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National Research Nuclear University (MEPhI) (edX)
The Introduction to the Modern Nanotechnology short course is taught by the National Research Nuclear University (MEPhI), a widely recognized and respected technical university in Russia. Students enrolled in this course will gain a basic understanding of nanomaterials fabrication, design, and analysis.
Through completion of this course, students will understand basic modern nanotechnology concepts from a semiconductor physics and quantum mechanics standpoint. Students will also have a working understanding of a “ bottom-up” or “top-down” approach for nanosystems classifications. This is an eight-week program that requires two to three hours of study per week.
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (Coursera)
The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology offers a nanotechnology and nanosensors part1 and part 2 short course program through Coursera. Given that nanotechnology and nanosensors are such a broad field, these courses provide an overview of fundamental principles and how the role of sensing properties of nanomaterials are applied. Both courses are taught by professor Hossam Haick, the head of the laboratory for nanomaterial-based devices (LNBD) and volatile biomarkers.
At the end of the first part, students will understand the fabrication, characterization, and manipulation of nanomaterials. The second course covers more specialized topics such as how nanomaterials can be used for disease diagnosis and treatment, to improve the environment, and quality control of goods. Each program is only four weeks long and can be completed in approximately 12 hours total.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a nanoscience and nanotech short course titled “Industrial Application and Transformation.” This course can be completed as a stand-alone program or as part of a certificate in either design and manufacturing or biotechnology and life sciences. Specifically designed for engineering and technology professionals in nanoscience, this program focuses on how to use nanotechnology in industrial sectors.
Over the course of three days, participants will participate in intensive lectures followed by group exercises. Many lectures have required reading participants must complete in advance. Participants should also anticipate completing extensive homework each of the two nights of the course. Upon completion, attendees will have the framework and understanding to commercialize the power of nanoscale technologies.
Duke University, North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Coursera)
Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have teamed up to offer a nanotechnology course for makers. This course aims to provide training and tools so makers can turn their ideas that utilize nanotechnology into physical products.
The first of the four weeks covers the foundations of nanotechnology. The following three weeks cover nano measurements and characterization tools, including scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray and optical characterization.
The course demonstrates the use of various tools for nanofabrication, electron beam microscopy, and nano-characterization. Students who have completed this course will be able to use tools through the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network (RTNN).
Purdue University (edX)
Purdue University offers a four-week online course in the fundamentals of nanotransistors, a specialized branch of nanotechnology. Transistors are like electronic switches that enable our electronics to work and are found in many things used in everyday life. This course covers the physics of how nanoscale transistors work. Students need to only have a basic understanding of semiconductor physics in order to complete this program.
Over the course of eight weeks, students will complete online learning modules designed by top professors at Purdue. A pre-course assessment will help students determine what knowledge they already have and where they will need to complete further studies. There are even supplemental reading suggestions for students who want to continue their education.
Purdue University (edX) – MicroMasters
The MicroMasters nanoscience and technology offered by Purdue University on edX is a perfect program for candidates who need more in-depth training and education but don’t have the time to dedicate to a full certificate or master’s program. This program covers many of nanotechnology basics, including nanotransistors, how to design nanoelectronics, modeling modern photonic nanostructures, and how the quantum transport phenomena affect nanoscale devices.
Students must complete six modules that are each five weeks long that build on each other. Each week students must dedicate between 8 to 10 hours to their studies. Credits earned as part of this program can be used to complete a full master’s program through edX or Purdue.
University of Twente (Future Learn)
The four-week nanotechnology for health: innovative designs for medical diagnosis from the University of Twente explores the many applications of nanotechnology in health care. Specifically, students will learn about nanotechnology’s potential applications in medical applications or how it can be used to diagnose and treat diseases. This course also covers the ethics of medical nanotechnology.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to describe the science of nanotechnology, work with science and technology to fabricate nanodevices, explore the relationships between nanotechnology and medicine, and discuss the ethical and societal implications of the use of nanotechnology in medicine. Students must have undergraduate level education in math and physics in order to be successful in this course.
With a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in higher education, Kimmy Gustafson regularly contributes insightful articles to OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com, providing readers with a comprehensive view on the evolving landscape of engineering education since 2019. She has intervi...
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