Nanotechnology: A Maker’s Course from Coursera

How can we create nano-structures that are 10,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair? How can we “see” at the nano-scale? Through instruction and lab demonstrations, in this course you will obtain a rich understanding of the capabilities of nanotechnology tools, and how to use this equipment for nano-scale fabrication and characterization. The nanoscale is the next frontier of the Maker culture, where designs become reality. To become a Nanotechnology Maker pioneer, we will introduce you to the practical knowledge, skills, and tools that can turn your nanotechnology ideas into physical form and that enable you to image objects at the nano-scale.

This course has been developed by faculty and staff experts in nano-fabrication, electron beam microscopy, and nano-characterization through the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network (RTNN). The RTNN offers training and use of the tools demonstrated in this course to schools and industry through the United States National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure program. The tools demonstrated in this course are available to the public through the RTNN.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Nanotechnology

Welcome to Nanotechnology! In this module, you will learn some of the basics of nanofabrication and nanocharacterization techniques as well as specific applications of nanotechnology in commercial products. You’ll be able to explain why a cleanroom and vacuum environment are necessary for creating nanotechnology products. Finally, you will be able to explain how we use light, x-rays, and electron beams to characterize objects at the nanoscale. For more detailed learning objectives for each video, please see the first reading.

Nano Measurement and Characterization Tools: Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy

After this module, you will be able to explain sample preparation and imaging techniques used in scanning electron microscopy. You will also be able to explain the benefits of environmental scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, you will discover how energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy can be paired with scanning electron microscopy to gain elemental information about samples.

Nano Measurement and Characterization Tools: Transmission Electron Microscopy

In this module, we will look at transmission electron microscopy and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. You will learn to describe the basic function of the equipment as well as how samples are prepared and imaged using these techniques.

Nano Measurement and Characterization Tools: X-ray and Optical Characterization

In this module, we will see demonstrations of micro-computed tomography, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical spectroscopy. You will learn the basic function of the equipment and how samples are prepared and measured.

Nanofabrication: Vacuum Pumps and Thin Film Vacuum Deposition

In this module, we will discover how and why a vacuum environment is required in nanofabrication, compare the operation of three types of vacuum pumps, and look at vacuum deposition of thin films using three different methods: sputter evaporation, e-beam evaporation and thermal evaporation.

Nanofabrication: Vapor Deposition

We will look at some techniques for making things with nanotechnology using thin film techniques; in this module you will learn to describe and compare atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition.

Nanofabrication: Patterning and Self-Assembly

In this module, we will investigate 5 different methods used in nanotechnology for patterning. You will be able to explain the basic processes of photolithography, e-beam lithography, ion beam lithography, hot embossing, and self-assembly.

Nanofabrication: Etching

In this module, you will learn to describe and compare wet and dry etching processes. These processes are used to selectively remove material in nanofabrication.

Closing

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces basic nanofabrication techniques used in the research and industry

Taught by faculty and staff experts in nano-fabrication and nano-characterization

Develops technical skills for career growth in nanotechnology

Reviews summary

Nano-maker's guide

learners say this comprehensive course offers a well-structured balance of theory and practical demonstrations covering foundational Nanotechnology topics, such as equipment use, sample preparation, and characterization techniques. Led by professors and graduate students, the course provides a unique glimpse into real-world applications of nanofabrication and nanocharacterization techniques. The course is highly recommended for individuals seeking an introduction to nanotechnology, including scientists, engineers, and students.

The course content offers clear explanations and helpful visuals, making nanotechnology concepts easy to understand, even for those new to the field.

"The explanations and demonstrations are simple and super easy to understand."

"The presentations are simple and of super easy understanding."

"I was happy in learn so much thing about equipment, definitions and techniques that are used in the career that I am following, it blowed my mind actually haha. Amazing!"

Exceptional demonstrations bring nanotechnology to life, offering a virtual hands-on experience with fabrication and characterization techniques.

"It has an introduction to the field of nanotechnology. The highly organized lectures and expermentations helped me to grasp the basic concepts in nanofabrication."

