Our Program
Image of individual atoms in molybdenum disulfide from a scanning tunneling microscope
The Nanoscience degree program is home to majors in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine. This page describes the Nanoscience major. The Nanomedicine major is described here.
The Bachelor of Science in Nanoscience is designed to provide a strong background in the experimental tools and techniques of nanoscience as well as the theoretical aspects, with an additional key requirement of engagement in undergraduate research. The undergraduate research component ensures that students will have direct exposure to the frontier of nanoscience research and be skilled in advancing that frontier. The curriculum covers subjects such as fullerenes, nanotubes, quantum dots, graphene, self-assembly, nanolithography, electron microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy.
All across the Nanoscience degree program, courses and activities emphasize active learning, mastery of diverse ideas and skills, integration of knowledge, problem solving, communication skills, and teamwork.
Nanoscience Course Offerings
NANO 1015: Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of nanoscience with perspectives from biology, geoscience, computational science, chemistry, and physics. Historical perspectives; public perception, economic impact, nanoscience in biology and environment; quantum physics principles; characterization tools; mathematical modeling.
NANO 1016: Nanofabrication methods; nanoparticle synthesis and characterization; self-assembly; applications in medicine, electronics, and energy; sustainability.
Introduction to the quantum physics which governs the properties of matter at the nanoscale. Specific topics include: Quantization, wave-particle duality, and Schrodinger equation, with applications to the hydrogen atom, periodic crystals, and nanostructures; electron spin, spintronics, and quantum statistical physics.
Readings and discussion of current research areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology including nanofabrication, scanning probe techniques, functional nanomaterials, molecular engineering, bionanotechnology and nanomedicine. Presentations by guest nanoscience faculty on their research activities.
NANO 3015: Multiphase macromolecules; electron and scanning probe microscopies; fullerenes, graphene, and nanotubes; optical and electron spectroscopies, thermal analysis; quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles.
NANO 3016: Nucleic acid self-assembly; polyelectrolyte complexes; dynamic light scattering and zeta potential; electrostatic self-assembly; self-assembled monolayers; photolithography; electron and ion beam lithography; microcontact printing and nanoimprint lithography.
Technical skills for dissemination of nanoscience research. Effective use of the nanoscience and nanotechnology literature, use of technologies that support collaborative oral and written communication. Key elements of effective journal publications and conference presentations.
Introduction to the connections between nanoscience, nanotechnology, and the environment. Overview of environmental science, why environmental issues are relevant to industry/business/research, naturally-occurring nanomaterials and their roles on Earth, and what is currently known about how manufactured and incidental nanomaterials interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere, and biosphere.
Technical skills for dissemination of nanoscience research. Effective use of the nanoscience and nanotechnology literature, use of technologies that support collaborative oral and written communication. Key elements of effective journal publications and conference presentations.
Introduction to the connections between nanoscience, nanotechnology, and the environment. Overview of environmental science, why environmental issues are relevant to industry/business/research, naturally-occurring nanomaterials and their roles on Earth, and what is currently known about how manufactured and incidental nanomaterials interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere, and biosphere.