Nanoscale Science and Engineering

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University at Albany students admitted to the undergraduate programs in nanoscale science and nanoscale engineering may complete their programs as described below. New students seeking admission to these programs - as freshmen or as transfers - will find updated information about new admissions processes at the website of the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering/SUNY Polytechnic Institute (CNSE at SUNY PI): http://sunycnse.com.

Information for University at Albany Students Admitted to the Undergraduate Programs in Nanoscale Science and Engineering

The undergraduate curricula in the interdisciplinary fields of nanoscale science and nanoscale engineering are designed to provide UAlbany’s undergraduate students with a well-rounded education of the highest quality. The curriculum provides students with the analytical tools necessary to explore, discover, and innovate, while cementing fundamental knowledge in nanoscience and nanoengineering. The programs impart a broad-based, basic and applied, scientific understanding of atomic scale phenomena, behaviors, and properties of matter in order to achieve deliberate control over nanometer-scale atomic and molecular systems. The programs also enable a quantitative mastery of the fundamental nature of nanoscale interactions that can be effectively used to characterize and measure the behavior and structure of nanometer scale assemblies and systems. These degree programs offer an academically rigorous preparation for students intending to pursue scientific, technical, or professional careers in nanotechnology enabled fields or graduate studies in nanoscale science or nanoscale engineering, biotechnology, biotech-related fields, and other physical sciences such as materials science, physics, and chemistry.

Careers

Graduates will be uniquely qualified for opportunities in the high-tech industries of the 21^st century, including nanoelectronics, nanomedicine, health sciences, and sustainable energy, or for competitive graduate degrees in most science and engineering fields. The importance of nanoscale know-how to the U.S. research and pedagogical agendas and to the future career objectives and pathways of students trained in these arenas is best captured in the multi-billion dollar National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), signed into law by the U.S. President in 2004. The law proclaims that nanotechnology is “leading to the next industrial revolution.” The NNI specifically calls for the creation of the “laboratory and human resource infrastructure in universities and in the education of nanotechnology professionals” to prepare future generations of U.S. citizens to compete in the “innovation economy” of the 21^st century. These conclusions are echoed by the U.S. Commission on National Security/21^st Century in its report entitled Roadmap for National Security: Imperative for Change. The report states that: “We also face an unprecedented opportunity. The world is entering an era of dramatic progress in bioscience and materials science as well as information technology and scientific instrumentation. Brought together and accelerated by nanoscience, these rapidly developing research fields will transform our understanding of the world and our capacity to manipulate it.” [1]

Within the applied physics, applied chemistry, nanobioscience, electrical engineering and quantum physics components of nanoscale science and nanoscale engineering undergraduate programs, students acquire skills and practice using state of the art equipment in nanoelectronics, nanolithography, nanodevice fabrication, electron microscopy, and nanophotonics. In materials science and nano manufacturing students work with polymers, graphene, nanotubes, and other nanoparticle materials related to semiconductors, bioscience, healthcare, renewable energy, clean energy, and other environmental sustainability goals. The curriculum also includes work in nanoeconomics so graduates will better understand the economic and societal impacts of nanotechnology. These courses prepare them for issues relating to grants and patents, the effective commercialization of their future discoveries, and entrepreneurship.

_{[1] Nanotechnology Technology Initiative: Leading to the Next Industrial Revolution (National Science and Technology Council, Maryland, first edition published on September 1999, updated yearly); and J. Jasinski and P. Petroff, in Nanotechnology Research Directions: IWGN Workshop Report, eds. M.C. Roco, S. Williams, and P. Alivisatos (National Science and Technology Council, Maryland, February 2000), pp. 77-96; and “Roadmap for National Security: Imperative for Change,” (the U.S. Commission on National Security/21^st Century, 2001).}

Advising

A comprehensive and proactive advisement program, coupled to a flexible assessment system, is essential to ensuring top academic quality and scholarly excellence of the undergraduate programs while best serving the educational and career interests of its student participants. Upon enrollment into the nanoscale science or nanoscale engineering programs, students will be assigned an academic advisor for consultation and scheduling of coursework.

Periodic communication and evaluation of progress will be implemented for each admitted student and will center on individual advisor/student interactions to ensure timely completion of the program of study. Students will meet with the Director of Academic Advisement and their academic advisors regularly to review progress, solicit guidance, and identify opportunities for advancement. Upon completion of the equivalent of four semesters of residency within the nanoscale science program, each student will be guided to select a research advisor for coordination of research involvement leading to the Capstone Undergraduate Research/Design Project (see Program Requirements section below). As part of this research training, undergraduate students will be required to participate in and contribute to, as early as possible, scientific papers, technical reports, and presentations at national and international conferences, seminars, and symposia. Furthermore, undergraduate students enrolled in the nanoscale science and nanoscale engineering programs will be strongly encouraged to participate in onsite and offsite private sector and government laboratory fellowship and internship programs to develop their technical expertise, team participation skills, and professional networking abilities.

