4820 Nanotechnology, Introduction

The National Science Foundation estimates that nanotechnology will have a $1 trillion global market in little more than a decade. This technology will undoubtedly play an important role in the economy of Silicon Valley in coming years. This survey course provides a foundation in the basic principles of nanotechnology. The instructors highlight the recent advances in nanoscale science and engineering, drawing on examples and demonstrations from electronic, photonic, mechanical, chemical and biological systems. Participants learn, in each of these cases, how an understanding of the fundamental physical properties at the atomic level has permitted nanoscale engineering for specific applications. They gain an appreciation of the importance of reproducible manufacturing, in bottom-up and top-down approaches and self-assembly. The tools and methods used to characterize materials and devices at the nanoscale are explored. Instructors also discuss future prospects and possible roadblocks to implementation of nanotechnology, with reference to other technological advances in the last two centuries. Finally, local and national resources as well as key players are discussed. This course is intended for engineers, computer scientists, chemists, biologists, physicists, and other scientists and technology professionals who seek to gain insights into the emerging field of nanotechnology.

Certificate Program in Biotechnology