2025-2026 Academic Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
The Nanoscience (NANO) program is a joint effort of the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, and Physics. It resides in, and is organized as a division of, the College of Science's Academy of Integrated Science.
Nanoscience, the fundamental study of materials and structures whose size is on the nanometer scale, lies at the very foundation of our world. A nanometer is simply a billionth of a meter, and a typical atom is about 1/10th of a nanometer in size. At this length scale, atoms and molecules follow the laws of quantum physics, and the processes of life (for example, DNA and proteins are naturally-occurring nanoscale materials) and the properties of materials emerge from them. Due to a combination of profound theoretical insights, advances in scientific instrumentation, and massive computing power, we are now capable of imaging and steering single atoms with unprecedented precision, opening a window toward a world in which materials, chemical compounds, devices, and even small organisms can be built atom by atom and molecule by molecule, tailored toward desired properties and applications. At present, we are only at the dawn of this nanoscience revolution.
Nanoscience courses prepare undergraduates for productive, exciting careers in emerging nanoscale industries. Degree recipients from this program will be ready to contribute to and lead cutting-edge corporate research and development in some of the most important and profitable industries in the world, including information technology, communications, drug development, imaging, and environmental technology.
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education or Pathways to General Education) (see "Academic Policies") and toward the degree.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.S. in Nanoscience can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html.
Please visit the University Registrar website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html for requirements toward a minor in Nanoscience.
Division Leader: F. M. Michel
Program Manager: C. Conley
Principle Faculty: D. Capelluto, H. Dorn, S. Emori, A. Esker, C. Finkielstein, R. Heflin, M. Hull, G. Khodaparast, G. Liu, B. Magill, J. Matson, A. Morris, V. Nguyen, K. Park, H. Robinson, and C. Tian
Entry-level, hands-on introduction to the growing, cross-disciplinary field of nanoscience and its applications with perspectives from chemistry, engineering, environmental geoscience, life sciences, materials science, and physics. Topics include: quantitative intuition from macroscale to nanoscale; physical scaling and societal importance of electronic and magnetic devices; capabilities and limits of microscopy and nanofabrication; atomic-scale understanding of solids; counterintuitive phenomena at the nanoscale; nanoscience in medicine and environment.
Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of nanoscience with perspectives from biology, geoscience, computational science, chemistry, and physics. 1015: Historical perspectives; public perception; economic impact, nanoscience in biology and environment; quantum physics principles; characterization tools; mathematical modeling. 1016: Nanofabrication methods; nanoparticle synthesis and characterization; self-assembly; applications in medicine, electronics, and energy; sustainability. Pre: 1015 for 1016
Introduction to the intersdisciplinary field of nanoscience with perspectives from biology, geoscience, computational sceince, chemistry, and physics. 1015: Historical perspectives; public perception; economic impact, nanoscience in biology and environment; quantum physics principles; characterization tools; mathematical modeling. 1016: Nanofabrication methods; nanoparticle synthesis and characterization; self-assembly; applications in medicine, electronics, and energy; sustainability. Pre: 1015 for 1016.
Introduction to technological applications of nanoscience, with emphasis on nanomaterials and physical principles that enable modern devices. Topics include: basics of nanomaterials, nanotechnology and devices that leverage quantum effects; artificial and natural nanomaterials; nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, nano-optoelectronics, nanoplasmonics, nano-mechanics; semiconductor device manufacturing methods; photonic and solar-cell technologies; nano-biotechnology.
Introduction to the quantum physics which governs the properties of matter at the nanoscale. Specific topics include: Quantization, wave-particle duality, and Schrodinger equation, with applications to the hydrogen atom, periodic crystals, and nanostructures; electron spin, spintronics, and quantum statistical physics.
Readings and discussion of current research areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology including nanofabrication, scanning probe techniques, functional nanomaterials, molecular engineering, bionanotechnology and nanomedicine. Presentations by guest nanoscience faculty on their research activities.
Introduction to quantum physics with a focus on nanomedicine related topics. Principles of quantization, wave-particle duality, Pauli exclusion principle, and the Schrödinger equation, with applications to the hydrogen atom, regular crystals, and nanostructures. Implications for nanomedicine of quantum dots, surface plasmon resonance, nanoscale sensing, and targeted drug delivery using nanoparticles.
