Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D7: Concrete and Prestressed Concrete, 2025-26
Module Leader
Lecturers
Lab Leader
Dr J Orr
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + coursework. Assessment: 75% exam, 25% coursework
Prerequisites
2P8, 3D3
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- convey the principles of analysis and design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures
- evaluate the issues associated with reinforced and prestressed concrete structures which are core to the future use of the material, including sustainability, durability, and construction technology
- place concrete into context within the UN sustainable development goals
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- explain the principles of limit state design in the context of sustainability
- analyse how construction processes inform design choices
- evaluate the carbon impacts of concrete structures
- create safe, durable, sustainable, and serviceable reinforced and prestressed concrete designs
Content
Concrete is the world's most widely used man made material. This course will build on the knowledge you already have (2P8 and 3D3) to continue to examine the role of reinforced and prestressed concrete in the built environment. At the end of the course you will be capable in the design of both reinforced and prestressed concrete, understanding when each is appropriate to use. We will also place them in the wider context of sustainable design, examining how good design can save significant amounts of concrete and carbon dioxide emissions.
4D7 content is relevant to UN SDGs 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), and 13 (Climate Action).
4D7 Content
|
Module ILO |
Session/Activity ILOs |
Activity |
Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
By the end of the course students should be able to: |
By the end of the session or activity, students should be able to: |
|
|
|
ILO1: Explain the principles of limit state design in the context of sustainability |
1.1 Explain the principles of limit state design (2) |
1.1: Lecture 1 |
1.1 Examination |
|
1.2 Explain the role of cement and concrete in sustainable design (2) |
1.2 Lecture 1 |
1.2 Examination |
|
|
1.3 Explain the effect of different constituents on the properties of both fresh and hardened concrete (2) |
1.3: Lecture 1 |
1.3 Examination |
|
|
|
|||
|
ILO2: Analyse how construction processes inform design choices. (4) |
2.1 Understand the history of concrete construction (2) |
2.1: Lecture 2 |
2.1: Examination |
|
2.2 Illustrate the role of construction practice in sustainability (3) |
2.2: Lecture 2 |
2.2: Examination |
|
|
2.3 Critically analyse how construction practices including modern methods of construction influence design choices (4) |
2.3: Lecture 3 (optional site visit) |
2.3: Coursework |
|
|
|
|||
|
ILO3. Evaluate the carbon impacts of concrete structures. (5) |
3.1 Explain how embodied carbon is measured (2) |
3.1 Lecture 4 |
3.1 Examination |
|
3.2 Apply the principles of embodied carbon measurement to drive carbon reductions in design (3) |
3.2: Coursework |
3.2: Coursework |
|
|
3.3 Analyse material durability and deterioration mechanisms in the context of carbon emissions (4) |
3.3 Lecture 5 |
3.3 Examination |
|
|
3.4 Analyse the limitations of whole life carbon assessments (4) |
3.4: Lecture 6 (Peer Assessment Session) |
3.4: Peer Assessment |
|
|
|
|||
|
ILO4. Create safe,durable, sustainable, and serviceable reinforced and prestressed concrete designs (6) |
4.1 Calculate the strength of members with flexure and axial load (3) |
4.1 Lecture 7 |
4.1 Examination |
|
4.2 Calculate the deformation of members with flexure (3) |
4.2 Lecture 8 |
4.2 Examination |
|
|
4.3 Calculate the strength of members with shear and torsion (3) |
4.3 Lecture 9 |
4.3 Examination |
|
|
4.4 Calculate the bond resistance of reinforcement (3) |
4.4 Lecture 10 |
4.4 Examination |
|
|
4.5 Analyse losses in prestressed concrete (4) |
4.5 Lecture 11 |
4.5 Examination |
|
|
4.6 Evaluate designs using both hand calculations and computer tools (5) |
4.6 Lecture 12 |
4.6 Coursework |
|
|
4.7 Design concrete elements that meet the constraints of a specified brief (6) |
4.7 Coursework 1 |
4.7 Coursework |
|
Note: the numbers in ( ) refer to cognitive levels, with higher numbers being higher levels of cognition.
