Minor in Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is already impacting a broad spectrum of human endeavors, from medicine and catalysis to textiles and quantum computing. Nanotechnology is inherently interdisciplinary and bridges across physics, biology, materials science, and chemistry. It is a general purpose, enabling technology.

The Nanotechnology minor is designed to help prepare students from a broad range of disciplines for careers or graduate study in fields involving nanotechnology. The minor builds upon the strengths of Penn State's faculty, expertise, academic programs, and nanofabrication facilities, including its class 1 and class 10 cleanrooms. The curriculum provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in nanoscale simulation, design, syntheses, characterization, properties, processing, manufacturing, and applications.

In addition to preparing students for career opportunities in a diverse variety of fields such as microelectronics, information storage, optoelectronics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and medicine, the minor also prepares undergraduate students for exciting research opportunities and multidisciplinary nanotechnology-based advanced degree programs in graduate schools around the world. Interested third- and fourth-year undergraduate students in engineering, the chemical, physical, or biological sciences, medicine, and life or agricultural sciences are encouraged to enroll.

Students in the minor are encouraged to develop this interdisciplinary approach to science and engineering and to choose the required 18 credits of the minor accordingly. Students must take two prescribed courses (6 credits) in nanoscience fundamentals, and then select four additional courses (12 credits) from a growing list of interdisciplinary courses.

Program Requirements

Complete at least 18 credits in approved nanotechnology courses
Take E SC 312 and E SC 313
Take a minimum of 6 credits at the 400 level
Achieve a grade of "C" or better in each course counted toward the 18-credit minimum

Supporting Courses

CHE 340: INTRODUCTION TO BIOIMOLECULAR ENGINEERING (3 credits)
ESC 419: ELECTRONIIC PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS (3 credits)
ESC 481: ELEMENTS OF NANO/MICRO-ELECTROMECHANIIAL SYSTEMS PROCESSING AND DESIGN (3 credits)
ESC 482: MICROOPTOELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MOEMS) AND NANOPHOTONICS (3 credits)
ESC 483: SIMULATION AND DESIGN OF NANOSTRUCTURES (3 credits)
ESC 484: BIIOLOGICALLY INSPIRED NANOMATERIALS (3 credits)

For more information about the Nanotechnology minor, please contact:

Mark W. Horn, Ph.D.
Nanotechnology Minor Coordinator
212 Earth and Engineering Sciences Building
814-865-0332
mwh4@psu.edu

Integrated Undergraduate Graduate Program

About

The Penn State Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) is an internationally distinguished department that is recognized for its globally competitive excellence in engineering and scientific accomplishments, research, and educational leadership.

Our Engineering Science program is the official undergraduate honors program of the College of Engineering, attracting the University’s brightest engineering students. We also offer graduate degrees in ESM, engineering mechanics, engineering at the nano-scale, and an integrated undergraduate/graduate program.