Advanced Materials Nanotechnology

Catalog Description

The Advanced Materials - Nanotechnology Certificate I of Achievement is designed to prepare students for employment in an advance materials/nanotechnology manufacturing facility or research laboratory. This certificate will give students both theoretical knowledge of, as well as hands-on training in, several basic and advanced nanotechnology procedures used in today’s advanced materials facilities.

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): Upon completion, students will be able to:

1. Classify materials as “nanomaterials” based on certain criteria and properties. Describe and

explain the unique characteristics of nanomaterials with respect to their bulk counterparts.

2. Identify and understand the differences in size, shape, properties, preparation, characterization, and applications among various nanoscale materials/structures. Apply these differences in the design of nanotechnology devices, systems, and products.

3. Explain the creation of, characterization of, and manipulation of nanoscale materials, systems, and devices and how they can be exploited for new applications.

4. Program spreadsheet software, such as Excel, for advanced data analysis and computation operations.

5. Identify key differences between bottom-up and top-down fabrication techniques, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, and the working environment requirements to produce nanomaterials, nanostructures, and nanodevices.

6. Operate precision equipment to control microscale and/or nanoscale processes. Use, maintain, calibrate, validate, and repair standard laboratory equipment; operate nanotechnology compounding, testing, processing, and production equipment in accordance with all appropriate procedures.

7. Demonstrate competency in several basic “wet chemistry” laboratory skills, including measuring volumes and masses, creating solutions of certain concentrations and dilutions, mixing chemicals or compounds in accordance with detailed instructions or formulas, pipetting, ultrasonic agitation, centrifugation, and use of hot plates.

8. Demonstrate competency in several advanced laboratory skills, such as material synthesis, vacuum systems, inert atmosphere, and mixing gasses. Monitor equipment during operation to ensure adherence to specifications for characteristics such as pressure, temperature, or flow.

9. Perform characterization of nanomaterials for quality control; conduct tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

10. Establish safety procedures based on material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other standard lab practices.

11. Properly collect, analyze, and document all forms of laboratory data.

12. Present research data in a clear and professional manner.

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The Division is targeting an enrollment of 24 students annually that will complete the program and receive a Nanotechnology Lab Technician I Certificate of Achievement.

The “Advanced Materials – Nanotechnology” Certificate of Achievement is designed for CTE and workforce training/development. This certificate is designed to prepare students to work in entry-level jobs in various advanced materials/nanotechnology settings with an emphasis on providing the skills necessary for employment in a nanotechnology division at technology corporations or research laboratories. Through the certificate’s curriculum, students will acquire and build skills in selecting advanced materials for nanotechnology applications, materials, and device characterization (quality control), proper documentation, data analysis and presentation, and good lab/manufacturing health and safety practices

Advanced Materials - Nanotechnology Certificate I of Achievement program is a 18-unit certificate. Successful students will complete the core courses listed below. Students must complete all required pre-requisites for admission to the program. The program aligns with international industry standards defined by ASTM International’sCommittee E56 on Nanotechnology. Refinement of this program is carried out in close consultation with the industry members of the Advisory Council. All courses will be managed through Canvas, the learning management system already in use at Pasadena City College.

CHEM 22 (4 Units): Introduction General Chemistry

Introduction to the principles of chemistry with emphasis on quantitative methods and calculations. For science and engineering majors needing preparation for CHEM 001A, but open to all qualified students.

CHEM 240 (4 Units): Fundamentals of Nanotechnology

This course teaches the fundamental scientific principles of nanoscience and nanotechnology and introduces its many practical applications. Students learn how to design advanced materials for the next generation of medical treatments, air/water purification, flexible electronics, personalized healthcare, energy production devices, and energy storage units, and even skin- rejuvenating cosmetics, to name a few.

CHEM 241 (4 Units): Applications of Nanotechnology

This course introduces students to the advanced materials and technologies that are foundational for the high-tech economy of the 21st century, with an emphasis on applications of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is one of the most prominent emerging technologies with high potential across nearly every sector of the economy. Students will learn how you can apply these technologies to solve some of the most complex problems in medicine, electronics, energy production, and energy storage.

CHEM 242 (2 Units): Environmental, health, & safety of nanotechnology

The high-tech economy of the 21st century will also be based on the applications of advanced materials with nanoscale dimensions. These materials must be manufactured and handled in ways that are safe for the environment, the workforce, and the general population. Students will acquire knowledge of environmental, safety, and health (EHS) standards. This course also builds the skills necessary for employment in a nanotechnology division at technology corporations or research laboratories, such as quality control practices, proper documentation, and good- practices for lab/manufacturing.

BUS 70b (4 Units): Internship

This course gives students an opportunity to gain experience in the advanced materials - nanotechnology industry or in nanotechnology research laboratories at universities. Students will work directly with experts in the field

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
Chemistry 22	Introductory General Chemistry	4	S1
Chemistry 240	Fundamentals of Nanotechnology	4	S2
Chemistry 241	Applications of Nanotechnology	4	S3
Chemistry 242	Environmental, health, & safety of nanotechnology	2	S3
Business 70B	Internship	4	S4

Currently, the Science Division does not offer an Advanced Materials - Nanotechnology I Certificate of Achievement. In preparation for this Certificate Program, PCC started the approval process for three courses, CHEM 240, CHEM 241, and CHEM 242. This program will not replace existing program nor will terminate/downscale other programs. There are no programs relate to this one currently offered at PCC.

Within the “college service area,” no institutions offer certificates and/or degrees in Advanced Materials and/or Nanotechnology. Outside the district, there is a small network of community colleges across the country that offer certificates and/or degrees in a variety of nanotechnology disciplines (see https://omninano.org/start-your-stem-degree-in-nanotechnology/). Pasadena City College will soon join this small elite of colleges with programs in advanced materials and nanotechnology. Moreover, PCC will be the only college in the State of California with such programs. Within the public universities in Southern California (UC and CalState systems), UC San Diego offers a formal NanoEngineering degree. Students who wish to continue learning nanotechnology will have the preparation to meet UCSD enrollment requirements. The University of Southern California (USC) offers a degree in Chemical Engineering with an emphasis on Nanotechnology. Although UC Los Angeles (UCLA) houses the California NanoSystems Institutes (CNSI), one of the most advanced nanotechnology research institutions in the world, they do not offer a formal degree or program in Nanotechnology. CNSI also incubates start-up companies founded by UCLA’s students and faculty.

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