Nanotechnology Minor

Nanotechnology Minor

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

SUNY Polytechnic Institute, New York’s premier public polytechnic, provides an innovative and affordable higher education for students interested in science, engineering, technology, business, healthcare, and other liberal arts offerings for a well-rounded approach to experiential learning. Our commitment to a hands-on education situates students with both the academic structure customary of undergraduate study and unique opportunities for training and cutting-edge research, ultimately providing learners an unmatched education targeted for success in our fast-changing world. SUNY Poly students enjoy public school tuition with benefits that many small, private institutions boast, including small class sizes, individualized learning experiences, and a tight-knit community.

The Nanotechnology Minor

Nanotechnology is a broad branch of engineering that involves the design and manufacture of extremely small electronic circuits, electro-mechanical devices and materials such as nano-fibers, nano-wires and nano-powders, all built or synthesized at the molecular level of matter.

To support the education of the nation’s growing nanotechnology workforce, SUNY Poly offers a nanotechnology minor. Established by the Engineering Technology Department in the College of Engineering, the courses in the nanotechnology minor are taught by engineers with extensive professional and research experience in the nanotechnology field.

The nanotechnology minor is designed to provide knowledge and skills valuable to students planning to seek employment in fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, microelectronics, optoelectronics, information storage, health care, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In addition, the minor also helps to prepare students for graduate studies, research opportunities, and hands-on experience in the nanotechnology field.

What courses are offered for the nanotechnology minor?

Knowledge of physics and chemistry is central to every engineering and technology field, so these are prerequisite courses for the nanotechnology minor. The minor requires a minimum of five courses: the core course and four elective courses. The core course—Introduction to Nanotechnology—surveys the broad field of nanodevices and nanomaterials, bringing familiarity with the essential technologies and enabling the understanding of the various study paths that students can follow.

A. Prerequisite Courses

PHY 101 General Physics

CHE 110 Essentials of Chemistry

B. Core Course

ETC 290 Introduction to Nanotechnology

C. Elective Courses

ETC 392 Micro and Nano Electro-Mechanical Systems

ETC 394 Nanoscale Materials

ETC 395 Semiconductor Microfabrication

ETC 432 Process Control and Design of Experiments

ETC 484 Thin Film Processing

CHIPS and Science Act

State University of New York (SUNY) and SUNY Polytechnic Institute leaders have applauded the advancement of legislation that champions exciting opportunities for SUNY Poly students. The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 marks a significant chapter in American research and development, encouraging exploration in semiconductor research and manufacturing. The improvements of semiconductor materials and systems – found in our cars, cell phones, and medical devices – will be made by our students and faculty, who will be part of the research, manufacturing, distribution, or sales in this critically important industry. The signing of Senator Schumer’s visionary CHIPS Act by President Biden marks an historic long-term opportunity for New York State, and SUNY Poly is proud to play a key, collaborative role to power our nation’s critical semiconductor-based workforce development needs. We will continue to focus on preparing the next generation of chips-focused workers for a lifetime of success.

Our Campus

Located in Utica, NY, on hundreds of wooded and landscaped acres, SUNY Poly’s campus is a beautiful living and learning environment. Students live in our modern, spacious residential complexes, including the new Hilltop Hall, SUNY’s first zero-net carbon residence hall, and enjoy an expanding array of student-focused facilities that include our state-of-the-art Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing, Student Center, and Wildcat Field House. Life on campus is enriched by a wide variety of events and activities, including the Wildcats’ championship-winning intercollegiate athletics program, our Wildcat Esports team, and a weekly agenda of intramurals, concerts, comedians, and more. Students can join one of the dozens of clubs and organizations or start one with a group of friends who share an interest.