Nanoscience, P.B.C.

The Graduate Certificates are 12 credit programs for individuals with a baccalaureate or master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Biology, or closely related STEM fields who want additional training and foundation skills. The nanoscience department offers five graduate certificates in Nanoscience, Advanced Materials, Analytical Instrumentation, Medical Science, and Synthetic Biology technical areas that will afford numerous opportunities for collaboration with industrial partners and advanced degrees.  

Program Distinctions

Graduate Certificate in Nanoscience

The PBC in Nanoscience program is a rigorous program consisting of 4 courses (12 credits) providing a solid conceptual foundation in Nanoscience. While two semesters are normally suggested to complete the program, students are free to complete the program on a part-time basis or attempt four courses during one single semester. To satisfy the requirements for the Graduate Certificate program, admitted students must Required: 12 credit hours

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Materials

Advanced materials are engineered materials with designated properties created by specialized process and synthesis technology, and involve nanomaterials which are materials “with any external dimension in the nanoscale or having internal structure or surface structure in the nanoscale.” The study of advanced materials has touched all aspects of human life and is a growing and active field. Advanced materials require a broad knowledge in chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering. The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Materials program allows students with STEM bachelor’s degrees to understand the fundamental concepts in advanced materials and prepare them for their future careers related to this ever-expanding field.

Graduate Certificate in Analytical Instrumentation

Analytical instrumentation concerns quantitative measurements that are required in every area of science, engineering, and technology. It has been at the heart of scientific advances particularly in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology and will continue to dominate in the future. The Graduate Certificate in Analytical Instrumentation program is designed to provide basic knowledge and skills to students and train them for careers in research in academia, industry, government labs, hospitals, and other technologically oriented enterprises.

Graduate Certificate in Medical Science

Medical science concerns human health and there is a growing interest in health-related studies. The Graduate Certificate in Medical Science program allows students with STEM bachelor’s degrees to understand the fundamental concepts in medical science and prepare them for their future careers related to this ever-expanding health-related field.

Graduate Certificate in Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology involves redesigning biological systems such as enzymes for useful purposes by engineering them to have new abilities and functions. It can be used to find solutions in medicine, manufacturing, and agriculture. The Graduate Certificate in Synthetic Biology program allows students with STEM bachelor’s degrees to understand the fundamental concepts in synthetic biology and prepare them for their future careers related to this ever-expanding field.

The Student Experience

Graduate Certificate in Nanoscience

Required Courses (6 credits)

• NAN 616 Principles of Nanoscience I
• NAN 617 Principles of Nanoscience II

Elective Courses (6 credits)

• Select two courses (6 credits) of electives from NAN graduate courses

Total Credit Hours 12

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Materials

Select four courses (12 credits) from the following:

• NAN 601 Nanomaterials Chemistry
• NAN 603 Principles of Quantum and Solid State Physics
• NAN 604 Nanotechniques
• NAN 615 Spectroscopy Methods in Nanoscience
• NAN 616 Principles of Nanoscience I
• NAN 640 The Science and Engineering of Thin Films
• NAN 655 Biomimetics and Biomaterials
• NAN 771 Computational Quantum Nanochemistry

Graduate Certificate in Analytical Instrumentation

Select four courses (12 credits) from the following:

• NAN 604 Nanotechniques
• NAN 615 Spectroscopy Methods in Nanoscience
• NAN 623 Optical Microscopy for Nanoscience
• NAN 624 Particle Beam Microscopy for Nanoscience
• NAN 625 Molecular Biology in Nanosciences
• NAN 630 Advances in Nano-Biosensors
• NAN 634 Robust Equipment and Process Control Techniques

Graduate Certificate in Medical Science

Required Course (3 credits)

• NAN 617 Principles of Nanoscience II: Analytical, Statistical, and Computational Foundations

Elective Courses (9 credits)

Select three courses (9 credits) from the following:

• NAN 609 Nanosafety
• NAN 610 Systems and Synthetic Biology
• NAN 620 Immunology
• NAN 635 Nanomechanics
• NAN 655 Biomimetics and Biomaterials
• NAN 771 Computational Quantum Nanochemistry

Graduate Certificate in Synthetic Biology

Select four courses (12 credits) from the following

• NAN 602 Physical Biology
• NAN 610 Systems and Synthetic Biology
• NAN 620 Immunology
• NAN 625 Molecular Biology in Nanosciences
• NAN 630 Advances in Nano-Biosensors
• NAN 635 Nanomechanics
• NAN 641 SemiSynBio, Advanced Materials, and Beyond
• NAN 655 Biomimetics and Biomaterials
• NAN 771 Computational Quantum Nanochemistry