Coursework
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Concrete design project Coursework 1: This will consist a conceptual design exercise. Learning objectives:
|
Peer assessment Each student will mark two other reports and then reflect on their own submission Anonymously marked |
TBC |
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 03/09/2025 22:13
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D7: Concrete and Prestressed Concrete, 2020-21
Module Leader
Lecturers
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + coursework. Assessment: 75% exam, 25% coursework
Prerequisites
2P8, 3D3
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- convey the principles of analysis and design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures
- evaluate the issues associated with reinforced and prestressed concrete structures which are core to the future use of the material, including sustainability, durability, and construction technology
- place concrete into context within the UN sustainable development goals
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- explain the principles of limit state design in the context of sustainability
- analyse how construction processes inform design choices
- evaluate the carbon impacts of concrete structures
- create safe, durable, sustainable, and serviceable reinforced and prestressed concrete designs
Content
Concrete is the world's most widely used man made material. This course will build on the knowledge you already have (2P8 and 3D3) to continue to examine the role of reinforced and prestressed concrete in the built environment. At the end of the course you will be capable in the design of both reinforced and prestressed concrete, understanding when each is appropriate to use. We will also place them in the wider context of sustainable design, examining how good design can save significant amounts of concrete and carbon dioxide emissions.
4D7 content is relevant to UN SDGs 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), and 13 (Climate Action).
4D7 Content
|
Module ILO |
Session/Activity ILOs |
Activity |
Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
By the end of the course students should be able to: |
By the end of the session or activity, students should be able to: |
|
|
|
ILO1: Explain the principles of limit state design in the context of sustainability |
1.1 Explain the principles of limit state design (2) |
1.1: Lecture 1 |
1.1 Examination |
|
1.2 Explain the role of cement and concrete in sustainable design (2) |
1.2 Lecture 1 |
1.2 Examination |
|
|
1.3 Explain the effect of different constituents on the properties of both fresh and hardened concrete (2) |
1.3: Lecture 1 |
1.3 Examination |
|
|
|
|||
|
ILO2: Analyse how construction processes inform design choices. (4) |
2.1 Understand the history of concrete construction (2) |
2.1: Lecture 2 |
2.1: Examination |
|
2.2 Illustrate the role of construction practice in sustainability (3) |
2.2: Lecture 2 |
2.2: Examination |
|
|
2.3 Critically analyse how construction practices including modern methods of construction influence design choices (4) |
2.3: Lecture 3 (optional site visit) |
2.3: Coursework |
|
|
|
|||
|
ILO3. Evaluate the carbon impacts of concrete structures. (5) |
3.1 Explain how embodied carbon is measured (2) |
3.1 Lecture 4 |
3.1 Examination |
|
3.2 Apply the principles of embodied carbon measurement to drive carbon reductions in design (3) |
3.2: Coursework |
3.2: Coursework |
|
|
3.3 Analyse material durability and deterioration mechanisms in the context of carbon emissions (4) |
3.3 Lecture 5 |
3.3 Examination |
|
|
3.4 Analyse the limitations of whole life carbon assessments (4) |
3.4: Lecture 6 (Peer Assessment Session) |
3.4: Peer Assessment |
|
|
|
|||
|
ILO4. Create safe,durable, sustainable, and serviceable reinforced and prestressed concrete designs (6) |
4.1 Calculate the strength of members with flexure and axial load (3) |
4.1 Lecture 7 |
4.1 Examination |
|
4.2 Calculate the deformation of members with flexure (3) |
4.2 Lecture 8 |
4.2 Examination |
|
|
4.3 Calculate the strength of members with shear and torsion (3) |
4.3 Lecture 9 |
4.3 Examination |
|
|
4.4 Calculate the bond resistance of reinforcement (3) |
4.4 Lecture 10 |
4.4 Examination |
|
|
4.5 Analyse losses in prestressed concrete (4) |
4.5 Lecture 11 |
4.5 Examination |
|
|
4.6 Evaluate designs using both hand calculations and computer tools (5) |
4.6 Lecture 12 |
4.6 Coursework |
|
|
4.7 Design concrete elements that meet the constraints of a specified brief (6) |
4.7 Coursework 1 |
4.7 Coursework |
|
Note: the numbers in ( ) refer to cognitive levels, with higher numbers being higher levels of cognition.
