Master of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

The program is materials-oriented with emphasis in materials chemistry, micro-electronics, photonics, and their biomedical and energy applications. Tracks include Cancer Nanoscience, Nano materials for Energy & Environmental Applications, and Nano medicine & Nano diagnostics. All tracks are Thesis Option.

Classes

MNT 502: Nanobiotechnology

Classification and categories of nanodiagnostic technologies. Types of nanoparticles and nanotag biolabels. Types of Nanobiosensors. DNA-based nanobiosensors. Diagnosis of diseases using nanobiosensors. Nanoformulation of drugs and their delivery with nanocarriers. Regenerative nanomedicine. Characterization of nanobiosystems. Biomimetic nanotechnology. Ecological advantages and risks of nanotechnology.

MNT 504: Biosensors & Lab-on-a-Chip

To provide students with advanced, state of the art, knowledge of bioelectronics, biosensors and associated electronic interfaces, bio-analytical chemistry, biomedical imaging, micro fabricated biosensor systems, and lab-on-a-chip technologies.

MNT 510: Introduction to Nanoscience & Nanotechnology I

This course focuses on the fundamentals of nanoscience such as the basic properties of nanoparticles, structural control of nanoparticles, characterization methods for nanostructured materials, characteristics and behavior of nanoparticles, Environmental and safety issues with nanoparticles.

MNT 511: Renewable Energy Storage Systems

The course offers an overview of Energy Storage technologies. A special focus is given to technologies that can be utilized at grid scale for renewable energy systems. Both the theory and the applied technologies of direct electric, electromechanical, and electrochemical energy storage systems are covered. Technologies include pumped hydroelectric, flywheel, compressed air, Nickel Metal hydride, Sodium-Sulfur, capacitors, and magnetic energy storage. The coverage of these technologies relates them to their application scope of power quality, bridging power, and energy management. In addition, design factors are addressed including efficiency computations and cost per unit storage capacity.

MNT 512: Polymer Nanocomposites

This is introductory course in polymer nanocomposites will focus on materials, manufacturing methods, characterization, and applications. It will include different types of nanomaterials that are commonly used in modifying the polymer matrix composites.

MNT 530: Experimental Techniques in Nanotech - I

The courses will focus on a variety of instrumental methods and techniques commonly applied to the characterization of nanomaterials. Particular attention will be placed on the theory behind the measurements, instrument safety, sample preparation and data analysis/interpretation. Experimental Techniques in part one, Experimental Techniques in Nanoscience I (MNT 530) will focus on X-ray, optical and electron characterization techniques.

MNT 540: Experimental Techniques in Nanotech - II

The courses will focus on a variety of instrumental methods and techniques commonly applied to the characterization of nanomaterials. Particular attention will be placed on the theory behind the measurements, instrument safety, sample preparation and data analysis/interpretation. Part two, Experimental Techniques in Nanoscience II (MNT 540), will cover morphological and physical properties characterization tools.

MNT 551: Cancer mechanisms as therapy targets

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the core aspects of cancer biology. The emphasis will be placed on the molecular mechanisms of cancer pathophysiology at the nanoscale resolution- such as molecular complexes that regulate DNA damage and repair; cell division, death and senescence as well as on system biology, microevolution of tumors, and interaction between tumor and the host. The course will include in-depth analysis of the signal transduction mechanisms in cancer; and whether those mechanisms are druggable targets.

MNT 552: Advanced Topic in Cancer Biology and Theranostics

The course is primarily based on most recent publications in the field of cancer research from top journals (Nature Reviews Cancer, Cancer Cell, Cancer Discovery etc.). A flexible course structure is designed to keep up with the accelerating rate of discovery in the area of translational cancer research and with the current shift to knowledge-guided targeted therapies based on precision medicine and theranostic concepts. The course will focus on high quality publications that provide in-depth analysis of deregulated signaling mechanisms manifested as potential drivers for cancer and discuss novel strategies for cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Special emphasis will be made on innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches that utilize effective nanotherapeutic and nanodiagnostic modalities.

MNT 553: Cancer Genomics and Bioinformatics

The course is aimed at meeting the contemporary high demands of cancer researchers for efficient utilization of the rapidly accumulated and publicly available “omics” data. Cancer research has rapidly embraced high throughput technologies (HT) and Cloud computing. Large amounts of data are being generated from microarray, tissue array, and next generation sequencing platforms. Dedicated computing clouds such as the Cancer Genome Collaboratory facilitate complex analyses on big cancer data sets from projects hosting their data in the Cloud. Now more than ever, having the informatics skills and knowledge of available bioinformatics resources specific to cancer and how to access and use available data sets is critical.

MNT 600: Thesis A

Students completing a Thesis Option master’s degree are expected to write a report, referred to as a thesis, on the results of an original investigation, in conjunction with a Master’s Advisory Committee. Length and style of the thesis vary by college/department. All these are filed with the Office of Graduate Studies. A Master’s Advisory Committee will be formed for each student and will consist of three members; an Alfaisal faculty member as the Major Advisor and Chair, and two other members, one of whom may be from an organization outside of the University. The Chair of the Committee must have research and graduate student advising experience. This Committee will assist the student in the formulation of the Thesis Project Proposal, and later advise the student in the execution of the research project, the Thesis write-up, and help the student to prepare for the oral defense.

MNT 600: Thesis B

Students completing a Thesis Option master’s degree are expected to write a report, referred to as a thesis, on the results of an original investigation, in conjunction with a Master’s Advisory Committee. Length and style of the thesis vary by college/department. All these are filed with the Office of Graduate Studies. A Master’s Advisory Committee will be formed for each student and will consist of three members; an Alfaisal faculty member as the Major Advisor and Chair, and two other members, one of whom may be from an organization outside of the University. The Chair of the Committee must have research and graduate student advising experience. This Committee will assist the student in the formulation of the Thesis Project Proposal, and later advise the student in the execution of the research project, the Thesis write-up, and help the student to prepare for the oral defense.