Nanofabrication Technology, A.A.S.

Nanofabrication Technology (324)
Associate in Applied Science Degree

This program provides the student with a comprehensive background in microelectronics and nanofabrication technology. The student will study electronic device and circuit behavior, basic chemistry and fabrication techniques used to create micron and submicron scale structures. Techniques covered include electron beam epitaxy, plasma etching, reactive ion etching, metallization, thick and thin film deposition and photolithography. Typical opportunities for graduates include employment as microelectronic fabrication technologists, research assistants, materials research technicians, and semiconductor fabrication technicians. Three semesters are completed at Butler County Community College while the final semester is administered at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Materials Research Laboratory (see NOTE at bottom of planner). This is a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) program.

Program Competencies

The student/graduate will be able to:

Analyze Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) circuits using various circuit simplification and analysis techniques.
Apply theoretical principles to physically design electric circuits to solve technical problems.
Identify common electronic components, devices, and symbols.
Perform basic nanofabrication processes.
Perform patterning for nanofabrication processes.

Minimum - 72 credits

First Semester (18)

ENGL 101 - College Writing
MATH 101 - College Algebra ¹
or Mathematics Elective 3 credits
PHYS 101 - Physics I
ELEC 110 - Electrical Fundamentals ²
DRFT 116 - Technology Applications with Excel

Second Semester (18)

Third Semester (18)

Fourth Semester (18) *

Note(s):

¹Calculus I and II (MATH 221, MATH 222) may be substituted for (MATH 101) and Trigonometry and Functions (MATH 102).

² Part-time students may take DC Circuits (ELEC 101) and AC circuits (ELEC 102) in place of Electrical Fundamentals (ELEC 110).

³Courses offered at Pennsylvania State University, Nanofabrication Facility, Main Campus.

^*NOTE: Students in the program who do not meet the eligibility requirements (e.g. a GPA of 3.0 or higher) to be selected for the fourth semester at the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) or choose not to attend the capstone fourth semester at PSU will take the following courses in their fourth semester: Power Systems and Maintenance (ELEC 230), Linear Circuit Analysis (ELEC 291), Physics II (PHYS 102), and Individual Research Project (ELEC 250). Upon successful completion of the course Fundamentals of Microprocessors (ELEC 240) and a Humanities or Social Science elective in the fall semester that follows, these students will earn an Associate Degree in Electronics Technology.