Coursework
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Concrete design project Coursework 1: This will consist a conceptual design exercise. Learning objectives:
|
Peer assessment Each student will mark two other reports and then reflect on their own submission Anonymously marked |
TBC |
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 14/04/2021 17:41
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4D7: Concrete and Prestressed Concrete, 2019-20
Module Leader
Lecturers
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + coursework. Assessment: 75% exam, 25% coursework
Prerequisites
2P8, 3D3
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- convey the principles of analysis and design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures (beams, slabs, columns, and frameworks, in shear, torsion and bending)
- evaluate the issues associated with reinforced and prestressed concrete structures which are core to the future use of the material, including sustainability, durability, and construction technology
- place concrete into context within the UN sustainable development goals
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- describe the constituents and properties of concrete.
- evaluate deterioration processes affecting concrete.
- apply the principles of limit state design for reinforced and prestressed concrete determinate and statically indeterminate structures
- analyse concrete structures using plasticity theory.
- deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make engineering judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate conclusions clearly.
Content
Concrete is the world's most widely used man made material. This course will build on the knowledge you already have (2P8 and 3D3) to continue to examine the role of reinforced and prestressed concrete in the built environment. At the end of the course you will be capable in the design of both reinforced and prestressed concrete, understanding when each is appropriate to use. We will also place them in the wider context of sustainable design, examining how good design can save significant amounts of concrete and carbon dioxide emissions.
4D7 content is relevant to UN SDGs 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), and 13 (Climate Action).
Reinforced concrete (6L)
Assessed by Examination
Principles (4L)
- Introduction, Applications, Definitions, Lower bound theorem
- Ultimate limit state design (Beams, columns, slabs)
- Instability
- Shear behaviour
- Torsion
- Other aspects – detailing, precast, composite structures.
Material properties (1L)
- Materials, present and future
- Hydration and strength of cement paste
- Uniaxial properties of concrete
- Concrete under multiaxial stress
Durability (1L)
- Deterioration of concrete and steel
- Preventative measures and future materials
- Whole life costing
Prestressed Concrete (5L)
Principles (3L) - Assessed by coursework (25% of 12 lectures)
- Introduction, applications, definitions.
- Section design, Magnel diagram (Statically determinate structures)
- Ultimate strength (simple modifications to RC theory), shear failure and prevention, tendon strains, anchorage zones
Continuous beams (1L) - Assessed by examination
- Secondary moments
- Design of continuous beams.
Losses and the long term (1L) - Assessed by examination
- Loss of prestress, creep behaviour
Structural failures (1L)
Assessed by examination.
- Risk of failure (reinforced and prestressed concrete)
- Case studies
Coursework
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Prestressed beam design Coursework 1: This will consist of carrying out test on prestressed (bonded and unbonded) beams, writing a short report and undertaking a conceptual design exercise. Learning objective:
Assessment criteria
|
Peer assessment Each student will mark two other reports and then reflect on their own submission Report / Presentation [non] anonymously marked |
day during term, ex: Thu week 3 [xx/60] |
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group D Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 22/01/2020 03:42
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4B6: Solid State Devices & Chemical & Biological Sensors, 2019-20
Module Leader
Lecturer
Dr A Lombardo
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 15 lectures + 1 examples class. Assessment 100%
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- This course aims to introduce advanced active devices for integrated electronics, with particular emphasis on microwave, mm-wave, THz and biosensing.
- Provide a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art active devices used in high frequency applications (such as MOSFET, HEMT and HBT)
- Introducing novel devices enabled by new materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD).
- A significant part of the course will be dedicated to mm-wave and THz electronics, introducing fundamental physics, enabling technologies and applications.
- The focus then will shift towards biological applications of high frequency devices, in particular for sensing using micro and mm-wave at molecular and cell level.
- Finally, fabrication techniques for devices and integrated circuits will be discussed, with particular attention paid to the integration of novel materials with established technologies.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- Understand the importance of active devices in high frequency circuits and systems.