"This course has assisted me in learning and developing basic concepts in nanotechnology and all the associated experimental techniques."

"The videos are very informative. For a person like me who has a little knowledge about Nanotechnology, the discussions were very helpful."

"This course provides an excellent window to learn how the researches are being conducted in the field of nanotechnology."

The course provides a thorough foundation in nanotechnology, covering a wide range of topics, from fundamental concepts to advanced characterization and fabrication techniques.

"The course provides a general overview of the different processes and equipment involved in fabricating and manipulating nanomaterials."

"I also enjoyed the team of doctors as they are friendly and helpful and it is easy to receive information ...thanks.."

"I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge about nanotechnology."

"Anyone who is willing to learn nanotechnology must go through this course once."

"It's an excellent course to learn methods used in the characterisation of nanomaterials in a practical way."

Knowledgeable professors and graduate students present the material with clarity and enthusiasm, creating an engaging learning experience.

"Excellent course on Nanotechnology and its characterization which was meticulously planned for any Nanomaker to prepare nano particles with ease."

"Great teacher's, perfectly explained to depth of Nano Technology."

"The best course I have ever done so far. It was a we'll structured and comprehensively explained course."

"It is an excellent, well made course."

"It is an excellent course for those who wish to involve himself/herself in nanotechnology research."

While the course provides a broad overview, some learners may desire more in-depth content in specific areas.

"I was expecting it to be more technical and detailed; however, it was more of an overview of the various techniques used in the nanotech industry."

"The course would be a nice start for a beginner in the field of nanofabrication. However, this course does not provide any detailed theoretical background or details about the hands-on experience about the techniques."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Nanotechnology: A Maker’s Course with these activities:

Read 'Introduction to Nanotechnology' by Charles P. Poole and Frank J. Owens

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of nanotechnology from a highly-regarded textbook

View The Physics and Chemistry of Nanosolids on Amazon

Show steps

Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts
Complete end-of-chapter exercises and problems
Summarize the main ideas of each chapter in your own words

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Nanotechnology: A Maker’s Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nanotechnology Engineer

A Nanotechnology Engineer develops materials, devices, and systems at the nanoscale. They must understand how to create and manipulate materials at the atomic and molecular level. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it provides foundational knowledge of nanotechnology tools. The course's practical knowledge and skills will also help you to develop practical skills in nano-scale fabrication and characterization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nanotechnology Engineer

Materials Scientist

A Materials Scientist researches and develops new materials. They study the properties of materials and how they can be used to create new products. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it covers the practical knowledge, skills, and tools that can turn your nanotechnology ideas into physical form.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer applies engineering principles to solve problems in medicine and biology. They design and develop medical devices, implants, and other products. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it will help you to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools and how nanotechnology can be used in the field.

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Chemical Engineer

A Chemical Engineer designs and operates chemical plants. They use chemical principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it covers vacuum deposition of thin films and nanofabrication techniques.

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Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs and develops electrical systems and components. They use electrical principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it covers nano-scale fabrication and characterization.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs and develops mechanical systems and components. They use mechanical principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs and develops civil infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They use civil engineering principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and develops environmental systems and components. They use environmental engineering principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools.

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Industrial Engineer

An Industrial Engineer designs and develops industrial systems and components. They use industrial engineering principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools.

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Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs and develops aerospace systems and components. They use aerospace engineering principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools.

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Agricultural Engineer

An Agricultural Engineer designs and develops agricultural systems and components. They use agricultural engineering principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools.

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Bioengineer

A Bioengineer applies engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine. They design and develop medical devices, implants, and other products. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to gain practical knowledge, skills, and tools that can turn your nanotechnology ideas into physical form.

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Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer designs and develops computer systems and components. They use computer engineering principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs and develops software applications. They use software engineering principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects and analyzes data to solve problems. They use data science principles to develop new products and processes. You should take this course to gain the specialized knowledge needed for this role, as it may be useful to understand the capabilities of nanotechnology tools.

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