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Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology, Associate in Applied Science

Overview

Narrative

Nanofabrication manufacturing involves making devices at the smallest dimensions. While it was first used in the semiconductor 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 circuits.

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.

Features

The Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology degree is a cooperative program 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 as well as using characterization tools. The capstone courses are taught by Penn State faculty using state-of-the-art equipment. Please note that the capstone semester is only offered during the spring and summer semesters. There are two options for the capstone: (1) it is offered in a traditional full-semester format that is held at the facility at University Park or (2) it is offered in a hybrid format where students will take courses online and then participate in a two week lab experience at University Park. Room and board are the responsibility of the student. An additional fee is also charged for the capstone (please refer to the fee schedule in the catalog).

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.

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.

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.

Courses

First Semester

COLS101College Success

1 credits

ELEC101DC/AC Circuit Analysis I

4 credits

ELEC121Technical Computer Applications

2 credits

ELEC177Electronics Manufacturing I

2 credits

ENGL101English I

3 credits

MATH140College Algebra

3 credits

General Education Elective

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:18

Second Semester

CMTH102Introduction to Communication

3 credits

ELEC126Digital Electronics I

3 credits

ELEC151DC/AC Circuit Analysis II

4 credits

ELEC155Introduction to Solid State Devices

2 credits

EMEC115Mechanical Skills for Technicians

1 credits

ENGL151TEnglish II

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:16

Third Semester

CHEM120General Chemistry I

4 credits

ELEC207Solid State Circuits

4 credits

QUAL210Statistical Quality Control

3 credits

General Education Elective

3 credits

Elective

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:17

Fourth Semester

(at PSU, Main Campus)

NANF211Materials, Safety and Equipment Overview for Nanofabrication

3 credits

NANF212Basic Nanofabicration Processes

3 credits

NANF213Thin Films in Nanofabrication

3 credits

NANF214Lithography for Nanofabrication

3 credits

NANF215Materials Modification in Nanofabrication

3 credits

NANF216Characterization, Packaging, and Testing of Nanofabricated Structures

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:18

Total Credit Hours: 69

  • 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 and Global Awareness (D).
  • One General Education course must be Writing Intensive (WI).