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The Degree Paths in Microsystems & Nanotechnology

Hal EvensenProgram Coordinator, MSNT

Spring, 2014

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Info about Microsystems & Nanotechnology

• Definitions/Background:– What are Microsystems? Nanotechnology? At UW-Platteville?

• Curriculum/facilities• The degree path(s):

– B.S. in MSNT– Minor in MSNT– Engineering Physics with MSNT Emphasis

• Helpful links• Your questions and feedback

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Definitions/backgroundMicrosystems technology • Products with structures in the micrometer

range;• The diameter of a human hair is about 100

micrometers. • MEMS sensors, microelectronics, and

microfluidic devices. • Can involve concepts from mechanical and

electrical engineering, biology and chemistry.

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Definitions/backgroundNanotechnology • The science, engineering and application of materials

and objects at the sub-100 nanometer size scale. • A virus is roughly 100 nm long.

• Novel properties of materials at this scale lead to new applications;

• Fabrication, manipulation, imaging and analysis of nanoscale features;

• Physics, chemistry, materials science & biology topics.

www.nature.com

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MSNT @ UW-Platteville… a multidisciplinary program that develops future scientists & engineers who are capable of addressing problems of a nontraditional nature, including:• Participating in industrial research, especially • Contributing to the development and application

of microsystems and nanomaterials;• Also, preparation for further study if desired.

The curriculum has a foundation of the major principles of a traditional discipline (biology, chemistry, physics), augmented with specialized knowledge in the realm of nanomaterials.

The application of new techniques in physics, chemistry, and biology at very small scales in order to create multidisciplinary solutions to very large problems.

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MSNT @ UW-PlattevilleEquipment in a hands-on program

Microplotter

Atomic force microscope

Scanning electron microscope

Sputterer

Atomic force microscope

NEW June 2014

3.0 nm!

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MSNT @ UW-PlattevilleStudent creations & images

Scratched AFM image

SEM images: SEEDS

Graphene nano- transistor

Penny-patterned gold film

AFM image – moth wing

Microfluid device

~300 nm nanofibers

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Three degree paths: 1. Engineering

Engineering:• Engineering Physics major with

Emphasis in Nanomaterials (est. Fall 2013)• Strong support from industry

• “This (program) looks very good. Graduates should be very helpful for [our company] and others.”

• ABET-accredited engineering degree• Technical electives in nanomaterials…• …and Organic Chemistry

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Three degree paths2. Science

Science:• Major in Microsystems & Nanomaterials

• established Spring 2014• Not engineering…

• More science (esp. Chemistry)• More choice in technical electives

• Flexibility to combine degree with Chemistry, Biology, EP degrees

• In 4, 4.5, or 5 years

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Three degree paths3. Minor

Minor:• Minor in Microsystems & Nanotechnology

• established 2007… still here!• Works with EP, ME, EE, Biology, Chemistry…

• “9 credits beyond graduation”

" I think the minor was very valuable and some of the knowledge that I've learned has helped me in the real world. "

“The interdisciplinary aspect was very useful, since it was rare if a student worked with other majors on a project in upper level engineering courses… Having this experience during school proved useful during job interviews.”

MSNT Courses: Minor, Major

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MSNT 1010“Intro to micro/nano”

Hands-on

MSNT 3940*“Principles & Apps of

Nanoscience”Nano with lab

*Also counts for EE/EP

MSNT 4230*“MEMS Design, Fabrication

& Simulation”Micromachines & fab steps

*Also counts for ME/EP

MSNT 4000“Research in MSNT”1-semester project

Minor 4 core courses, plus degree in

Bio, Chem, EE,EP, ME

MSNT 3xx0“Properties of Materials”

From Nano to Macro

MSNT 4xx0“Surfaces, Thin Films, &

Heterostructures ”Extension of 3xx0

MSNT 4910“Capstone Research”

2nd semester of project

Major Core courses, plus new courses,

capstone, 20 cr. electives

OrganicBiochem

Physical Chem

Cell BioOR

Inorganic Chem

Physics thru Modern or P.Chem

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Calc I-II-III+Stats

MaterialsCircuits

And Math Physics, Chemistry, Engineering

MSNT Courses: EP Emphasis

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MSNT 1010“Intro to micro/nano”

Hands-on

MSNT 3940*“Principles & Apps of

Nanoscience”Nano with lab

MSNT 4230*“MEMS Design, Fabrication

& Simulation”Micromachines & fab steps

MSNT 4000“Research in MSNT”1-semester project

Minor 4 core courses, plus degree in

Bio, Chem, EE,EP, ME

MSNT 3xx0“Properties of Materials”

From Nano to Macro

MSNT 4xx0“Surfaces, Thin Films, &

Heterostructures ”Extension of 3xx0

MSNT 4910“Capstone Research”

2nd semester of project

Major Core courses, plus new courses,

capstone, 20 cr. electives

OrganicBiochem

Physical Chem

Cell BioOR

Inorganic Chem

Physics thru Modern or P.Chem

II

Calc I-II-III,Diff. EQ

MaterialsCircuits

EP Emphasis

+EP courses (Sensors,

Mechanics, Optics, etc.)

+Engineering Materials,+1 more engineering

elective

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MSNT @ UW-PlattevilleCareer opportunities

• We expect most MSNT graduates will enter industry• Most employers will be “traditional,” well-established.• Typical starting salaries on par with engineering/science.• UW-Platteville MSNT has received strong support from

our industrial advisory board• They have indicated a willingness to take on co-ops,

etc., and to sponsor senior design projects.

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MSNT @ UW-PlattevilleFeedback from industry (1/2)

Senior Scientist at a Pharmaceuticals company: “I think this is a good direction to take ... I believe this new approach will provide your students with just the right expertise to leverage their knowledge and contribute effectively to a diverse scientific workforce.”

Structural Engineer (small business owner): “I think the emphasis track in Engineering Physics the right course for this program… I would be very interested in working together on ways to commercialize products that are being developed.”

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MSNT @ UW-PlattevilleFeedback from industry (2/2)

From advanced technology directors at two regional companies that hire UW-Platteville graduates: “We need MSNT graduates “yesterday;” “We cannot find enough qualified MSNT grads to meet our current and future needs.”

From a Wisconsin manufacturing company’s director of research: “This (program) looks very good. Graduates should be very helpful for [our company] and others in nano.”

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Further Information

• Link at www.uwplatt.edu/mn • 5-year dual-major planners• Checksheets• Courses• Facilities• Faculty/staff• Visitor Center handout

Yan WuProgram Coordinator 2014-2015

Gokul Gopal

Hal EvensenOff Campus 2014-2015

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Take-home thoughts

• New “science” major in Nanomaterials• Engineering nanomaterials track = optional path in EP• Minor in MSNT• Strength: interdisciplinary skills• Unsure? MSNT 1010, Intro to Micro/Nano – hands on

introduction (1 cr)