2023-2024 Course 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.
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 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.
Research experiences in campus nanoscience research laboratories. Rotation through three to four laboratories to obtain detailed understanding and hands-on experience of specific research projects.
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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