Penn Nanotechnology Master’s Degree
Nanotechnology is ...
... the exciting field that is enabling solutions in alternative energy, medical diagnostics and therapeutics, next generation wireless communications. The Master of Science in Engineering degree program in Nanotechnology prepares students to take leadership roles in emerging high tech industries as well as traditional industries that exploit nanoscale phenomena. This interdisciplinary program draws on world recognized faculty and courses in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the Wharton School.
The flexible curriculum allows both full-time and part-time options. The technical courses are organized into the three core areas of nanotechnology: Synthesis, Materials and Nanofabrication; Devices and Fundamental Properties; and Biotechnology. In addition courses are required in Introductory Nanotechnology, societal impact of nanotechnology, and commercialization. Students design a curriculum from a number of pre-approved combinations of courses in these categories. Example curricula are shown here. The curriculum structure allows students to match background and interests while preparing for exciting new challenges.
Students in nanotechnology approach the program with diverse backgrounds and goals. Those coming directly from their undergraduate degree have backgrounds in physics, chemistry, bioengineering, materials science, electrical engineering, systems engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering and applied science, and chemical engineering. Those coming from industry may come from electronics, materials, biomedical, alternative energy, civil defense, or sustainable development sectors. This diversity provides a dynamic learning environment for creative problem solving ... Much like the nanotechnology field.
Demonstration of an Atomic Force Microscope.
A transistor-like pattern of polarization fabricated by Ferroelectric Nanolithography.
This calculation of atoms moving through carbon nanotubes done the in Lukes group in mechanical engineering illustrates the interaction of atoms and nanostructures. Controlling fluid flow through such structures may lead to new microfluidic devices.
The University of Pennsylvania was founded by Ben Franklin. His presence is still felt on campus.
A number of new technologies have been developed to pattern nanostructures into useful configurations. Microcontact printing is a stamping technique that patterns molecules which have been designed to have interesting electrical properties.
The Towne building is the home of the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Nanotechnology impacts the entire field of microelectronics, from the fabrication of current computer chips to emerging technologies for future generation computers.
Penn faculty are pushing the frontiers of nanotechnology in all related disciplines. Here a new lithography was invented that assembles nanostructures into complex geometries.
Events such as NanoDay@Penn offer opportunities to explore research by Penn faculty, discuss the latest advances with other students, and explore outlets for your ideas. Industry workshops and seminars by international leaders in the field are regular occurances.
The Wolfe Microfabrication Lab is a compact, highly flexible laboratory for the design, preparation and manufacture of small structures using current photolithographic techniques. The general cleanliness of the facility is in the class 1000 level with superior conditions under the HEPA-filtered work areas.
Fundamental principles that underlie nanotechnology are often explored with theoretical models. Such studies can help visualize the behavior of nanostructures that can not be observed experimentally. Here the electric fields around an array of electrodes are simulated. (Engheta group)
The Nano/Bio Interface Center hosts workshops that bring industry and university researchers together in a variety of venues. Nanotechnology Masters students have access to all of these events. Here the chief science officers of IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and DuPont, Sandia National Lab Director, Vice Provost for Research at Penn discuss industry/university partnerships.