Nanoscience is a field of study involving the areas of chemistry, biology, engineering and physics. It studies the composition, structure, properties and behavior of material at the molecular and atomic level. Research, observation, measurement and manipulation occur at the nanometer range. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. Visualize approximately 80,000 nanometers being the diameter of a human hair.

Nanotechnology is the purposeful design, manufacturing and production of a product at the nanoscale, which has useful applications in our world. Nanostructures can fit together into larger structures to produce items such as microelectronics, microsensors, and micromachines.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS:
Due to high interest in the Nanoscience Technology program, as well as limited space available, there will be a selection process for students to advance to the second year of the program. A majority of the criteria for selection will be based upon the first two semesters of coursework. Courses taken during this time are mostly general education courses, which may also be applied to an Associate of Arts degree. Additional application materials will be sent to students who apply to the Nanoscience Technology program.

1.Students will have the knowledge to explain basic scientific principles related to the behavior of matter at the atomic level in chemical, biological, and mechanical systems.
2.Students will demonstrate proficiency in operating state-of-the-art nanofabrication equipment.
3.Students will know how to apply the concepts of the nanofabrication process related to advanced electronic and the latest nano-level manufacturing technologies.
4.Students will demonstrate the skills necessary to function as a technician in the field of nanofabrication.
5.Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the entire nanofabrication process as it applies to biological, chemical and electronics manufacturing technologies.

The ultra-small scale of Nanoscience allows individuals working in the field to apply basic sciences, chemistry, physics, and biology to the Nanoscience world and enter the job market in a variety of areas. Nanoscience technicians work in research, production, marketing, and business environments where nano scale is a part of the industry. According to Jack Uldrich and Deb Newberry, authors of the new book, "The Next Big Thing is Really Small," "The market for nanotechnology in the United States is rapidly growing and projected to reach $1 trillion by 2010. Growth over this period is expected to produce between 800,000 and two million new technical jobs." Graduates of this program will be prepared for employment in a multitude of industries with positions in business, marketing, research and production.

Nanotechnicians work in a wide variety of industries including biomedicine/biotechnology, microelectronics/microfabrication, materials/coating/polymers, agriculture production, food process/value added agriculture, environmental analysis/bio-remediation and energy (H-fuel cells/biomass/solar/wind).

The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (800) 621-7440, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504.