The Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials (BCFN) 4-year PhD programme provides world-class training in research skills, and supports interdisciplinary PhD research projects in our community of over 120 academics across 15 different academic departments of the University of Bristol. The most recent UK National Research Assessment confirmed the Bristol Science Faculty as one of the top 3 in the UK.
As part of the BCFN, you will be trained to the highest possible technical standards, take personal charge of your own research in a multidisciplinary environment, and be fully prepared for a challenging and exciting career after your PhD.
Functional Nanomaterials and Nanoscience bridge the traditional disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Engineering. The area offers diverse PhD challenges ranging from fundamental investigations of atoms and molecules and how they assemble and order, through research into the fabrication of more complex structures and surfaces, and towards the possibilities of functional nanostructures in a wide number of fields as diverse as computing, healthcare, communications, energy storage and production, and pharmaceuticals.
The Programme
In a very exciting interdisciplinary environment, within a cohort of students, and with the full support of BCFN academics, the first year will offer all the foundational skills necessary for you to prosper in your PhD research
- Bespoke graduate lecture courses
- Exploratory Training Assignments in a range of labs
- Innovative online modules on practical skills
- Training and advice from scientists in global nanoscience companies so you can see real-world applications of research
- A six-month research project
- Extensive skills training in writing, presenting, group work, innovation, project planning and decision-making
- An extended research visit to an international Nanoscience centre
PhD Projects
As a BCFN student, you will choose your own PhD project towards the end of the first year from an extremely wide portfolio of projects. Each PhD project will have 2 supervisors to ensure a genuine interdisciplinary PhD training. The BCFN website gives further details of the projects: www.bcfn.bris.ac.uk.
The Facilities
BCFN PhD students start their PhD in dedicated space within the state-of-the-art Nanoscience and Quantum Information Centre www.bristol.ac.uk/nsqi-centre/, which also provides interdisciplinary lab space and some of the lowest vibration nanoscience labs in the world.
Application Procedure
We have 10 EPSRC studentships available and we also welcome applications from self-funded students. We are now actively recruiting students from for entry in September 2013. We are looking for enthusiastic, bright, and motivated students who have, or will shortly obtain, at least an upper second degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Engineering. If you have a passion for original PhD research in a stimulating, interdisciplinary, innovative and supportive environment, this is the PhD programme for you.
The PhD application deadline is 28th February 2013
Further information
For further information please visit our website: www.bcfn.bris.ac.uk or email bcfn-info@bristol.ac.uk
Start date: September 2013
