The ability to earn a degree in nanotechnology is relatively new, with Richland College offering one of the few associate degrees in the area. Several Texas universities and colleges offer bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees with an emphasis in nanotechnology.
What Is Nanotechnology?
In simplest terms, nanotechnology is a field of related sciences in which everything operates on an incredibly small scale. Nanotechnology and nanoscience deal with structures having dimensions of between one and 100 nanometers — devices approximately 1,000 times smaller than are visible to the human eye.
The technology not only allows for the fabrication of structures and devices having molecular dimensions, but for the production of entirely new physical or chemical properties that emerge at such a size. But just how small is a nanometer?
To get an idea of the units of measure involved:
- A meter is 3.28 feet, just over a yard.
- A centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter
- A millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter
- A micrometer is one-millionth of a meter
- A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter, a hundred-thousandth of the width of an average human hair.
How small is nano-sized technology? Intel is creating circuits with 32-nano transistors — four million of which would fit into the period at the end of this sentence. |
How Is Nanotechnology Used?
Though much of today’s nanotechnology is still in the research and development phase, developments for the near future will have dramatic applications in such diverse fields as medicine, information technology, manufacturing and national defense.
The technology of the very small will have a huge impact on job growth and career opportunities, with the National Science Foundation (NSF) estimating that the worldwide need for nanotechnology workers will rise from the current 20,000 to 2 million.
Learn more about nanotechnology and its current and future applications:
Nanotechnology Associate in Applied Sciences Degree
Richland College offers DCCCD’s only program in Nanotechnology, with a Nanotechnology Associate in Applied Sciences degree. This two-year degree prepares students to perform the duties of an entry-level nanotechnician in research and development and in manufacturing industries.
Students pursuing four-year degrees in the sciences, engineering, electronics, semiconductor manufacturing or medicine may also consider the Nanotechnology associate degree as a point of emphasis to supplement their bachelor’s degree.
Other Degree and Certificate Options
The Dallas County Community College District offers nearly 350 career and technical degrees and certificates, plus nearly 50 academic degrees. For more information, see a chart of our degree plans by location or visit our credit programs home page.