Exploration of career opportunities in nanoscience and nanomedicine, including employment, graduate education, and health professions. Professional development activities, including resume assembly, career fairs, mentorship and networking, elevator pitch, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Pre: Sophomore standing.
Tools for synthesis, fabrication and characterization of nanomaterials and nanostructures including organic and polymer synthesis, self-assembly, and top-down fabrication as well as methods for identifying their structure and electronic, optical, and thermal properties. 3015: Multiphase macromolecules; electron and scanning probe microscopies; fullerenes, graphene, and nanotubes; optical and electron spectroscopies, thermal analysis; quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles. 3016: Nucleic acid self-assembly; polyelectrolyte complexes; dynamic light scattering and zeta potential; electrostatic self-assembly; self-assembled monolayers; photolithography; electron and ion beam lithography; microcontact printing and nanoimprint lithography.
Tools for synthesis, fabrication and characterization of nanomaterials and nanostructures including organic and polymer synthesis, self-assembly, and top-down fabrication as well as methods for identifying their structure and electronic, optical, and thermal properties. 3015: Multiphase macromolecules; electron and scanning probe microscopies; fullerenes, graphene, and nanotubes; optical and electron spectroscopies, thermal analysis; quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles. 3016: Nucleic acid self-assembly; polyelectrolyte complexes; dynamic light scattering and zeta potential; electrostatic self-assembly; self-assembled monolayers; photolithography; electron and ion beam lithography; microcontact printing and nanoimprint lithography.
Technical skills for dissemination of nanoscience research. Effective use of the nanoscience and nanotechnology literature, use of technologies that support collaborative oral and written communication. Key elements of effective journal publications and conference presentations.
Introduction to the connections between nanoscience, nanotechnology, and the environment. Overview of environmental science, why environmental issues are relevant to industry/business/research, naturally-occurring nanomaterials and their roles on Earth, and what is currently known about how manufactured and incidental nanomaterials interact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere, and biosphere.
Overview of types of nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, quantum dots, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, nanowires, graphene, and ultra-thin films. Special nanocomposite materials. Electronic, optical, magnetic, and transport properties of nanomaterials. Interactions between nanomaterials and substrates or interfaces. Applications of nanomaterials for electronics, magnetic storage, and energy-efficient devices.
Medical use of nanomaterials including basic, translational, and clinical research. Nanomedical approaches to drug delivery. Diagnostic sensors. Use of nanomedical tools over conventional techniques to treat diseases/disorders. Technical issues associated with medical applications. Bioavailability of nanotherapies. Use of quantum dots for imaging. Ethical concerns and economic benefits associated with nanomedicine.
Overview of fundamental biocompatible technologies under development at the nanoscale level and their application in the biomedical field. Use of various forms and compositions of nanomaterials for potential applications in diagnosis, delivery, imaging, and treatment of human diseases. Focus on synthesis, characterization, and specific applications of nanomaterial as well as on nanotheranostics. Pharmacokinetic distribution of drug-embedded nanocarriers and their pharmacodynamics in biological systems. Nanoscale properties of materials for medical imaging. Classification of nanobiosensors used in clinical settings.
Medical use of nanomaterials in translational medicine and clinical research. Nanomedical approaches to targeted delivery and local imaging. Diagnostic sensors. Use of nanomedical tools over conventional techniques to diagnose and treat human diseases/disorders. Bioavailability and biocompatibility of nanotherapeutics. Ethical concerns and economic benefits associated with developing and implementing nanomedical approaches in the clinic. Use of nanotechnological advances for surgical procedures. Use of nanoparticles composites for nanodentistry and in nanodermatology. Safety protocols for the use of nanotechnology in clinical treatment.
Use of nanotechnology to study cellular and molecular processes relevant to human diseases. Manipulation of nucleic acids. Use of various nanoparticle materials to study nucleic acids uptake by cells. Use of fluorescence and confocal imaging to identify homotypic and heterotypic cellular interactions. Purification of cells from biological fluids. Concepts in dielectrophoresis and microfluidic devices. Students must be certified to work with blood-borne pathogens from the Environmental Health and Safety department.
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