

M-TECH in Nanoscience And Technology at National Institute of Technology Patna


Patna, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Nanoscience and Technology at National Institute of Technology Patna Patna?
This Nanoscience and Technology program at NIT Patna focuses on the interdisciplinary study of materials at the nanoscale. It delves into the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials, which are crucial for India''''s rapidly advancing sectors like electronics, healthcare, and renewable energy. The program is designed to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills for innovation in these high-demand areas.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates (B.E./B.Tech. in Material Science, Electronics, Chemical, etc.) and science postgraduates (M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science) aspiring to specialize in advanced materials. It is also suitable for working professionals seeking to upgrade their skills in nanotechnology or career changers aiming to transition into high-tech R&D roles within the Indian industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in leading Indian R&D institutions (like DRDO, CSIR labs), public sector undertakings, and private companies in the semiconductor, biomedical, and energy sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from 5-8 LPA, with experienced professionals earning 10-20+ LPA. The program aligns with professional certifications in materials science and nanotechnology, fostering significant growth trajectories.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Nanoscience- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a robust understanding of Quantum Mechanics, Materials Science, and Nanoscale Characterization. Utilize NPTEL courses, reference textbooks, and active participation in peer study groups to solidify theoretical concepts and problem-solving skills, building a strong base for advanced topics.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Quantum Mechanics/Materials Science, Standard Textbooks (e.g., Kittel, Callister), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for excelling in technical interviews and research roles in nanotechnology companies and R&D institutions.
Intensive Lab Skill Development- (Semester 1-2)
Maximize hands-on experience in Advanced Nano-materials Lab and Nano-materials Fabrication Lab. Aim to publish lab reports, present small projects, and volunteer for extra lab hours to gain proficiency in synthesis and characterization techniques. Seek feedback on experimental design and data analysis.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals and protocols, Advanced microscopy and spectroscopy equipment, Data analysis software (e.g., OriginLab, ImageJ)
Career Connection
Practical lab skills are highly valued in R&D roles, enabling direct contribution to experimental projects and product development.
Strategic Elective Selection and Mentorship- (Semester 1-2)
Carefully choose initial electives based on emerging interests and long-term career aspirations within nanotechnology. Engage proactively with faculty mentors to discuss research avenues, industry trends, and potential specialization pathways early in the program.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Alumni network discussions, Industry reports on nanotechnology trends
Career Connection
Early specialization guides dissertation topic selection and opens doors to niche opportunities, enhancing employability in specific nano-domains.
Intermediate Stage
Excellence in Dissertation Research I- (Semester 3)
Initiate Dissertation I by conducting a thorough literature review, identifying a novel research problem, and meticulously planning experimental or computational work under faculty guidance. Focus on developing strong research methodology, data interpretation, and scientific writing skills. Aim for quality over quantity in initial findings.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science), Reference management software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley), Statistical software (e.g., R, Python with SciPy)
Career Connection
Successful research in Dissertation I provides a strong foundation for advanced R&D positions and can lead to publications, boosting academic and industry profiles.
Advanced Skill Specialization- (Semester 3)
Complement dissertation work with advanced software proficiency (e.g., MATLAB, COMSOL, VASP for simulations) or specialized experimental techniques relevant to your research. Seek online courses or workshops to acquire these skills, making you a more versatile and specialized professional.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX, NPTEL for specialized courses, Software licenses/tutorials for simulation tools, Departmental workshops on advanced instruments
Career Connection
Mastering advanced tools and techniques makes you a highly sought-after candidate for roles requiring specific technical expertise in R&D.
Industry Engagement and Networking- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in national and regional nanotechnology conferences, workshops, and seminars. Network with industry professionals and researchers. Explore summer research internships in national labs (e.g., NPL, BARC, IICT) or industry R&D centers to gain practical exposure and build professional connections.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Conference websites and proceedings, Institute career services
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship and full-time job opportunities, providing insights into industry demands and potential career paths.
Advanced Stage
Excellence in Dissertation Research II and Publication- (Semester 4)
Dedicate extensive effort to Dissertation II, focusing on generating high-impact results, rigorous analysis, and impeccable scientific writing. Aim to publish your research findings in peer-reviewed journals, which significantly enhances your academic and professional credibility for higher studies or R&D positions.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Journal submission platforms, Mentorship from supervisors
Career Connection
Publications demonstrate research capability and contribute to a strong portfolio, essential for securing top research jobs or PhD admissions.
Comprehensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Prepare a tailored resume/CV highlighting nanotechnology-specific skills and project experiences. Practice technical and HR interviews, focusing on your dissertation work and core subject knowledge. Utilize institutional placement cells and alumni networks for mock interviews and referral opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Institute Placement Cell resources, Online interview preparation platforms, Alumni mentorship programs
Career Connection
Effective preparation leads to successful placements in leading R&D companies, government labs, and academic institutions.
