Important notice
The course guide is provisional.
The PDF version of the course guide may take a few days to become available in the DDD.
Professional Skills in Nanoscience: From Lab to Society
Code: 45717Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Nanoscience: From Materials to Devices | OB | 1 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Xavier Vallve Sanchez
- Email :
- xavier.vallve@uab.cat
Teaching staff (external to UAB)
- José Pérez
- Pablo José Pomposiello
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites.
Objectives
The aim of this module is to provide students with tools for innovation and to support the development of scientific skills. It introduces methods for protecting new research findings and results, as well as information on technology transfer, the commercial aspects of research activities, and the use of technical information. Additionally, the module aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, assess, and minimize risks associated with handling nanomaterials and using high-tech equipment.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
-Understand and apply current safety regulations for chemical and biological laboratories, with a particular focus on the regulatory framework for nanomaterials.
-Assess exposure pathways and the potential toxicological effects of nanoparticles on human health and the environment.
-Design and implement containment protocols and collective and individual protective measures (PPE) specific to nanotechnology.
-Properly and safely manage, store, and dispose of waste containing nanoparticles.
-Respond effectively to emergency situations, accidental spills, or malfunctions of advanced equipment.
-Understand and manage basic technology transfer concepts, such as innovation potential, incubation, licensing, joint ventures, and spin-offs.
Learning outcomes
- CA01 (Responsibly manage experimental activities in nanoscience laboratories, applying regulations, safety protocols and good practices to minimise errors, risks and environmental impact associated with the use of nanomaterials.) Responsibly manage experimental activities in nanoscience laboratories, applying regulations, safety protocols and good practices to minimise errors, risks and environmental impact associated with the use of nanomaterials.
- CA02 (Design entrepreneurship or technology transfer strategies based on experimental data, arguing their technical, commercial, regulatory and intellectual property protection feasibility.) Design entrepreneurship or technology transfer strategies based on experimental data, arguing their technical, commercial, regulatory and intellectual property protection feasibility.
- KA01 (Identify the risks associated with the use of nanomaterials and preventive measures to ensure safety in the laboratory.) Identify the risks associated with the use of nanomaterials and preventive measures to ensure safety in the laboratory.
- KA02 (Interpret the fundamental principles that allow the integration of structural and functional data of nanomaterials, obtained through multiple advanced techniques, considering the relationship with their specific properties.) Interpret the fundamental principles that allow the integration of structural and functional data of nanomaterials, obtained through multiple advanced techniques, considering the relationship with their specific properties.
- KA03 (Indicate the opportunities for knowledge generation, innovation and intellectual property protection derived from experimental studies in nanoscience.) Indicate the opportunities for knowledge generation, innovation and intellectual property protection derived from experimental studies in nanoscience.
- SA01 (Apply safety protocols in laboratories, managing risks associated with the handling of nanomaterials and advanced equipment.) Apply safety protocols in laboratories, managing risks associated with the handling of nanomaterials and advanced equipment.
- SA02 (Use structural and functional characterisation techniques to analyse critical properties of materials and support experimental decision-making in the field of nanoscience.) Use structural and functional characterisation techniques to analyse critical properties of materials and support experimental decision-making in the field of nanoscience.
- SA03 (Develop sound strategies for intellectual property management and technology transfer considering ethical and environmental aspects.) Develop sound strategies for intellectual property management and technology transfer considering ethical and environmental aspects.
Contents
The course will cover the following topics:
-Different ways to protect research results
-Patents: structure, application process, infringement
-Management of technical and patent information
-Technology transfer, business development, and innovation
-Introduction to Nanosafety and the Legal Framework (Basic concepts of occupational risk prevention in advanced research environments; international legislation and regulations regarding the use and labeling of nanomaterials)
-Nanotoxicity and Exposure Routes (Interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems (inhalation, dermal, ingestion); critical factors: size, shape, surface reactivity, and agglomeration)
-Safety Protocols and Protective Equipment (Ventilation and air filtration systems (safety cabinets, HEPA/ULPA filters); selection of protective clothing, gloves, and masks suitable for the nanoscale; safe operation of advanced equipment (reactors, vacuum systems, electron microscopy))
-Waste and Emergency Management (Classification, collection, and neutralization of nanomaterial waste; response protocols for spills, leaks, or accidental contamination)
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material reading and personal work | 100 | 4 | CA01, CA02, KA01, KA02, KA03, SA01, SA02, SA03 |
| Practice based on semi-real cases | 10 | 0.4 | CA01, CA02, KA01, KA02, KA03, SA01, SA02, SA03 |
| Magistral Classes and cases | 30 | 1.2 | CA01, CA02, KA01, KA02, KA03, SA01, SA02, SA03 |
| Case project | 10 | 0.4 | CA01, CA02, KA01, KA02, SA01, SA02 |
Following the competency-based model, a combination of theoretical sessions and independent application is proposed:
Theory Classes (Instructor-led)
Practical Classroom Workshops and real-world cases
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 10 | 0 | 0 | CA01, KA01, KA02, SA01, SA02 |
| Test | 25 | 0 | 0 | CA02, KA03, SA03 |
| Project | 10 | 0 | 0 | CA01, KA01, KA02, SA01, SA02 |
| Test | 45 | 0 | 0 | CA02, KA03, SA03 |
| Attendance | 10 | 0 | 0 | CA01, CA02, KA01, KA02, KA03, SA01, SA02, SA03 |
The module will be assessed through a combination of theoretical-practical tests, a project submission, and class attendance. There will be three tests (one for each sub-module): 45% for the patents sub-module, 25% for the business development sub-module, and 10% for the security sub-module; a project submission (10%); and class attendance (10%). Attendance at less than 50% of classes will result in a score of zero for this component, and unjustified absences will result in a proportional deduction from the overall grade.
Bibliography
It will be provided in the classroom and via the virtual campus before the start of the module.
Software
No
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TEm) Theory (master) | 1 | English | second semester | afternoon |