Nanoscience Technology

Overview

Outcomes

Program Data Sheet

Major Description

This program prepares students for careers in nanobiotech, nanomaterials and nanoelectronics industries. The program also provides a strong foundation applicable to environmental, energy and agricultural industries. The curriculum is a combination of classroom and laboratory experiences, with hands on use of nanoscale equipment in all 4 semesters. Students have several opportunities for individual research and exploration of nanoscale concepts. Offered in partnership with the University of Minnesota, the program provides skills and knowledge required for employment in a large number of companies. The DCTC program also provides a starting point to four year degrees at multiple institutions in many degree programs. Processes of scientific inquiry, experiment and research design, critical thinking, and communication are aspects that are woven into each course.

Nano-Link

The National Science Foundation awarded Dakota County Technical College a $3 million grant to develop the Midwest Regional Center for Nanotechnology Education, or Nano-Link.

Situated on DCTC's Rosemount campus, Nano-Link will work to create a skilled workforce of nanotechnologists to enhance economic growth in nanoscale science and technology. The center builds on the success of DCTC's pioneering Nanoscience Technology program, which was established in partnership with the University of Minnesota to prepare graduates for employment in the abundant array of industries where nanoscience applications are rapidly emerging.

Bring Nanotechnology into your classroom

A combination of online and hands-on lab experiences will provide you with the background, activities, experiments, pedagogical context and assessment materials to easily integrate nanoscience into traditional science courses at multiple grade levels.

Register to bring Nanotechnology into your classroom

Powerpoints

Work Environment

Nanoscience technologists work in multiple business environments including research, production, testing, training and marketing. Often this role is a bridge between scientists, engineers and other technicians. Program graduates may work independently in some aspects but most often are part of a team. Your job will include some desk work but most of your time will be spent in a laboratory environment preparing test samples, microscope operation and testing, documentation and analysis and communication of your results. These technologists do not usually do the same thing for many months at a time. Finally, although nanoelectronics related jobs may occur in a clean room, most of these jobs are in traditional company research environments and labs. The options and work environments are varied and expanding with the United States nanotech market expected to $1 trillion by 2015.

Potential Job Titles

  • Chemical Technician
  • Lab Technician
  • Manufacturing Technician
  • Nanobiotech Research Assistant
  • Nanomaterials Research Associate
  • Nanoscale Fabrication Technician
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Quality Control Technician
  • Research Assistant

Salary Data

  • Average Wage (U.S.): $21.29/hour
  • Top Earners (U.S.): $29.10/hour

Academic Advisor


Instructors

Deborah Newberry 651-423-8328 deb.newberry@dctc.edu BIO