Nanoscience Technology

Courses

Major Description

This major prepares students for employment in Minnesota's nanobiotech nanomaterials and nanoelectronics careers. The program is offered through a partnership with the University of Minnesota. Students will take their first three semesters at DCTC and the final semester at the U of M in its Nanofabrication Center, Materials Characterization Lab, and Nanoparticles/Biotechnology Labs.

Nature of Work

The ultra-small scale of nanoscience allows individuals working in the field to apply basic sciences, chemistry, physics and biology to the molecular and atomic world and enter the job market in a variety of areas. Nanoscience technicians work in research, production, marketing, and business environments where nano scale is a part of the industry.

Career Opportunities

"The market for nanotechnology in the United States is rapidly growing and projected to reach $1 trillion by 2012. Growth over this period is expected to produce between 800,000 and two million new technical jobs." Graduates of this program will be prepared for employment in a multitude of industries with positions in product development, testing, research and development supported and manufacturing design. The need for nanoscience technologists is strong in Minnesota, with over 50 companies using or applying nanoscience technology.

Program Delivery

Courses are offered during the day. Technical courses currently begin in the fall semester only, however students can begin general education courses any semester. The fourth semester is delivered at the University of Minnesota.

After DCTC

DCTC has transfer agreements for this program with the following colleges: the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, Southwest State University and Saint Mary's University. See Transfer Credits for more information.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to this program must take the ACCUPLACER Test and achieve a score above the minimum standards in math and reading to be eligible for acceptance into several first semester courses.

Student Outcomes

  1. Students will have the knowledge to explain basic scientific principles related to the behavior of matter at the atomic level in chemical, biological, and mechanical systems.
  2. Students will demonstrate proficiency in operating state-of-the-art nanofabrication equipment such as scanning electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes.
  3. Students will know how to apply the concepts of the nanotechnology related to advanced electronic and the latest nano-level manufacturing technologies.
  4. Students will demonstrate the skills necessary to function as a technician in the fields of materials science, electronics and biotechnology applying nanoscience knowledge.
  5. Students will demonstrate skills of teamwork, communication, data presentation and understanding.
  6. See General Education section for general education outcomes statement.

Academic Advisors

Dean

  • Mike Opp
    Dean of Transportation and Technical Careers

Faculty

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