Doctoral Programme in Bioscience Engineering (Leuven)

1. Competent in one or more scientific disciplines

(1)Will possess a thorough knowledge of the basic underlying disciplines of nanoscience, nanotechnology and nanoengineering:
o material physics, devices and technologies for nanoelectronic applications and a clear view on the evolution of these applications in future
o physics, chemistry and biochemistry at nanometre scale
o electronic, optical, mechanical and thermodynamic qualities of metals, semiconductors and insulators
o physics and technology for building nanoelectronic and optoelectronic systems, electronic and optical interconnection technology for high speed and high pin count, packaging technology, thermal management in electronic systems and system-in-a-package
o structure, stability, folding and conformational dynamics of nanostructured biomolecules and their industrial applications
o chemical methods for preparing and characterizing nanostructured materials and supramolecular systems (molecular devices) and the properties of these materials and systems.
o mesoscopic properties which appear when the size of a system becomes comparable to characteristic physical length scales, and an understanding of how mesoscopic effects can be manipulated and controlled

(2)Have specialized knowledge in one of the following domains:
o Nanodevices and nanophysics
o Nanoelectronic design
o Nanomaterials and nanochemistry
o Bionanotechnology

(3)Graduates are able to apply knowledge from various domains and specializations in a creative way, expand it, deepen it and integrate it in functional systems
o Will possess a thorough knowledge of the methods used in technological problem solving and design.
o Will have an understanding of the formation of complex macro-systems which are unique in their operations and possess new functionalities.
o Are capable of thinking and acting across the boundaries of the underlying disciplines (physics, electronics, chemistry, biology).


2. Competent in conducting research

(4)Possess the ability to systematically acquire and critically assess the scientific value and relevance of the state-of-the-art, related to nanoscience, nanotechnology and nanoengineering

(5)Possess the capability to analyze complex problems, define problem statements and formulate clearly structured research questions with the correct level of abstraction.

(6)Have the ability to assimilate existing and new concepts, methodologies and research results and apply them in an academic or industrial research environment.


3. Competent in designing

(7)Possess the expertise to use and combine the various disciplines of nanoscience and nanotechnology to formulate new research questions based on a design problem

(8)Use acquired skills and knowledge to solve design problems by developing new models, (bio-)materials, devices, integrated circuits and systems while taking into account relevant boundary conditions

(9)Have the skill to independently take decisions related to the design, and to justify and evaluate these in a systematic manner


4. A scientific approach

(10)Graduates possess a broad analytical, integrating, and problem-solving mind and are able to combine knowledge from nanotechnology and related domains.

(11)Graduates can select and process the most suitable information sources (scientific literature, internet, workshops, conferences, experimental data, and professional networks).

(12)Evaluate, select and exploit advanced scientific models, including the system/process model and boundary conditions, with the appropriate level of complexity for the specific application.

(13)Possess the correct attitudes to continuously adapt in a knowledge based society and to learn new technologies.


5. Basic intellectual skills

(14)Can reflect autonomously on a variation of different problems related to nanoscience and nanotechnology

(15)Graduates have a critical-constructive attitude with respect to new discoveries and developments encountered in the scientific literature and in their own research.

(16)Have the capability of developing and defending opinions about their field, based on objective argumentations


6. Competent in collaboration and communication

(17)Experience in communication, both written and orally (in Dutch and/or English) with experts and non-experts about their own research and design results

(18)Co-operate and manage projects in a (multidisciplinary) team: distribute and assume responsibilities, observe time and resource constraints, document project progress and results


7. Takes the temporal and social context into account

(19)Are able to function within a context of social, economic and environmental boundary conditions as well as in an international context

(20)Are aware of their societal, ethical and ecological responsibility and act on it.

(21)Are aware of the challenges, risks and promises of nanotechnological developments.