Micro-/Nanotechnology: CP (CTE)

Certificate of Proficiency | 29 credits minimum

Program Website
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Program Description
The consolidated Micro-/Nanotechnology Certificate of Proficiency Program is a two-year certification program comprised of coursework that provides students with industry-based skill sets related to chemical synthesis, chemical analysis, basic micro-/nanofabrication procedures, and nanocharacterization. This program will provide students with skills in basic optical, electron, and scanning probe microscopy techniques. Electron and scanning probe microscopes are powerful tools designed to generate topographical images and data on a wide variety of micro -and nanoscale materials. These microscopes are used in a multitude of academic and industrial endeavors across many scientific disciplines. Additionally, students will acquire skill sets associated with basic micro- and nanofabrication procedures. This program will expose students to equipment and techniques common place in micro- and nanofabrication laboratories including wet chemical synthesis, physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), template-assisted electrodeposition, and photolithograpy. Students who complete the program will be proficient in the basic use of optical microscopes, scanning probe microscopes, electron microscopes (SEM and TEM), chemical characterization (EDS), image processing, and interpretation of microscopy data. Students will acquire an understanding of the operational fundamentals of micro-/nanofabrication synthesis and instrumentation methods, in addition to experience utilizing the equipment and processes. The program includes a diverse elective list that allows students to pursing additional instruction in engineering, chemistry, or the natural sciences. This program complies with ASTM Nanotechnology Workforce Education Standard E3001-15 (characterization). Due to ASTM compliance, students can pursue ASTM certifications in the above categories by completing the appropriate exam. Successful completion of ASTM exams will demonstrate proficiency in the regulatory nanotechnology-based requirements that comply with industry standards. This is a two-year certification program comprised of coursework with a substantial hands-on component. This certificate is meant to be a stackable credential, meaning students can use the knowledge and technical skills acquired to enhance their chosen field of study or employment.

Career OpportunitiesStudents completing this program will be highly qualified for most entry-level lab assistant or technician positions in a variety of fields. These fields include, but are not limited to; semiconductor manufacture, materials research, medical diagnostics, life sciences research, product development, quality assurance, failure analysis, and process optimization.

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx
Course fees: $35

Note: Fees vary based upon specific registration and are subject to changes.

Program Requirements

Required Courses (23-24 Credits)

Elective Courses (6-8 Credits)

Select from the following:

Time to Completion & Graduation Map

Micro-/Nanotechnology CP: Part-time
Part-time: Four semesters
Students who need to take preparatory classes to satisfy requirements of first semester classes should plan on extra time to complete the program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcome alignment with Student Learning Outcomes in brackets.

Students will learn how to characterize micro and nanoscale structures using Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Additionally, students will learn how to analyze nanoscale materials using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and UV-VIS spectroscopy. [1,2,3,4]
Students will learn how to characterize microstructures using a variety of optical microscopy techniques. Techniques include bright field, dark field, phase contrast, polarized light, and fluorescence microscopy. [1,2,3,4]
Students will demonstrate their ability to deposit micro and nanoscale structures utilizing spin coating and microcontact printing. Students will subsequently demonstrate their ability to use the AFM, SEM, and optical microscopy techniques to analyze samples. [1,3,4]
Students will develop a professional decorum that is transferable to an industrial or academic nanofabrication lab by conducting presentations in associated course work. Preparation for the presentation involves; research skills, presentation skills, and technical reporting and documentation. [2,3,4,5,6,7]
Students will understand the chemical and physical principles involved with patterning and deposition systems. [1,3,4]
Students will recognize when fabrication procedures are top-down and when the other fabrication procedures are bottom-up by examining a wide variety of techniques such as, reactive ion etch, dry etch, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor disposition (PVD), and wet chemical synthesis. [1,3,4]
Students will perform laboratory exercises associated with nanomaterial synthesis and fabrication (wet chemical synthesis, electrodeposition, PVD, CVD, and photolithography). [1,3,4]
Students will learn fundamentals concepts associated with inorganic chemistry such as: atomic structure chemical bonding, chemical reactions, solution chemistry, stoichiometry, periodic table, thermochemistry, kinetics, gases, and kinetic molecular theory will be covered. Student understanding will be assessed using a series quizzes and exams. Students will visualize inorganic chemical principles discussed in lecture by conducting a series of lab activities. [1,3,4]
Students will learn chemical principles including chemical kinetics, equilibria, acids and bases, entropy and free energy, precipitation reactions, electrochemistry, main group chemistry, nuclear chemistry, metallic bonding theories, hybridization, intro to organic chemistry. Student understanding will be assessed using a series quizzes and exams. [1,3,4]