NanoEngineering

The NanoEngineering program at the University of California offers students a comprehensive education at the forefront of technological innovation. This interdisciplinary field combines principles of physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering to explore and manipulate matter at the nanoscale, typically less than 100 nanometers. Students in this program gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles governing nanoscale phenomena and learn cutting-edge techniques used in nanofabrication, characterization, and application development. The curriculum includes coursework in nanomaterials, nanoscale device design, quantum mechanics, surface chemistry, and advanced microscopy, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to push the boundaries of science and technology.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to engage in hands-on research projects, working alongside faculty members who are leaders in their fields. These research experiences often focus on developing new materials with unique properties, creating nanoscale electronic and photonic devices, and applying nanotechnology to solve pressing issues in energy, health, and environmental sectors. The program emphasizes innovation and problem-solving, preparing students for diverse careers in academia, industry, and government laboratories.

Students also benefit from the university's state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations with industry partners, fostering an environment of creativity and discovery. The NanoEngineering program cultivates a multidisciplinary perspective, encouraging students to integrate knowledge from various scientific domains to develop novel solutions. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to contribute to advancements in nanotechnology, tackling challenges related to miniaturization, efficiency, and sustainability.

Whether students are interested in research, product development, or entrepreneurship, the NanoEngineering program provides a robust foundation for future success. The curriculum is designed to meet the evolving landscape of nanoscience and engineering, ensuring that students are prepared to lead innovations in technology that can have a profound impact on society. Join us to explore the endless possibilities of the nanoscale world and to become a pioneer in the next generation of technological breakthroughs.

The program offers the M.S. degree in NanoEngineering under both the Thesis (Plan I) and the Comprehensive Examination (Plan II). The requirements for the M.S. degree are as follows:

1. All students must complete a total of thirty-six units.
2. All students must complete five Mandatory Core Courses (NANO 201, 202, 203, 204, 205) and one course from any focus area selected from an approved list of graduate courses with the consent of a faculty advisor.Enrollment in NANO 200, as required. See “Courses” for descriptions.
3. Students either complete a thesis (Plan I) or pass a comprehensive examination (Plan II) as described in the “Graduate Studies” section of this catalog.
4. Students must meet all other requirements established by the university.

The three focus areas and related courses are:
Focus 1 – Biomedical Nanotechnology: NANO 210, 242, 243, 244, 247A, 247B, 247C, 262.
Focus 2 – Molecular & Nanomaterials: NANO 227, 230, 234, 239, 242, 250, 251A, 251B, 252, 253, 263
Focus 3 – Nanotechnologies for Energy and the Environment: NANO 212, 255, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261

Students who transfer with some graduate credit or an M.S. from another institution will have their records reviewed by a faculty advisor, and an appropriate individual course of study may be approved. The M.S. program is intended to extend and broaden an undergraduate education with fundamental knowledge in different fields. The degree may be terminal, or obtained on the way to the Ph.D. The degree is offered under both the Thesis Plan I and the Comprehensive Examination Plan II.

M.S. Time Limit Policy: Full-time M.S. students are permitted seven quarters in which to complete all requirements. While there is no written time limit for part-time students, the department has the right to intervene and set individual deadlines if it becomes necessary.

Course requirements: All M.S. students must complete a total of thirty-six units, which include a core of five courses (twenty units).

No more than a total of eight units of NANO 296 and 298 may be applied toward the course work requirement. Units in seminars (NANO 200 and 279) may not be applied toward the degree requirement.

Thesis Plan I: Completion of the research thesis (NANO 299) fulfills twelve (12) units toward the total graduation requirement. The balance is made up of the five (5) core courses (twenty (20) units) and one additional elective course (four (4) units) subject to the restrictions described above.

Comprehensive Examination Plan II: This plan involves course work only and culminates in an oral comprehensive examination based on topics selected from the core courses. In addition to the five (5) core courses (twenty (20) units), one must choose an additional four electives (sixteen (16) units) subject to the restrictions of NANO 279, 296, and 298 described above. A student should consult their academic advisor to choose an appropriate course schedule.