- Learn fundamental physics and operation of advanced high frequency devices such as RF MOSFET, HEMT and HBT.
- Understand the role of material in active high frequency devices, advantages and limitation of current technologies and potential offered by new materials.
- Learn about 2D/layered materials and the novel device concepts they enable
- Understand basics of mm-wave and THz physics, their application and the technology requirement for such high frequency
- Understand interaction between micro and mm-wave and biological materials and their use in biosensing (impedance spectroscopy), in particular at molecular and cell level.
- Leant state of the art devices (waveguides, resonators, microfluidics, etc.) used for micro and mm-wave biosensing
- Understand fabrication methods for high frequency integrated circuits (in particular MMIC) and advantages and challenges related to introduction of new materials. Also, appreciate the importance of integrating new materials and existing technologies.
Content
Introduction to high frequency electronics (1h)
- RF, microwave, mm-wave and THz
- Brief history of high frequency electronics
- Advantages and challenged of increasing frequency
- Enabling technologies: planar (monolithic and hybrid) and waveguide circuits
- The role of active devices in high frequency circuits and systems
Semiconductor micro and mm-wave transistors (4h)
- High frequency field effect transistors (FETs)
- High electron mobility transistors (HEMTs)
- Heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT)
- High frequency passive components
Novel devices based on 2D/layered materials (4h)
- 2D/layered materials and heterostructures
- Graphene FETs
- Gate-modulated Schottky barrier transistors
- Tunnel transistors based on graphene
- Band to band tunnelling devices based on transition metal dichalcogenide
- Hot electron transistors
mm-wave and THz electronics (3h)
- Introduction to mm-wave and THz
- Applications
- Time domain and CW
- Sources: electronic (GUNN diodes, etc.) and QCL
- Detectors: thermal (bolometers, etc.) and integrated (Schottky, FET)
- Applications: communication, spectroscopy, imaging
- THz applications based on 2D/layered materials
Microwave and mm-wave biosensing (2h)
- Interaction between microwaves and biological materials
- Impedance spectroscopy
- Sensors types: waveguide, resonators, etc.
- Miniaturized devices and systems
Technology and integration (1h)
- Planar technology and MMIC fabrication
- New materials: advantages and challenges
- Heterostructures assembly
- Integration: hybrid, monolithic, etc.
Example class (1h)
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group B Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 14/05/2019 11:33
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4B5: Quantum and Nano-technologies, 2025-26
Module Leader
Lecturer
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + examples class. Assessment: 100% exam. Lectures will be recorded
Prerequisites
3B5
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Understand the basic principles behind quantum mechanics and be able to apply it to problems relevant to Electrical Engineering
- Explore the concepts of quantum information processing and quantum computing
- Become familiar with nanotechnology, what it is, where it is used, and how it relates to quantum systems
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- Apply quantum principles to understand charge transport and current flow at the nanoscale
- Understand quantum confinement, the origin of band structure, and how it relates to quantum size effects
- Be able to predict basic electrical properties of materials
- Understand and explain the principles behind thermal conductivity of materials
- Describe the operation principle of a quantum computer
- Understand the basic relationships between size and properties of materials, their quantum origin, and their application via nanotechnology
Content
The aim of this module is to introduce (building on material in 3B5) the concepts underlying quantum mechanics and nanotechnology, and see how to apply them to problems relevant to electrical engineering. We will explore the quantum origin of many of the properties of materials, ranging from resistivity, mechanical properties, colour, and band structure, and how these properties evolve with size. We will approach this from two angles: from the theoretical principles and predictions of quantum mechanics, to the manifestations of these as exploited using nanotechnology.
All lectures will be delivered by Dr Sapienza.
Lecture content:
- The need for a quantum description of the world around us.
- The basic assumptions of quantum mechanics.
- The Klein-Gordon equation & the Dirac equation.
- Solutions to the Schrodinger equation - confinement, band structures, quantum harmonic oscillator.
- Interpretation of quantum mechanics.
- Everyday examples of quantum mechanics at work.
- A quantum description of electrical properties of materials, and where Ohm's law comes from.
- Mesoscopic transport & the Landauer-Buttiker formalism.