Removal from and Reinstatement to the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Majors

For students enrolled at the University at Albany undergraduate programs in nanoscale science and engineering, CNSE at SUNY PI follows the University Policy on academic dismissal. Any SUNY PI student who is dismissed from the University should follow the University’s procedure for appealing academic dismissal. The student should also file an appeal with SUNY PI's Committee on Admissions and Academic Standing. The review of this appeal includes, but is not limited to, the student’s written appeal and documentation, consultations with the student’s instructors and advisor, and SUNY PI's Vice President for Academic Affairs, as appropriate. The committee reviews the appeal and makes a recommendation to the Senior Vice President of SUNY PI. The Senior Vice President makes the final decision, which will be communicated to the student via the Office of Student Affairs. The process and deliberations will follow established University policies and protocols for due process.

Requirements for the B.S. in Nanoscale Science

The B.S. program in Nanoscale Science requires the completion of the following:

• Foundational Principles courses: 20 credits of N SCI/N ENG 114 (or T SCI/T ENH 114), 115, 116, 117, 126, 127, 128, 129, and 140 (or T SCI/T ENH 140), 141. N SCI 128/129 and 140/141 may be replaced by N SCI 133/134 and 135/136 for students pursuing a Nanobioscience concentration.
• Core Competencies courses: 21 credits of N SCI 220 (or T SCI 220), 230 (or T SCI 230), 300, 305, 350, 360, and 410.
• Concentrations courses: 12 credits of Nanoscale Science courses from 1 of the following concentration areas:

Nanoelectronics: N SCI 310, 320, and 420-424
Nanostructured Materials: N SCI 310, 320, and 430-434
Nanobioscience: N SCI 240, 330, and 440-443

• Capstone Undergraduate Research/Design courses: 9 credits of N SCI 390X, 490, 492W.
• 9 credits of 400-level Nanoscale Engineering or Science topical elective courses.
• 6 credits of Nanotechnology survey courses from N ENG/N SCI 101-104.
• 6 credits of 200-level Nanoscale Science and Technology Skills electives.
• 1 credit of a senior seminar courses (N SCI 498 or equivalent).
• 18 credits of Mathematics: A MAT 112, 113, 214, 220, and 314. Students may also substitute the appropriate honors calculus courses offered by the Department of Mathematics that meet the requirements of their major.

The total credit for the major is 102 credits. With the remaining General Education requirements not already completed within the major, the total for the degree program could total 132 credit hours, but by careful choice of General Education requirements, the program can be completed within the 120 credits required for graduation from the University.

Requirements for the B.S. in Nanoscale Engineering

The B.S. program in Nanoscale Engineering requires the completion of the following:

• Foundational Principles courses: 20 credits of N ENG/N SCI 114 (or T ENH/T SCI 114), 115, 116, 117, 126, 127, 128, 129, and 140 (or T ENH/T SCI 140), 141 or 133/134.
• Core Competencies courses: 27 credits of N ENG 301, 302, 303, 304, 405, 406, 407, 408.
• Concentrations courses: 9 credits of Nanoscale Engineering courses from 1 of the following concentration areas:

Nanoelectronics (N ENG 411-415)
Nanoscale Engineering for Energy & Environment Applications (N ENG 421-424)
NanoSystems Engineering (N ENG 431-435)
Nanoscale Lithography (N ENG 441-444)
Emerging Materials and Device Engineering (N ENG 451-457)

• Capstone Undergraduate Research/Design courses: 9 credits of N ENG 390X, 490, 492W.
• 6 credits of 400-level Nanoscale Engineering or Science topical elective courses.
• 6 credits of Nanotechnology survey courses from N ENG/N SCI 101-104.
• 9 credits of 200-level Nanoscale Engineering Design and Skills electives from N ENG 201, 202, and 203 or the corresponding Honors College numbers T ENH 201, 202, and 203.
• 1 credit of a senior seminar courses (N ENG 498 or equivalent).
• 15 credits of Mathematics: A MAT 112, 113, 214, and 311. Students may also substitute the appropriate honors calculus courses offered by the Department of Mathematics that meet the requirements of their major.

The total credit for the major is 102 credits. With the remaining General Education requirements not already completed within the major, the total for the degree program could total 132 credit hours, but by careful choice of General Education requirements, the program can be completed within the 120 credits required for graduation from the University.

Honors Programs in Nanoscale Science and Nanoscale Engineering

Admission: students may apply in the spring of the sophomore year to the honors program in either nanoscale science or nanoscale engineering. Applications will be available from the CNSE at SUNY PI Office of Student Services. The student must have an earned overall GPA of 3.25, and a 3.50 for all courses attempted in the major, at time of admission to the honors program. In addition, all applicants to the honors program must provide as part of the completed application a written statement of purpose which explains the reasons and motivation for wanting to undertake the honors program.

