Program Overview
The Nanotechnology Minor is a program for students who wish to get a background that will prepare them for future careers, schooling and research in the field of nanotechnology. The program is administered by the chemistry department but is open for all Gannon students. Nanotechnology is a fast developing field that is having an impact on technology and society. Both technical and non-technical career areas are seeing growth in nanotechnology employment with an average growth rate of 25% per year. It is anticipated that in the near future nanotechnology will be a one trillion dollar per year worldwide business (larger than telecommunications and information technology combined). The program emphasizes the basic science and manufacturing practices used in nanotechnology. Gannon collaborates with the NACK center at the Pennsylvania State University to give students hands on learning regarding fabrication and testing of nano-materials.
Gannon has sophisticated nanotechnology instrumentation including atomic force microscope(AFM), dip pen nano-lithography (DPN), scanning electron microscope (SEM), metallurgical microscope and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Along with this specialized nanotechnology instrumentation Gannon has state of the art equipment and molecular modeling computers available for nanotechnology work in its chemistry, biology and physics departments.
Program Options
Curriculum
Gannon Courses
- General Chem 1 and Lab, (CHEM 111 and 112) (4 Credits)
- College Algebra (Math 111) or Calculus 1 (Math 140) (3 Credits)
- Physics and Lab (PHYS 105 &106) or (PHYS 111 and112) (4 Credits)
- Introduction to Nanotechnology (NANO 121) (3 Credits)
NACK 6 Courses (Presented at Penn State)
- Materials, Safety and Equipment Overview(NANO 311) (3 Credits)
- Basic nanotech Process (NANO 312) (3 Credits)
- Materials in Nanotechnology (NANO 313) (3 Credits)
- Patterning in Nanotechnology (NANO 314) (3 Credits)
- Materials Modifications and Applications (NANO 315) (3 Credits)
- Characterization, Testing and Structures (NANO 316) (3 Credits)
It is recommended but not required that students complete Biochemistry at Gannon (CHEM 366). Nanotechnology research opportunities are also available at Gannon.