- A look into the principles underlying quantum information processing.
- Entanglement, encryption and quantum computing.
- Nanotechnology - what it is and relationship to quantum mechanics.
- Nanomaterials, evolution of properties of materials with decreasing size, dimensionality.
- Ultimate nanostructures - graphene, molecular systems, novel device architectures.
Further notes
Change of Rubric: In order to bring the paper structure in line with other IIB modules, the exam format from 2023 will comprise a paper with 4 questions, of which 3 need to be answered, as opposed to previous years where it was 3 out of 5.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 04/06/2025 13:26
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4B5: Quantum and Nano-technologies, 2024-25
Module Leader
Lecturer
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + examples class. Assessment: 100% exam. Lectures will be recorded
Prerequisites
3B5
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Understand the basic principles behind quantum mechanics and be able to apply it to problems relevant to Electrical Engineering
- Explore the concepts of quantum information processing and quantum computing
- Become familiar with nanotechnology, what it is, where it is used, and how it relates to quantum systems
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- Apply quantum principles to understand charge transport and current flow at the nanoscale
- Understand quantum confinement, the origin of band structure, and how it relates to quantum size effects
- Be able to predict basic electrical properties of materials
- Understand and explain the principles behind thermal conductivity of materials
- Describe the operation principle of a quantum computer
- Understand the basic relationships between size and properties of materials, their quantum origin, and their application via nanotechnology
Content
The aim of this module is to introduce (building on material in 3B5) the concepts underlying quantum mechanics and nanotechnology, and see how to apply them to problems relevant to electrical engineering. We will explore the quantum origin of many of the properties of materials, ranging from resistivity, mechanical properties, colour, and band structure, and how these properties evolve with size. We will approach this from two angles: from the theoretical principles and predictions of quantum mechanics, to the manifestations of these as exploited using nanotechnology.
Lecture content:
All lectures will be delivered by Dr Sapienza.
- The need for a quantum description of the world around us.
- The basic assumptions of quantum mechanics.
- The Klein-Gordon equation & the Dirac equation.
- Solutions to the Schrodinger equation - confinement, band structures, quantum harmonic oscillator.
- Interpretation of quantum mechanics.
- Everyday examples of quantum mechanics at work.
- A quantum description of electrical properties of materials, and where Ohm's law comes from.
- Mesoscopic transport & the Landauer-Buttiker formalism.
- A look into the principles underlying quantum information processing.
- Entanglement, encryption and quantum computing.
- Nanotechnology - what it is and relationship to quantum mechanics.
- Nanomaterials, evolution of properties of materials with decreasing size, dimensionality.
- Ultimate nanostructures - graphene, molecular systems, novel device architectures.
Further notes
Change of Rubric: In order to bring the paper structure in line with other IIB modules, the exam format from 2023 will comprise a paper with 4 questions, of which 3 need to be answered, as opposed to previous years where it was 3 out of 5.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 31/05/2024 10:01
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4B5: Quantum and Nano-technologies, 2023-24
Module Leader
Lecturer
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + examples class. Assessment: 100% exam. Lectures will be recorded
Prerequisites
3B5
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Understand the basic principles behind quantum mechanics and be able to apply it to problems relevant to Electrical Engineering
- Explore the concepts of quantum information processing and quantum computing
- Become familiar with nanotechnology, what it is, where it is used, and how it relates to quantum systems
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- Apply quantum principles to understand charge transport and current flow at the nanoscale
- Understand quantum confinement, the origin of band structure, and how it relates to quantum size effects
- Be able to predict basic electrical properties of materials
- Understand and explain the principles behind thermal conductivity of materials
- Describe the operation principle of a quantum computer
- Understand the basic relationships between size and properties of materials, their quantum origin, and their application via nanotechnology
Content
The aim of this module is to introduce (building on material in 3B5) the concepts underlying quantum mechanics and nanotechnology, and see how to apply them to problems relevant to electrical engineering. We will explore the quantum origin of many of the properties of materials, ranging from resistivity, mechanical properties, colour, and band structure, and how these properties evolve with size. We will approach this from two angles: from the theoretical principles and predictions of quantum mechanics, to the manifestations of these as exploited using nanotechnology.