Career Pathway Planning- (Semester 4)
Clearly define your post-M.Tech goals, whether in industry, academia, or entrepreneurship. Actively seek guidance from career counselors and faculty on further studies (PhD), startup incubation, or specific industry roles. Develop a long-term career development plan, including continuous learning and skill upgrades.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Entrepreneurship cells at NIT Patna, Professional development workshops
Career Connection
Strategic career planning ensures a smooth transition post-graduation and positions you for sustained growth and leadership in the nanotechnology sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in relevant disciplines or M.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science or equivalent degree with minimum 6.5 CGPA or 60% marks (6.0 CGPA or 55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
Credits: 68 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH 701 | Quantum Mechanics | Core | 4 | Fundamental Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Schrodinger Equation and Applications, Operator Algebra and Matrix Mechanics, Perturbation Theory and Scattering, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics |
| PH 702 | Materials Science | Core | 4 | Crystal Structure and Defects, Mechanical Properties of Materials, Phase Diagrams and Transformations, Magnetic Materials and Properties, Dielectric and Ferroelectric Materials |
| PH 703 | Nanoscale Characterization Techniques | Core | 4 | X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM), Scanning Probe Microscopy (AFM, STM), Spectroscopy (UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman, XPS), Thermal Analysis (TGA, DSC), Vibrational Spectroscopy |
| PH 704 | Advanced Nano-materials Lab | Lab | 2 | Nanomaterial Synthesis Techniques, Structural and Morphological Characterization, Thin Film Deposition Methods, Basic Device Fabrication, Experimental Data Analysis |
| PH 7XX | Elective – I | Elective | 3 | |
| HS 7XX | Professional Ethics / IP & Entrepreneurship | Mandatory Non-Credit | 0 | Ethical Principles in Research and Engineering, Professional Responsibilities and Conduct, Intellectual Property Rights and Patents, Innovation and Technology Transfer, Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship |
| PH 705 | Optical Materials and Devices | Elective (Available in Pool) | 3 | Light Propagation in Materials, Optical Fibers and Waveguides, Lasers, LEDs and Photodetectors, Optoelectronic Device Principles, Properties of Optical Materials |
| PH 706 | Nanoelectronics | Elective (Available in Pool) | 3 | Quantum Dots and Nanowires, Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Devices, Quantum Transport Phenomena, Spintronics and Valleytronics, Nano-scale Device Fabrication |
| PH 707 | Soft Materials | Elective (Available in Pool) | 3 | Polymers and Polymer Blends, Colloids and Suspensions, Liquid Crystals and Gels, Self-Assembly in Soft Matter, Biomaterials and Rheology |
| PH 708 | Computational Nanoscience | Elective (Available in Pool) | 3 | Density Functional Theory (DFT), Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Monte Carlo Methods, Electronic Structure Calculations, Materials Design and Discovery |
| PH 709 | Nanophotonics | Elective (Available in Pool) | 3 | Light-Matter Interaction at Nanoscale, Plasmonics and Metamaterials, Photonic Crystals and Nanostructures, Nano-Optoelectronic Devices, Quantum Optics in Nanostructures |
| PH 710 | Quantum Information and Computing | Elective (Available in Pool) | 3 | Quantum Bits (Qubits), Quantum Entanglement and Superposition, Quantum Logic Gates and Circuits, Quantum Algorithms (Shor''''s, Grover''''s), Quantum Cryptography and Error Correction |
| PH 711 | Advanced Characterization of Nanomaterials | Elective (Available in Pool) | 3 | High-Resolution Imaging Techniques, Advanced Spectroscopic Methods, In-situ Characterization, Surface Analysis Techniques, Data Interpretation and Analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH 721 | Nano-photonics | Core | 4 | Light-Matter Interaction at Nanoscale, Plasmonics and Metamaterials, Photonic Crystals and Nanostructures, Nano-Optoelectronic Devices, Quantum Optics in Nanostructures |
| PH 722 | Nano-biology and Medicine | Core | 4 | Nanomaterials in Biological Systems, Drug Delivery Systems, Nanodiagnostics and Imaging, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Biocompatibility and Toxicity of Nanomaterials |
| PH 723 | Thin Film Technology | Core | 4 | Thin Film Deposition Techniques (PVD, CVD), Film Growth Mechanisms, Characterization of Thin Films, Applications in Electronics and Optics, Sensors and Protective Coatings |
| PH 724 | Nano-materials Fabrication Lab | Lab | 2 | Top-down and Bottom-up Fabrication Approaches, Lithography Techniques (Photo, E-beam), Self-Assembly of Nanostructures, Advanced Material Processing, Device Integration and Testing |
| PH 7XX | Elective – II | Elective | 3 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH 801 | Seminar | Core | 2 | Research Topic Selection and Literature Review, Scientific Presentation Skills, Critical Analysis of Research Papers, Effective Communication of Technical Information, Question and Answer Session Management |
| PH 802 | Dissertation - I | Core | 8 | Identification of Research Problem, Detailed Literature Survey, Development of Research Methodology, Preliminary Experimental Design, Data Collection and Initial Analysis |
| PH 7XX | Elective – III | Elective | 3 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH 821 | Dissertation - II | Core | 12 | Advanced Research Execution, Comprehensive Data Analysis and Interpretation, Scientific Manuscript Preparation, Thesis Writing and Formatting, Oral Defense Preparation and Presentation |
| PH 7XX | Elective – IV | Elective | 3 |




