Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology
Business & Technology
Degree awarded: Associate in Applied Science
Program Narrative
Nanofabrication manufacturing involves making devices at the smallest dimensions. While it was first used in the semiconductor (computer chip) industry, the technologies are now used for a wide variety of applications. These include miniature sensor arrays for biology and medicine, miniature valves, turbines for fluidics, flat panel displays for computers, and integrated circuit "microchips."
As the use of nanofabrication manufacturing technologies by high-tech industries increases, so will the need for trained individuals. Northampton's program prepares graduates for employment as entry-level technicians.
Program Features
The Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology degree is a unique cooperative program established between Northampton Community College and Pennsylvania State University. In this program, you will begin with three semesters of study at NCC that covers a broad range of electronics and scientific material. You will also complete your required General Education courses at Northampton. These courses help round out your education, preparing you to communicate in the workplace and setting the stage for potential career growth.
The fourth semester of the program is an intensive "capstone" experience taught at Penn State University's Nanofabrication facility at the University Park campus. Students work in a clean room environment and gain experience in operating and troubleshooting nanofabrication processing equipment. The capstone courses are taught by Penn State faculty using state-of-the-art equipment. The Nanofabrication facility at University Park is part of the National Science Foundation's National Nanofabrication Infrastructure Network (NNIN).
Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be recommended by NCC for the capstone semester. Northampton awards the associate in applied science degree.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Describe the operation and application of commonly used electronic components and circuits.
- Prototype, test, troubleshoot, and repair electronic circuits.
- Demonstrate the proper use of test equipment including oscilloscopes, DC power supplies, function generators, and multi-meters.
- Collect, record, interpret, and analyze data.
- Interpret technical information in the form of schematics, specifications, graphs, and procedure.
- Record relevant and necessary project information in a working lab notebook.
- Apply the terminology, procedures, equipment to manufacture micro and nanoscale products, and processes used in nanofabrication.
- Apply quality control methodology typical of the industry.
- Demonstrate safe and effective use of nanofabrication processing equipment.
- Demonstrate safe and appropriate maintenance techniques for basic processing equipment used in nanofabrication.
- Identify material and physical hazards associated with basic processing equipment used in nanofabrication.
- Respond appropriately to safety hazards and environmental disposal issues.
- Work both independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills.
- Use the computer in reporting, analyzing, and researching technical information.
- Be prepared to adapt to changes in the field of nanofabrication.
- Identify industries using nanofab such as opto-electronics, biomedical, sensors, flat panel displays, information storage, micro-electromechanical devices (MEMs), micro-fluidics, solar cells, and microelectronics.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
| Course Code | Course Title |
Credits
|
| First Semester | ||
| ELEC 101 | DC/AC Circuit Analysis I |
4
|
| ELEC 121 | Technical Computer Applications |
2
|
| ELEC 177 | Electronics Manufacturing I |
2
|
| ENGL 101C | English I |
3
|
| MATH 140 | College Algebra |
3
|
| ------------- | General Education Elective |
3
|
|
17
|
||
| Second Semester | ||
| CMTH 102 | Speech Communication |
3
|
| ELEC 126 | Digital Electronics I |
3
|
| ELEC 151 | DC/AC Circuit Analysis II |
4
|
| ELEC 155 | Introduction to Solid State Devices |
2
|
| EMEC 115 | Mechanical Skills for Technicians |
1
|
| ENGL 151 | English II + |
3
|
| NANF 270 | Nanofabrication Seminar |
1
|
|
17
|
||
| Third Semester | ||
| CHEM 120 | General Chemistry I |
4
|
| ELEC 207 | Solid State Circuits |
4
|
| QUAL 210 | Statistical Quality Control |
3
|
| General Education Elective |
3
|
|
| Elective |
3
|
|
|
17
|
||
| Fourth Semester | ||
| 4th Semester at the Nanofabrication Facility at Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus | ||
| NANF 211 | Materials, Safety and Equipment Overview for Nanofabrication |
3
|
| NANF 212 | Basic Nanofabrication Processes |
3
|
| NANF 213 | Thin Films in Nanofabrication |
3
|
| NANF 214 | Lithography for Nanofabrication |
3
|
| NANF 215 | Materials Modification in Nanofabrication |
3
|
| NANF 216 | Characterization, Packaging, and Testing of Nanofabricated Structures |
3
|
|
18
|
||
| Total Credits |
69
|
+ Students are strongly advised to select the Report Writing option of ENGL 151.
- For the General Education Electives, students must select one course from the list of approved courses in two of the following categories: Arts & Humanities (AH), Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time (SIT); Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
- One course should be designated as Diversity (D).
- One General Education course must be Writing Intensive (WI).
Career Potential: Electronics Technician, Process Analyst, Wafer Fab Operator, Engineering Support Technician, Research Technician, Technology Assistant, Project Technician, Device Technician, Photolithography Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Field Service Technician
NOTE: Students completing this program may also complete their Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management through Franklin University by completing approximately 24 additional course credits at NCC and an additional 40 course credits through Franklin University's online courses. Check with your advisor for more information and options in course selection.