Lecture content:
All lectures will be delivered by Dr Sapienza.
- The need for a quantum description of the world around us.
- The basic assumptions of quantum mechanics.
- The Klein-Gordon equation & the Dirac equation.
- Solutions to the Schrodinger equation - confinement, band structures, quantum harmonic oscillator.
- Interpretation of quantum mechanics.
- Everyday examples of quantum mechanics at work.
- A quantum description of electrical properties of materials, and where Ohm's law comes from.
- Mesoscopic transport & the Landauer-Buttiker formalism.
- A look into the principles underlying quantum information processing.
- Entanglement, encryption and quantum computing.
- Nanotechnology - what it is and relationship to quantum mechanics.
- Nanomaterials, evolution of properties of materials with decreasing size, dimensionality.
- Ultimate nanostructures - graphene, molecular systems, novel device architectures.
Further notes
Change of Rubric: In order to bring the paper structure in line with other IIB modules, the exam format from 2023 will comprise a paper with 4 questions, of which 3 need to be answered, as opposed to previous years where it was 3 out of 5.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 24/07/2023 13:44
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4B5: Quantum and Nano-technologies, 2022-23
Module Leader
Lecturer
Prof C Durkan
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + examples class. Assessment: 100% exam. Lectures will be recorded
Prerequisites
3B5
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Understand the basic principles behind quantum mechanics and be able to apply it to problems relevant to Electrical Engineering
- Explore the concepts of quantum information processing and quantum computing
- Become familiar with nanotechnology, what it is, where it is used, and how it relates to quantum systems
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- Apply quantum principles to understand charge transport and current flow at the nanoscale
- Understand quantum confinement, the origin of band structure, and how it relates to quantum size effects
- Be able to predict basic electrical properties of materials
- Understand and explain the principles behind thermal conductivity of materials
- Describe the operation principle of a quantum computer
- Understand the basic relationships between size and properties of materials, their quantum origin, and their application via nanotechnology
Content
The aim of this module is to introduce (building on material in 3B5) the concepts underlying quantum mechanics and nanotechnology, and see how to apply them to problems relevant to electrical engineering. We will explore the quantum origin of many of the properties of materials, ranging from resistivity, mechanical properties, colour, and band structure, and how these properties evolve with size. We will approach this from two angles: from the theoretical principles and predictions of quantum mechanics, to the manifestations of these as exploited using nanotechnology.
Lecture content:
All lectures will be delivered by Prof Durkan.
- The need for a quantum description of the world around us.
- The basic assumptions of quantum mechanics.
- The Klein-Gordon equation & the Dirac equation.
- Solutions to the Schrodinger equation - confinement, band structures, quantum harmonic oscillator.
- Interpretation of quantum mechanics.
- Everyday examples of quantum mechanics at work.
- A quantum description of electrical properties of materials, and where Ohm's law comes from.
- Mesoscopic transport & the Landauer-Buttiker formalism.
- A look into the principles underlying quantum information processing.
- Entanglement, encryption and quantum computing.
- Nanotechnology - what it is and relationship to quantum mechanics.
- Nanomaterials, evolution of properties of materials with decreasing size, dimensionality.
- Ultimate nanostructures - graphene, molecular systems, novel device architectures.
Further notes
Change of Rubric: In order to bring the paper structure in line with other IIB modules, the exam format from 2023 will comprise a paper with 4 questions, of which 3 need to be answered, as opposed to previous years where it was 3 out of 5.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 12/01/2023 15:55
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4B5: Quantum and Nano-technologies, 2021-22
Module Leader
Lecturer
Prof C Durkan
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 14 lectures + examples class. Assessment: 100% exam.
