College of Science

Nanoscience

Overview

The Nanoscience (NANO) program is a joint effort of the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, and Physics. It resides in, and is organized as a division of, the College of Science's Academy of Integrated Science.

Nanoscience, the fundamental study of materials and structures whose size is on the nanometer scale, lies at the very foundation of our world. A nanometer is simply a billionth of a meter, and a typical atom is about 1/10th of a nanometer in size. At this length scale, atoms and molecules follow the laws of quantum physics, and the processes of life (for example, DNA and proteins are naturally-occurring nanoscale materials) and the properties of materials emerge from them. Due to a combination of profound theoretical insights, advances in scientific instrumentation, and massive computing power, we are now capable of imaging and steering single atoms with unprecedented precision, opening a window toward a world in which materials, chemical compounds, deviced, and even small organisms can be built atom by atom and molecule by molecule, tailored toward desired properties and applications. At present, we are only at the dawn of this nonotechnological revolution.

Nanoscience courses prepare undergraduates for productive, exciting careers in emerging nanoscale industries. Degree recipients from this program will be ready to contribute to and lead cutting-edge corporate research and development in some of the most important and profitable industries in the world, including information technology, communications, drug development, imaging, and environmental technology.

Bachelor of Science in Nanoscience

A special brochure describing the division and the B.S. program in Nanoscience is available from the division's webpage or upon request.

Degree Requirements:

The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as “Checksheets”. The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.

The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for degree requirements.

Satisfactory Progress

University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree.

Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.S. in Nanoscience can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html.

Minor in Nanoscience

Please visit the University Registrar website at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation/checksheets/index.html for requirements toward a minor in Nanoscience.

Undergraduate Courses (NANO)

1015-1016: INTRODUCTION TO NANOSCIENCE
Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of nanoscience with perspectives from biology, geoscience, computational science, chemistry, and physics. 1015: Historical perspectives; public perception; economic impact, nanoscience in biology and environment; quantum physics principles; characterization tools; mathematical modeling. 1016: Nanofabrication methods; nanoparticle synthesis and characterization; self-assembly; applications in medicine, electronics, and energy; sustainability. Pre: 1015 for 1016 (3H,3C)

2024: QUANTUM PHYSICS OF NANOSTRUCTURES
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. Pre: 1016, (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1056), (MATH 1206 or MATH 1226 or MATH 2015 or MATH 1026), (PHYS 2306 or PHYS 2206). (3H,3L,4C)

2114: NANOSCIENCE RESEARCH SEMINAR
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. Pre: 1016. (1H,1C)

2124: NANOSCIENCE RESEARCH ROTATIONS
Research experiences in campus nanoscience research laboratories. Rotation through three to four laboratories to obtain detailed understanding and hands-on experience of specific research projects. Pre: 2114. (6L,2C)

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

3015-3016: NANOSCALE SYNTHESIS, FABRICATION, AND CHARACTERIZATION
Tools for synthesis, fabrication and characterization of nanomaterials and nanostructures including organic and polymer synthesis, self-assembly, and top-down fabrication as well as methods for identifying their structure and electronic, optical, and thermal properties. 3015: Multiphase macromolecules; electron and scanning probe microscopies; fullerenes, graphene, and nanotubes; optical and electron spectroscopies, thermal analysis; quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles. 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. Pre: 2024, (CHEM 2514 or CHEM 2536 or CHEM 2556) for 3015; 3015 for 3016. (3H,3L,4C)

3114: PROFESSIONAL DISSEMINATION OF NANOSCIENCE RESEARCH
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. Pre: 2124. (1H,1C)

3124: NANOSCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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. Pre: 1016, (BIOL 2104 or BIOL 2124), (CHEM 1036 or CHEM 1056). (3H,3C)

4124: ADVANCED NANOMATERIALS AND DEVICES
Overview of types of nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, quantum dots, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, nanowires, graphene, and ultra-thin films. Special nanocomposite materials. Electronic, optical, magnetic, and transport properties of nanomaterials. Interactions between nanomaterials and substrates or interfaces. Applications of nanomaterials for electronics, magnetic storage, and energy-efficient devices. Pre: 3016, MATH 2214. (3H,3C)

4314: NANOMEDICINE
Medical use of nanomaterials including basic, translational, and clinical research. Nanomedical approaches to drug delivery. Diagnostic sensors. Use of nanomedical tools over conventional techniques to treat diseases/disorders. Technical issues associated with medical applications. Bioavailability of nanotherapies. Use of quantum dots for imaging. Ethical concerns and economic benefits associated with nanomedicine. Pre: 3016, (BIOL 2104 or BIOL 2124). (3H,3L,4C)

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

TOP