The Degree Paths in
Microsystems & Nanotechnology
Hal Evensen
Program Coordinator, MSNT
Spring, 2014
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Info about Microsystems &
Nanotechnology
• Definitions/Background:
– What are Microsystems? Nanotechnology? At UW-Platteville?
• Curriculum/facilities
• The degree path(s):
– B.S. in MSNT
– Minor in MSNT
– Engineering Physics with MSNT Emphasis
• Helpful links
• Your questions and feedback
2
Definitions/background
Microsystems technology
• Products with structures in the micrometer
range;
• The diameter of a human hair is about 100
micrometers.
• MEMS sensors, microelectronics, and
microfluidic devices.
• Can involve concepts from mechanical and
electrical engineering, biology and chemistry.
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Definitions/background
Nanotechnology
• The science, engineering and application of materials
and objects at the sub-100 nanometer size scale.
• A virus is roughly 100 nm long.
• Novel properties of materials at this scale lead to new
applications;
• Fabrication, manipulation, imaging and analysis of
nanoscale features;
• Physics, chemistry, materials science & biology topics.
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www.nature.com
MSNT @ UW-Platteville
… a multidisciplinary program that develops future
scientists & engineers who are capable of
addressing problems of a nontraditional nature,
including:
• Participating in industrial research, especially
• Contributing to the development and application of
microsystems and nanomaterials;
• Also, preparation for further study if desired.
The curriculum has a foundation of the major
principles of a traditional discipline (biology,
chemistry, physics), augmented with specialized
knowledge in the realm of nanomaterials.
The application of new techniques in physics, chemistry,
and biology at very small scales in order to create
multidisciplinary solutions to very large problems.
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MSNT @ UW-Platteville
Equipment in a hands-on program
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MSNT @ UW-Platteville
Student creations & images
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Three degree paths:
1. Engineering
Engineering:
• Engineering Physics major with
Emphasis in Nanomaterials (est. Fall 2013)
• Strong support from industry
• “This (program) looks very good. Graduates
should be very helpful for [our company] and
others.”
• ABET-accredited engineering degree
• Technical electives in nanomaterials…
• …and Organic Chemistry
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Three degree paths
2. Science
Science:
• Major in Microsystems & Nanomaterials
• established Spring 2014
• Not engineering…
• More science (esp. Chemistry)
• More choice in technical electives
• Flexibility to combine degree with Chemistry,
Biology, EP degrees
• In 4, 4.5, or 5 years
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Three degree paths
3. Minor
Minor:
• Minor in Microsystems & Nanotechnology
• established 2007… still here!
• Works with EP, ME, EE, Biology, Chemistry…
• “9 credits beyond graduation”
" I think the minor was very valuable and some of the
knowledge that I've learned has helped me in the real
world. "
“The interdisciplinary aspect was very useful, since it
was rare if a student worked with other majors on a
project in upper level engineering courses… Having
this experience during school proved useful during job
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interviews.”
MSNT
Courses:
Minor,
Major
Minor  4 core courses,
plus degree in
MSNT 1010
Major  CoreBio,
courses,
Chem,
“Intro to micro/nano”
And Math
plus new
courses,
EE,EP,
ME
Hands-on
Physics,
capstone, 20 cr. electives
Chemistry,
MSNT 3940*
Engineering
MSNT 3xx0
“Principles & Apps of
Organic
“Properties of Materials”
Nanoscience”
Biochem
From Nano to Macro
Physical Chem
Nano with lab
Cell Bio
OR
Inorganic Chem
Physics thru
Modern or P.Chem
II
Calc I-II-III+Stats
Materials
Circuits
*Also counts for EE/EP
MSNT 4xx0
“Surfaces, Thin Films, &
Heterostructures ”
Extension of 3xx0
MSNT 4910
“Capstone Research”
2nd semester of project
MSNT 4230*
“MEMS Design, Fabrication
& Simulation”
Micromachines & fab steps
*Also counts for ME/EP
MSNT 4000
“Research in MSNT”
1-semester project
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MSNT
Courses:
EP
Emphasis
Minor  4 core courses,
EP
Emphasis
Organic
Biochem
Physical Chem
Cell Bio
OR
Inorganic Chem
Physics thru
Modern or P.Chem
II
Calc I-II-III,Diff. EQ
Materials
Circuits
plus degree in
MSNT 1010
Major  CoreBio,
courses,
Chem,
“Intro to micro/nano”
plus new
courses,
EE,EP,
ME
Hands-on
capstone, 20 cr. electives
MSNT 3940*
MSNT 3xx0
“Principles & Apps of
“Properties of Materials”
Nanoscience”
From Nano to Macro
Nano with lab
MSNT 4xx0
“Surfaces, Thin Films, &
Heterostructures ”
Extension of 3xx0
+EP courses
MSNT 4910
(Sensors,
“Capstone Research”
Mechanics, Optics,
nd
2 semester of project
etc.)
MSNT 4230*
“MEMS Design, Fabrication
& Simulation”
Micromachines & fab steps
+Engineering
MSNT
4000
Materials,+1
more
“Research
in MSNT”
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engineering
elective
1-semester project
MSNT @ UW-Platteville
Career opportunities
• We expect most MSNT graduates will enter industry
• Most employers will be “traditional,” well-established.
• Typical starting salaries on par with
engineering/science.
• UW-Platteville MSNT has received strong support from
our industrial advisory board
• They have indicated a willingness to take on co-ops,
etc., and to sponsor senior design projects.
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MSNT @ UW-Platteville
Feedback from industry (1/2)
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MSNT @ UW-Platteville
Feedback from industry (2/2)
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Further Information
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Link at www.uwplatt.edu/mn
5-year dual-major planners
Checksheets
Courses
Facilities
Faculty/staff
Visitor Center handout
Yan Wu
Program
Coordinator
2014-2015
Gokul
Gopal
Hal
Evensen
Off Campus
2014-2015
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Take-home thoughts
•
•
•
•
•
New “science” major in Nanomaterials
Engineering nanomaterials track = optional path in EP
Minor in MSNT
Strength: interdisciplinary skills
Unsure? MSNT 1010, Intro to Micro/Nano – hands on
introduction (1 cr)
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