Studying to be a Nanotechnology Expert

Filed in archive Research on May 15, 2008

What does it mean to be a nanotechnology expert? Have you ever wondered what type of education would be required? The application of nanotechnology spans across all industries. For instance, healthcare is a huge area where nanotechnology is revolutionizing the medical management of diseases and ailments. The electronics industry would be transformed if nanotechnology research brings forth batteries that have 10 times the power as existing rechargeable batteries.

I advise many high school students who are in the process of applying to college. Some have recently expressed their interest in nanotechnology and science. What major should this student select? Biomedical engineering? Materials science? Mathematics? mechanical engineering? Chemistry? Physics? Cellular biology? The choices seem endless. Some colleges have a major called "nanoscience." The University of Guelph is the first to offer this major in Canada. What about "nano-engineering?" I wouldn't be surprised if these majors start popping up in the future. Perhaps they won't catch on for undergraduate degrees, but I can certainly see this happening for graduate studies.

What does it mean to be a nanotechnology expert? Have you ever wondered what type of education would be required? The application of nanotechnology spans across all industries. For instance, healthcare is a huge area where nanotechnology is revolutionizing the medical management of diseases and ailments. The electronics industry would be transformed if nanotechnology research brings forth batteries that have 10 times the power as existing rechargeable batteries.

I advise many high school students who are in the process of applying to college. Some have recently expressed their interest in nanotechnology and science. What major should this student select? Biomedical engineering? Materials science? Mathematics? Mechanical engineering? Chemistry? Physics? Cellular biology? The choices seem endless. Some colleges have a major called "nanoscience." The University of Guelph is the first to offer this major in Canada. What about "nano-engineering?" I wouldn't be surprised if these majors start popping up in the future. Perhaps they won't catch on for undergraduate degrees, but I can certainly see this happening for graduate studies.

So what do I suggest? Well, you're going to get a biased view from me. I studied mechanical engineering and then went on to study medicine. If you have a passion for a very specific area within nanotechnology, then chart your path accordingly. If you want to change healthcare by curing diseases and using nanotechnology, then have a solid understanding of biology and biomedical science. If you're more interested in electrical applications and general technology, then go for something broad like physics or materials science.