Courses

• NANO 200: Graduate Seminar in NanoEngineering (1)
• NANO 201: Foundations of Nanoengineering I: Introduction to NanoEngineering (4)
• NANO 202: Intermolecular and Surface Forces (4)
• NANO 203: Nanoscale Synthesis & Characterization (4)
• NANO 204: Foundations of Nanoengineering II: Nanoscale Physics & Modeling (4)
• NANO 205: Nanosystems Integration (4)
• NANO 208: Nanofabrication (4)
• NANO 210: Molecular Modeling & Simulations of Nanoscale Systems (4)
• NANO 212: Computational Modeling of Nanosystems (4)
• NANO 227: Structure and Analysis of Solids (4)
• NANO 230: Synchotron Characterization of Nano-Materials (4)
• NANO 234: Advanced Nanoscale Fabrication (4)
• NANO 238: Scanning Probe Microscopy (4)
• NANO 239: Nanomanufacturing (4)
• NANO 240: Polymers (4)
• NANO 241: Organic Nanomaterials (4)
• NANO 242: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (4)
• NANO 243: Nanomedicine (4)
• NANO 244: Nanomachines and Nanorobots (4)
• NANO 245: Nanoelectronics (4)
• NANO 247A: Advanced Biophotonics (4)
• NANO 247B: BioElectronics (4)
• NANO 247C: Bionanotechnology (4)
• NANO 250: Mechanics of Nanomaterials (4)
• NANO 251A: Magnetic Materials: Principles and Applications (4)
• NANO 252: Biomaterials & Biomimetics (4)
• NANO 253: Nanomaterials and Properties (4)
• NANO 255: Electrochemistry (4)
• NANO 256: Microfluids (4)
• NANO 257: Polymer Science and Engineering (4)
• NANO 258: Nanoscale Transport Phenomenon (4)
• NANO 259: Heterogeneous Catalysis (4)
• NANO 260: Nanofabrication Reaction Engineering (4)
• NANO 261: Nanoscale Energy Technology (4)
• NANO 262: Nanosensors (4)
• NANO 263: Magnetic Nano-devices (4)
• NANO 264: Solid-State  and Nanochemistry (4)
• NANO 265: Thermodynamics of Solids (4)
• NANO 266: Quantum Mechanical Modeling of Materials and Nanostructures (4)
• NANO 279: Seminar in NanoEngineering (4)
• NANO 296: Independent Study in NanoEngineering (4)
• NANO 299: Graduate Research in NanoEngineering (1-12)

Requirements

Admission to the Chemical Engineering and NanoEngineering graduate programs are in accordance with the general requirements of the graduate division, which requires at least a B.S. in some branch of engineering, sciences, or mathematics; an overall GPA of 3.0; and three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the academic or professional competence and to the depth of their interest in pursuing graduate study.

In addition, all applicants are required to submit GRE General Test Scores. A minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. Students who score below 600 on the TOEFL are strongly encouraged to enroll in an English as a second language program before beginning graduate work. UCSD Extension offers an excellent English language program during the summers as well as the academic year.

Applicants are judged competitively. Based on the candidate's background, qualifications, and goals, admission to the program is in one of three categories: M.S. only, M.S., or Ph.D. Admission to the M.S. only category is reserved for students for whom the M.S. degree is likely to be the terminal graduate degree. The M.S. designation is reserved for students currently interested in obtaining an M.S. degree but who at a later time may wish to continue in the doctoral degree program. Admission to the Ph.D. Program is reserved for qualified students whose final aim is a doctoral degree. 

Scholarships

• Global Education
• Different Fellowships and Traineeships

The NanoEngineering program at the University of California offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials and nanodevices. This program integrates principles from engineering, physics, chemistry, and materials science to prepare students for careers in research, development, and industry sectors focused on nanotechnology. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects, utilizing state-of-the-art laboratories and resources to explore nanoscale phenomena and innovative solutions to real-world problems. The curriculum includes courses on nanofabrication, nanoelectronics, nanomaterials, and nanobiotechnology, providing a broad foundation in both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Additionally, students can participate in collaborative projects, internships, and partnerships with industry leaders, ensuring they gain valuable hands-on experience and industry insights. The program emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and scientific communication, fostering an environment that encourages students to push the boundaries of current technology and contribute to advances in medicine, electronics, energy, and environmental sustainability. Graduates of the NanoEngineering program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or careers in research laboratories, technology firms, and manufacturing companies, contributing to the advancement of nanotechnologies and their applications across various sectors. The program supports a vibrant academic community with faculty renowned for their research contributions and a network of alumni who are leaders in the field. Overall, the NanoEngineering program at the University of California aims to prepare highly skilled engineers capable of addressing complex challenges and driving innovation in nanotechnology.