Nanoscience Minor

Program of Study
Degree Type
Minor

Important to nanoscience are the studies of the structure and function of molecules, and the quantum and atomic properties of matter. Nanoscientists investigate fundamental aspects of the behavior of molecules, materials, devices, and living matter at length scales smaller than the wavelength of visible light. Synthesizing knowledge across disciplines greatly enhances progress in understanding nanoscale systems. A Minor in Nanoscience will benefit students who wish to enhance their disciplinary major with an additional degree designation in the area of Nanoscience.

The Minor in Nanoscience requires the completion of at least two units of course work in the topical areas described below: Students planning the minor should contact Professor Burnham in the Physics Department.

Program Distribution Requirements for the Nanoscience Minor

Structure of Molecules (Minimum 1/3 Unit)

At least one course in organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry

Function of Molecules (Minimum 1/3 Unit)

At least one course (1/3 unit) selected from the following list:

Atomic Properties of Matter (Minimum 1/3 Unit)

At least one course (1/3 unit) selected from the following list:

Quantum Properties of Matter (Minimum 1/3 Unit)

At least one course (1/3 unit) selected from the following list:

Nanoscale Fabrication and Characterization

(No minimum number of required courses.) 

Interdisciplinary Capstone Experience in Nanoscience (Minimum 1/3 Unit)

The capstone experience for the Nanoscience minor can be satisfied either by i) an independent study arranged for this purpose as the sixth course in the sequence, or ii) a small project during an existing course, also as the sixth course in the sequence.c If the second option is chosen, the student must arrange an interdisciplinary capstone experience with the instructor prior to the start of the course, and the instructor must agree to advise it. In either case, documentation of the capstone is required, prepared in consultation with the independent study advisor or instructor, which incorporates and ties together concepts learned in the Nanoscience courses selected. After successful completion of the capstone, the instructor shall notify the student, Professor Burnham in the Physics Department, and the Registrar. 

Notes:
  1. In keeping with Institute-wide policy for minors, up to three courses may be double-counted for degree requirements (at most 1/3 unit of IQP), no course may be triple-counted, and the capstone experience must be done at the end of the sequence. The Major Qualifying Project (MQP) may not be counted toward activity for Minors.
  2. Other courses, including graduate courses, may be used to satisfy the four topic areas with the approval of the Nanoscience Minor Committee.
  3. A list of faculty who are willing to advise Nanoscience Capstones or ISUs is given at the bottom of https://www.wpi.edu/academics/study/nanoscience-minor.