Progress and review: Honors students’ progress in the program will be reviewed every semester by the CNSE at SUNY PI Office of Student Services in consultation with the Honors Program Director and the SUNY PI Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students falling below 3.25 overall, and/or 3.50 in the major will be given a written warning. The warned student will have one semester in which to raise the GPA to the standard. If the student falls below the standard a second time, the student will be removed from the honors program pending an appeal. The appellate procedure for a student who believes they should remain in the program is to submit a written appeal to the Honors Program Director, who will review the appeal with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The student’s instructors and advisor may be consulted as part of the appeal process. A recommendation to continue or remove the student from the honors program will be made to the Senior Vice President of SUNY PI by the Honors Director. The student will be informed of the decision within ten days of submitting the appeal.

If the appeal is granted, the student must meet the standard the next semester in either full-time or part-time study or the student will be dropped from the program with no further appeal. If the appeal is denied, the student is removed from the honors program, and is returned to their original nanoscale science or nanoscale engineering program.

Graduating with Honors in Nanoscale Science or Nanoscale Engineering: When a student who is admitted to the honors program completes all requirements listed below, earns an overall GPA of 3.25 and a major GPA of 3.50, presents an acceptable honors project or thesis (N SCI 493W or N ENG 493W) then, upon recommendation of the project advisor and honors director to the Senior Vice President, the Senior Vice President will direct that the student graduate with “Honors in Nanoscale Science” or “Honors in Nanoscale Engineering” and that the appropriate designation be placed on the student’s transcript.

Requirements for the Honors B.S. in Nanoscale Science

The Honors B.S. in Nanoscale Science requires the completion of the following:

• Foundational Principles courses: 20 credits of N SCI/N ENG 114 (or T SCI/T ENH 114), 115, 116, 117, 126, 127, 128, 129, and 140 (or T SCI/T ENH 140), 141. N SCI 128/129 and 140/141 may be replaced by N SCI 133/134 and 135/136 for students pursuing a Nanobioscience concentration.
• Core Competencies courses: 21 credits of N SCI 220 (or T SCI 220), 230 (or T SCI 230), 300, 305, 350, 360, and 410.
• Concentrations courses: 12 credits of Nanoscale Science courses from 1 of the following concentration areas:

Nanoelectronics: N SCI 310, 320, and 420-424
Nanostructured Materials: N SCI 310, 320, and 430-434
Nanobioscience: N SCI 240, 330, and 440-443

• Capstone Undergraduate Research/Design courses: 9 credits of N SCI 390X, 491, 493W.
• 9 credits of 400-level Nanoscale Engineering or Science topical elective courses.
• 6 credits of Nanotechnology survey courses from N ENG/N SCI 101-104.
• 6 credits of 200-level Nanoscale Science and Technology Skills electives.
• 1 credit of a senior seminar courses (N SCI 498 or equivalent).
• 18 credits of Mathematics: A MAT 112, 113, 214, 220, and 314. Students may also substitute the appropriate honors calculus courses offered by the Department of Mathematics that meet the requirements of their major.

Requirements for the Honors B.S. in Nanoscale Engineering

The Honors B.S. in Nanoscale Engineering requires the completion of the following:

• Foundational Principles courses: 20 credits of N ENG/N SCI 114 (or T ENH/T SCI 114), 115, 116, 117, 126, 127, 128, 129, and 140 (or T ENH/T SCI 140), 141 or 133/134.
• Core Competencies courses: 27 credits of N ENG 301, 302, 303, 304, 405, 406, 407, 408.
• Concentrations courses: 9 credits of Nanoscale Engineering courses from 1 of the following concentration areas:

Nanoelectronics (N ENG 411-415)
Nanoscale Engineering for Energy & Environment Applications (N ENG 421-424)
NanoSystems Engineering (N ENG 431-435)
Nanoscale Lithography (N ENG 441-444)
Emerging Materials and Device Engineering (N ENG 451-457)

• Capstone Undergraduate Research/Design courses: 9 credits of N ENG 390X, 491, 493W.
• 6 credits of 400-level Nanoscale Engineering or Science topical elective courses.
• 6 credits of Nanotechnology survey courses from N ENG/N SCI 101-104.
• 9 credits of 200-level Nanoscale Engineering Design and Skills electives from N ENG 201, 202, and 203 or the corresponding Honors College numbers T ENH 201, 202, and 203.
• 1 credit of a senior seminar courses (N ENG 498 or equivalent).
• 15 credits of Mathematics: A MAT 112, 113, 214, and 311. Students may also substitute the appropriate honors calculus courses offered by the Department of Mathematics that meet the requirements of their major.