North Seattle College Nanotechnology Program

​Program Learning Outcomes/Core Competencies
  • Use knowledge of nanoscience and mathematics to follow protocols, conduct science or engineering procedures, fabricate products, make conclusions about results, and troubleshoot
  • Effectively use complex instrumentation and follow protocols in a laboratory environment
  • Compile and analyze data to draw conclusions at the micro and nano level
  • Design, implement, and document experiments
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively in a high tech environment
  • Independently seek out innovations in the rapidly changing field of nanotechnology

Technical Skills

​Students gain hands-on experience with the following:

General Lab and Safety
  • Chemical procedures and safety (MSDS; Hazards; Chemical Storage, etc.)
  • Gas cylinders and two stage pressure regulators
  • Creating and following standard operating procedures
  • Initiating, documenting, and completing service calls for equipment maintenance and repair
  • Cleanroom Protocols
  • Vacuum Techniques, vacuum gauge types, vacuum systems

​Fabrication and Sample Preparation
  • Synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles
  • Photolithography
  • Physical vapor deposition via thermal evaporation
  • Sputter coating
  • Carbon coating
  • Electrochemical deposition
  • Wet chemical etching
  • Ion plasma etching
  • Microfluidics

Characterization
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with x-ray chemical analysis (EDS)
  • Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
  • Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM)
  • Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM)
  • Surface contact profilometry
  • Optical microscopy
  • Solar cell testing
  • Four point probe resistivity measurements
  • Contact angle measurements
  • Precision probing via analytical probe station
  • Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements

​In addition, students gain more specialized skills through internships in academic or industry labs for two academic quarters. Students also have the opportunity to pursue independent projects in the NSC Nanotechnology lab under the supervision of the Nanotechnology Lab Manager.

Professional Skills

Students hone their professional skills through:
  • Individual research projects and presentations in nanotechnology classes
  • Collaborative lab work and group research projects
  • Career development workshops focusing on workplace professional skills
  • Individual meetings with the program’s Internship & Employment Specialist
  • Informational interviews with program alumni and regional industry leaders

North Seattle College Nanotechnology Lab

Students gain hands-on experience with most of the following instruments. Current students have also completed independent projects of up to 100 hours of experience on our SEM, confocal microscope, and profilometer.
  • Aspex Explorer SEM/EDS
  • Olympus FV10i-LIV Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope
  • Bruker DektakXT Surface Profilometer
  • Nanosurf AFM/STM
  • Malvern Zetasizer Nano DLS
  • Signatone S-1160 Analytical Probe Station
  • Cressington 108C Carbon Coater
  • Hummer VI Sputter Coater
  • Solar Light Solar Simulator
  • VCA Optima Goniometer
  • Lucas Labs 4pt. Probe Stage
  • EpiStar 2560 Metallographic Microscope
  • ChemSols Spincoater
  • Varian Vacuum System
  • Branson Sonicator
  • Isotemp 281A Vacuum Oven
  • MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer
  • Epilog Zing 16 30W Laser Cutting System

Student Links

Student Internships

​Jobs

Scholarships

​Nanotech Program AAS-T and - Certificate
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Core Competencies and Technical Skills of NSC Nanotechnology Program Graduates​