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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Practical introduction to nanotechnology tools

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the practical tools and techniques used in nanotechnology, specifically focusing on fabrication and characterization equipment. Many students found the lab demonstrations helpful and informative, offering a valuable look into real-world applications. While the course covers complex topics, reviewers generally feel it offers a clear and accessible overview. Some learners noted it serves as an excellent foundation for further study or work in the field, though a few mentioned it might require prior scientific background to fully grasp all concepts. Overall, the course is well-regarded for its practical focus and detailed explanations of sophisticated equipment.

Benefits from prior science knowledge.

"While the explanations are good, I think having some prior knowledge in physics or materials science is definitely beneficial."

"Some modules assume a certain level of scientific understanding that might be challenging for complete beginners."

"If you lack a science background, be prepared to do some supplementary reading to keep up with certain sections."

"The pace feels appropriate if you have a foundational understanding, but might be fast otherwise."

Provides a good starting point.

"This course offers an excellent foundation for anyone looking to understand the practical side of nanotechnology."

"It's a great stepping stone into the field, providing the necessary context for different tools and techniques."

"I feel much better prepared to explore more advanced topics or practical applications after taking this course."

"Gives you a solid understanding of the basic fabrication and characterization methods."

Explains complex concepts well.

"The instructors did a good job of explaining the complex principles behind the nanotechnology tools in an understandable way."

"I appreciated how the course broke down sophisticated techniques like lithography and etching into manageable concepts."

"The explanations provided a clear overview of each tool's function and application, which was exactly what I needed."

"Even without a deep prior background, the explanations of the characterization tools were quite clear."

Demonstrates complex tools clearly.

"The lab demonstrations were particularly useful, giving a great sense of how the actual equipment works and the procedures involved."

"I found the demonstrations of the SEM and TEM to be incredibly insightful, making the abstract concepts much more concrete."

"Seeing the tools in action through the demos was the strongest part of the course for me; it really clarified the processes."

"The visual demonstrations of the fabrication processes were very helpful for understanding the practical steps."

Less 'hands-on' than expected.

"While the description mentions a 'Maker's Course', it's really more about understanding the tools than using them hands-on, even virtually."

"The course is heavy on theory and demos, which is valuable, but the 'Maker' aspect felt somewhat overstated without practical exercises."

"Expected more on building or designing simple nano-structures myself, even in simulation; it's more about observing the process."

"It's a course *about* the tools makers would use, rather than a course *for* makers to make things."

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioengineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist