Daniel
How popular is the Nanoscience field of study?
I am currently taking a nano science class and it has intrigued me in a way. My teacher says it's somewhat of a new study and there is still much to learn about it. She explained how not many people are entering this field of study and she is encouraging us to study nano science. I was wondering how popular is nano science exactly. If not many people are studying it, how can people contribute to help do research for the field? Also, what education must one get to work in the field of nano science? #nanotechnology
1 answer
Abhishek K N
Abhishek’s Answer
As nanoscale science and technology come to have an increasing impact on many aspects fo our daily lives, the opportunities for careers are expanding rapidly. A major challenge nanotechnology is has is the education and training of a new generation of skilled workers. Could you be one of them?
In areas as diverse as designing medical diagnostic devices to building better batteries, from creating cosmetics to enhancing energy efficient windows, from auto and plane manufacturing to researching the nature of matter itself, knowledge of nanoscale science and technology will be increasingly important during upcoming years and decades.
Where are the career areas?
Current applications of nanoscale science and technology, and thus career opportunities, exist in areas such as
Photo credit- Randy Montoya Sandia National LabElectronics/semiconductor industry
Materials science including textiles, polymers, packaging, among others
Auto and aerospace industries
Sporting goods
Biotechnology
Medical fields and pharmaceuticals
Environmental monitoring, control, and remediation
Food science including quality control and packaging
Forensics
University and federal lab research
Military and national security
Energy capture and storage
And many more areas
What Education is Needed and in which Fields?
Nanoscale phenomena underlie many of the properties and interactions of matter, and thus the sciences of physics, chemistry, and biology. However, nanoscale science is an interdisciplinary field – one where science and engineering intersect. Studying science or engineering and paying attention to the developments in nanoscience that advance these fields can provide you with a solid foundation for any broad range of careers.
What Type of Education is Needed for a Career in Nanotechnology?
Not everyone working in nanotechnology will require a doctorate degree in science or engineering. A skilled workforce trained at a variety of levels is needed to meet the projected workforce challenge. Education levels include:
Careers in solar energy are one of the many rapidly growing nanotech areas.
Technical program (a high school degree plus additional training)
Associate’s degree (2 years of college)
Bachelor’s degree (about 4 years of college total)
Master’s degree (about 6 years of college total)
Doctorate ( about 9 years of college total)