CHE3172 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 5 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include CHE3172?
CHE3172 is part of Chemical engineering; and Micro and nano technologies.