NSC Nanotechnology Program

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The nanotechnology program at North Seattle Colleges is a cross-disciplinary program combining elements of material science, chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, and electronics. With an emphasis on hands-on skills, this program provides graduates with the skills to enter a wide range of materials-based industries.

Program Options: AAS-T and Certificate

The Nanotechnology Associate of Applied Science, Transferable (AAS-T) degree is a two-year program that prepares graduates for entry level technician positions in the nano/micro-fabrication industry and related manufacturing industries.

The year-long Nanotechnology Certificate is designed for students who already have work or academic experience in microelectronics, biotechnology, optics or related technical fields and require specialization to pursue a career in nanoscience.

Prospective students are encouraged to consult with an NSC academic advisor to prepare an academic plan for either the AAS-T or the Certificate. In addition, prospective students may meet with Nanotechnology faculty member Alissa Agnello or SHINE Employment & Internship Specialist Mine Her.

Program Highlights

Internships: NSC Nanotechnology students gain valuable experience in a variety of nanotechnology fields through their internships. In addition, students develop professional contacts with nanotechnology researchers and industry members. Both NSC Nanotechnology Associate’s Degree and Certificate program students are required to take two quarters of internship.

Relevant Coursework: learn technical skills in the lab you’ll use on the job. Core nanotechnology classes have an average of 12 students and are taught by experienced instructors with advanced degrees in chemistry and materials science.

Hands-On Labs: Every nanotechnology course includes hands-on experience with NSC Nanotechnology’s suite of characterization and fabrication instruments in the Nanotechnology Lab.

Personalized Career Advising: The SHINE Employment & Internship specialist works exclusively with nanotechnology students on the internship and job search process. In addition, the Nanotechnology program hosts workshops on career development topics throughout the year. Past workshops include technical resume writing, job search strategies and networking skills.

Regional Connections: Interact with industry professionals at quarterly nanotechnology events, participate in industry lab tours and attend industry panels.

Nanotechnology Classes

*Course offerings are subject to change.

NSC Academic Year Calendar

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:

• 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
• Synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles
• Photolithography
• Physical vapor deposition via thermal evaporation
• Sputter coating
• Electrochemical deposition
• Wet chemical etching
• Ion plasma etching
• Microfluidics
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
• Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM)
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with x-ray chemical analysis (EDS)
• Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM)
• Surface contact profilometry
• Contact angle measurements
• Optical microscopy
• Solar cell testing
• Four point probe