Certificate of Proficiency l 26 credits minimum
Program Division: Division of Natural Sciences
Program Location: Taylorsville Redwood, Science & Industry Building, SI 345
General Information: (801) 957-4073
Program Information: (801) 957-4150
Program Website: http://www.slcc.edu/engineering
Academic and Career Advising
Academic Advisor: SI - 209: (801) 957-4858
Program Faculty:
Dean - Clifton Sanders
Associate Dean - Peter Iles
Associate Professor − Holly Moore
Assistant Professors − James Smith, Wesley Sanders
Program Description:
The Nanotechnology Certificate of Proficiency Program will provide students with skills in basic micro- and nanofabrication procedures used to create a wide variety of nanomaterials, and will familiarize students with the best safety and environmental practices used in nanofabrication laboratories. Through collaboration with the University of Utah and local area industries, this program will expose students to equipment common place in micro- and nanofabrication laboratories including but not limited to clean room facilities, vacuum systems, plasma systems, etch systems, photolithography, and chemical vapor deposition. Equipment of this nature is routinely used in the creation of integrated circuits and computer chips found in all solid state electronic devices. This two-year certification program is comprised of coursework outlining the fundamentals of micro- and nanofabrication and hands-on experiences courtesy of the University of Utah and an internship/co-op program. Students who complete the program will have acquired an understanding of the operational fundamentals of micro- and nanofabrication instrumentation, and experience using the equipment. Micro- and nanofabrication is an important component of numerous economic fields including but not limited to; semiconductors, materials science, metallurgy, engineering, environmental studies, medicine, manufacturing, and nanotechnology. This certificate is meant to be a part of a series of stackable credentials, meaning students can use the knowledge and technical skills acquired to enhance their chosen field of study or employment.
Career Opportunities:
Students completing the Nanotechnology Certificate of Proficiency program will be highly qualified for most entry-level lab assistant positions or technician positions in a variety of fields. Micro- and nanofabrication related employment is available in materials research, medical diagnostic, life sciences research, product development, quality assurance, failure analysis, process optimization, just to name a few. Potential lab assistant and technician entry level positions for students who complete the program are found in government, academic, and industrial institutions..
Total Program/Course Fees:
$100 Lab fees for each individual microscopy course (electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and optical microscopy).
Additional chemistry and elective course fees may apply.
Estimated Time to Completion:
Full-time: Four semesters
| Program Student Learning Outcomes |
Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes |
| Students will demonstrate awareness of basic nanotechnology related EHS awareness by understanding basics of material properties of substances used, and properly storing and disposing of substances. |
1 - Acquire substantive knowledge.
5 - Civic Engagement |
| Students will demonstrate knowledge of nanotechnology equipment and processing skills by successfully completing a co-op. In this co-op, students will learn proper use and maintenance of chemical hoods and glove boxes. This co-op will also allow students to learn how to operate and maintain equipment associated with; vacuum systems, plasma systems, and furnaces. |
1 - Acquire substantive knowledge.
2 - Communicate effectively.
3 - Develop quantitative literacy.
4 - Think critically and creatively.
5 - Civic engagement.
6 - Work professionally and constructively. |
| Students will understand the chemical and physical principles involved with etch and deposition systems. |
1 - Acquire substantive knowledge.
3 - Develop quantitative literacy.
4 - Think critically and creatively. |
| Students will describe the chemical and physical processes involved with photolithography, e-beam lithography, and ion beam lithography systems. |
1 - Acquire substantive knowledge.
3 - Develop quantitative literacy.
4 - Think critically and creatively. |
| 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 chemicals material modification. |
1 - Acquire substantive knowledge.
3 - Develop quantitative literacy.
4 - Think critically and creatively. |
| 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 - Acquire substantive knowledge.
2 - Communicate effectively.
3 - Develop quantitative literacy.
4 - Think critically and creatively.
7 - Develop computer and information literacy. |
| Students will develop a professional decorum that is transferable to an industrial or academic nanofabrication lab by conducting presentations in aassociated microscopy course work. Preparation for the presentation involves; research skills, presentation skills, and technical reporting and documentation. |
2 - Communicate effectively.
3 - Develop quantitative literacy.
4 - Think critically and creatively.
5 - Civic engagement.
6 - Work professionally and constructively.
7 - Develop computer and information literacy. |
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