Prerequisites
3B5
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Understand the basic principles behind quantum mechanics and be able to apply it to problems relevant to Electrical Engineering
- Explore the concepts of quantum information processing and quantum computing
- Become familiar with nanotechnology, what it is, where it is used, and how it relates to quantum systems
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- Apply quantum principles to understand charge transport and current flow at the nanoscale
- Understand quantum confinement, the origin of band structure, and how it relates to quantum size effects
- Be able to predict basic electrical properties of materials
- Understand and explain the principles behind thermal conductivity of materials
- Describe the operation principle of a quantum computer
- Understand the basic relationships between size and properties of materials, their quantum origin, and their application via nanotechnology
Content
The aim of this module is to introduce (building on material in 3B5) the concepts underlying quantum mechanics and nanotechnology, and see how to apply them to problems relevant to electrical engineering. We will explore the quantum origin of many of the properties of materials, ranging from resistivity, mechanical properties, colour, and band structure, and how these properties evolve with size. We will approach this from two angles: from the theoretical principles and predictions of quantum mechanics, to the manifestations of these as exploited using nanotechnology.
Lecture content:
All lectures will be delivered by Prof Durkan.
- The need for a quantum description of the world around us.
- The basic assumptions of quantum mechanics.
- Solutions to the Schrodinger equation - confinement, band structures, quantum harmonic oscillator.
- Interpretation of quantum mechanics.
- Everyday examples of quantum mechanics at work.
- A quantum description of electrical properties of materials, and where Ohm's law comes from.
- Mesoscopic transport & the Landauer-Buttiker formalism.
- A look into the principles underlying quantum information processing.
- Entanglement, encryption and quantum computing.
- Nanotechnology - what it is and relationship to quantum mechanics.
- Nanomaterials, evolution of properties of materials with decreasing size, dimensionality.
- Ultimate nanostructures - graphene, molecular systems, novel device architectures.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 06/01/2022 15:23
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4B5: Quantum and Nano-technologies, 2020-21
Module Leader
Lecturer
Prof C Durkan
Timing and Structure
Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + examples class. 2 lectures' worth of pre-recorded content to be released online at 8 am on the first day of each week (Thursday), plus live session for Q&A each week. Assessment: 100% exam. See timetable & Teams channel.
Prerequisites
3B5
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- Understand the basic principles behind quantum mechanics and be able to apply it to problems relevant to Electrical Engineering
- Explore the concepts of quantum information processing and quantum computing
- Become familiar with nanotechnology, what it is, where it is used, and how it relates to quantum systems
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- Apply quantum principles to understand charge transport and current flow at the nanoscale
- Understand quantum confinement, the origin of band structure, and how it relates to quantum size effects
- Be able to predict basic electrical properties of materials
- Understand and explain the principles behind thermal conductivity of materials
- Describe the operation principle of a quantum computer
- Explain the principles behind quantum encryption
- Understand the basic relationships between size and properties of materials, their quantum origin, and their application via nanotechnology
Content
The aim of this module is to introduce (building on material in 3B5) the concepts underlying quantum mechanics and nanotechnology, and see how to apply them to problems relevant to electrical engineering. We will explore the quantum origin of many of the properties of materials, ranging from resistivity, mechanical properties, colour, and band structure, and how these properties evolve with size. We will approach this from two angles: from the theoretical principles and predictions of quantum mechanics, to the manifestations of these as exploited using nanotechnology.
Lecture content:
All lectures will be delivered by Prof Durkan asynchronously, in small topic-blocks rather than as complete lectures. Details will be disseminated via Moodle and the Teams channel for the module.
The aim is to provide 1 examples class in person, depending on class size, towards the end of Michaelmas term
- The need for quantum description of the world around us.
- The basic assumptions of quantum mechanics.
- Solutions to the Schrodinger equation - confinement, band structures, quantum harmonic oscillator.
- Interpretation of quantum mechanics.
- Everyday examples of quantum mechanics at work.
- A quantum description of electrical properties of materials, and where Ohm's law comes from.
- Mesoscopic transport & the Landauer-Buttiker formalism.
- A look into the principles underlying quantum information processing.
- Entanglement, encryption and quantum computing.
- Nanotechnology - what it is and relationship to quantum mechanics.
- Nanomaterials, evolution of properties of materials with decreasing size, dimensionality.
- Ultimate nanostructures - graphene, molecular systems, novel device architectures.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
General Learning Outcomes
Graduates with the exemplifying qualifications, irrespective of registration category or qualification level, must satisfy the following criteria:
Last modified: 26/09/2020 09:48
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