London, United Kingdom

Nanotechnology in Medicine (Level 2)

The use of nanotechnology in medicine is an emerging field that can revolutionise the treatment and detection of disease. Through hands-on laboratory sessions, workshops and lectures by world-leading researchers and active clinicians, this module offers both an insight into these emerging technologies and a fundamental understanding of why size matters and how nanoscale technologies interact with biological environments. We will visit the nanoscale quantum universe, and see how nanoscale objects can be tuned for disease targeting. Students will see how this small scale technology offers huge leaps in diagnostics and therapeutics, enabling us to break the boundary from macroscale anatomy to nanoscale biologics.

Please note there will be a £100 bench fee for the use of labs and consumable materials.

Course leader

Dr Kate Ricketts, Dr Gavin Jell

Target group

This is a level two module (equivalent to second year undergraduate). Students should have completed a minimum of one year of undergraduate study (or research experience) in a relevant field such as biological science, biomedical science, physics, chemistry, biophotonics, material science, mathematics, engineering, medicine or another biotechnology related subject.

Course aim

Upon successful completion of this module, students will:

Understand why size matters in medical applications of nanotechnology; including the impact of the nanoscale on the laws of physics, and resulting effects on chemical and biological interactions
Understand how nanotechnology can be applied to clinical imaging modalities to increase sensitivity and specificity of: (i) magnetic resonance imaging, (ii) x-ray based imaging
Understand how nanotechnology can be applied in the delivery and targeted release of drugs; and in radiotherapy to enhance tumour cell kill and localise cancer treatment
Be able to describe how nanoscale sized topographies and particles can influence biological interactions (including cell behaviour) with reference to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Understand what nanotoxicity is, how it is measured and why it is an important consideration in nanomedicine

Credits info

7.5 EC
7.5 ECTS / 4 US / 15 UCL

Fee info

GBP 2585: Students joining us for six weeks (two modules) will receive a tuition fee discount.
GBP : Students are welcome to apply for accommodation at a UCL summer residence.