NanoEngineering

NanoEngineering emphasizes micro-nanoscale engineering courses necessary to work in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, molecular electronics, integrated silicon photonics, nanomedicine, micro- and nano-electromechanical systems, thin film technologies, and other applications of nanotechnology. The engineering coursework is grounded in a strong foundation of mathematics and physics. This program uses multidisciplinary approaches in solving problems with a global understanding of engineering design, systems optimization, and fabrication techniques. Graduates will address the complex needs and challenges of cutting-edge nanotechnology using manufacturing, characterization, and analysis tools including those in a cleanroom environment. Rose-Hulman’s NanoEngineering graduates are trained to take up any demanding jobs for the development of new technologies or to pursue graduate school for further studies in engineering or physics.

Mission

To provide a coherent foundation of physics and cutting-edge engineering that leads to a large variety of possibilities for its graduates. NanoEngineering graduates are trained in design, optimization, fabrication, and testing of semiconductor and nanoscale systems. Graduates are enabled to practice their dynamic and progressive engineering profession in emerging fields as responsible citizens of the global society.

Vision

To cultivate in students the responsibility, independence, and knowledge that allows them to be fully engaged engineers in all disciplines, to continuously improve their knowledge and skills, and to be engaged in the development process of emerging nanotechnologies and semiconductor manufacturing.

Courses Taken in the Respective Departments

Summary of Graduation Requirements for Nanoengineering

1. All the courses listed above by the number.
2. The program must be approved by the NE advisor.
3. A list of the engineering electives is provided.
4. Free engineering electives are any courses in engineering. 
5. SEM (Science, Engineering, Math) electives are courses that need to be taken at the 200 level (CHEM 115, ECE 180, and EM 121 are allowed) or above in biology, biomathematics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics or physics.
6. Unrestricted Free electives are any courses.

Classes by Subjects

Foundation Physics Classes

General Foundation Classes

Engineering Foundation

Design Sequence

Approved Intermediate Engineering Electives (4 credit hours required)

Approved Advanced Engineering Electives (4 credits required)

Below is a sample plan of study that illustrates one way to achieve the program requirements. Any given student's plan of study may differ based on a variety of factors (e.g., advanced credit, placement exams, adding a minor). Enrolled students will work with their academic advisor; utilize the degree audit/planner to create a specific plan of study.

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If students miss NE 180 Engineering at the Nanoscale in the freshmen or sophomore year, this requirement must be replaced with a 300 or 400-level NE course of at least 2 credits.

Notes:

NE course descriptions are listed under the Physics and Optical Engineering Department.

NE Program Educational Objectives

Based on our mission and the needs of our constituents, our graduates will:

• solve complex problems, create new knowledge, and incorporate innovative solutions.
• be a good citizen of the world, participate in solving major world problems such as climate change and poverty, and develop products and policies that are ethically, socially, and economically responsible.
• adopt and learn new skills, engage in lifelong learning, continue developing their knowledge, and teach others the benefits and limitations of their field.
• explain complex problems to a wide audience of different backgrounds and bridge the gap between different fields of study.
• collaborate, work well in a diverse and interdisciplinary team, and build relationships. 

NE Student Learning Outcomes

• Outcome 1: an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• Outcome 2: an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• Outcome 3: an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• Outcome 4: an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts 
• Outcome 5: an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• Outcome 6: an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• Outcome 7: an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

The nanoengineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.