Program Overview
Doctor of Philosophy in Nanoscale Science
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nanoscale Science program at the University at Albany is designed to provide students with the critical theoretical and experimental skills needed to succeed in this emerging, multidisciplinary field. The program offers seven tracks for students to choose from, each with its own unique focus and research opportunities.
Program of Study
- Students will complete either 36 or 60 credits of coursework, depending on whether they already hold an appropriate master's degree or a bachelor's degree upon acceptance to the program.
- All students will enroll in a sequence of four foundational courses that provide the core competencies necessary for success in nanoscale engineering and science fields.
- The rest of the credits will be earned through research, seminars, and other nanoscale science and engineering courses, which are determined in part by the chosen track.
Additional Requirements
- Preliminary Written Exam: This exam covers fundamental topics of nanoscale science, and students have two attempts to pass to maintain academic standing in the program.
- Preliminary Oral Examination: Typically taken within two semesters of passing the written exam, the oral exam is related to the student's area of concentration.
- Dissertation: Submission and defense of a proposal that represents original research that contributes to knowledge in nanoscale science.
- Publication: Students must be the first author on at least two scientific publications that have been accepted to peer-reviewed journals related to their area of concentration.
Tracks
- Molecular Materials and Architecture: Fundamental material properties of molecular dots, wires, and crystals; quantum confinement and ballistic transport-based device structures; and the integration of molecular/electronic materials in nanodevice geometries.
- Optoelectronic Materials and Architectures: Compound semiconductor material properties and fundamentals of compound semiconductor ultra-thin-film growth for optical and optoelectronic applications.
- Spintronic Materials and Architectures: Compound semiconductor material properties and fundamentals of compound semiconductor thin-film growth for spintronic applications.
- Ultra-Thin Film Single and Multilayered Nanomaterial Structures: Self-assembly, deposition, modification, and integration of single and multilayered thin film materials.
- Nanoscale Materials Characterization, Analysis, and Metrology: Advanced nanoscale photon, ion, and electron-based microscopic and spectroscopic analytical techniques and process metrologies for atomic and molecular-level material properties.
- Nanomaterials for Nanotechnology: The science of design, deposition, and integration of atomic and molecular-level nanoengineered materials for nanotechnology-based applications.
- Economic Impacts of Nanoscale Science and Nanotechnology: In-depth technical analysis of educational, workforce, and economic impacts of emerging nanoscale systems and architectures.
Combined MD-PhD Program
- The program is offered by the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE) and SUNY Downstate College of Medicine.
- Students will benefit from the combined resources of CNSE's world-renowned nanotech education and research facilities and SUNY Downstate's outstanding medical training.
- The program is designed to prepare students to become world-class research physicians in the emerging science and practice of nanomedicine.
Research and Facilities
- Students will have access to the Albany NanoTech Complex, the most advanced nanotech center in North America.
- The complex offers a powerful ecosystem for education, development, tech acceleration, business incubation, and prototyping.
- Available internship and research opportunities can lead to transformative career opportunities.
Career Outcomes
- With a PhD in Nanoscale Science, students will be well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, government, or industry.
- Potential job titles include University Professor, Post-doctoral Researcher, Research & Development Engineer, Scientific Director, Photovoltaic Materials Scientist, and Research Metallurgist.
Admissions Requirements
- Deadlines:
- Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall (January 15), Spring (October 1)
- No Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall (February 1), Spring (October 1)
- Required Application Materials:
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three academic or professional letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- GRE General Test score is strongly recommended but not required.
Student Learning Objectives
- Depending on the chosen track, students will:
- Be able to conduct investigations and measurements of nanoscale and quantum phenomena in physical or biological systems.
- Be able to interpret when quantum and nanoscale effects are present in experimental data, and predict how quantum and nanoscale effects may manifest in experimental and practical conditions.
- Be able to understand and explain the origins of nanoscale phenomena in a variety of technological or bio-technological contexts.
- Have the ability to develop new microelectronic, photonic, or plasmonic devices based on exploiting nanoscale phenomena.
- Be able to conduct independent research that contributes new knowledge to their topic of specialization.
- Have a command over the academic literature relevant to their topic of specialization.
- Have the ability to communicate, both written and orally, to professional audiences.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Objective: Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in nanoscale science and engineering research. This includes understanding the fundamentals of material properties, developing and manipulating nanomaterials, and applying this knowledge to various technological applications.
- Description:
- The program offers seven specialized tracks to cater to individual interests and career aspirations. These tracks focus on various aspects of nanoscale science and engineering, including molecular materials, optoelectronics, spintronics, thin film nanomaterials, nanoscale characterization, nanomaterials for nanotechnology, and the economic impact of nanoscale science.
- Students are required to complete either 36 or 60 credits, depending on their prior qualifications and chosen thesis research path. The coursework involves a combination of foundational courses, track-specific electives, and research-oriented projects culminating in a dissertation.
Outline:
- Program Content:
- Covers fundamental principles, advanced concepts, and current research trends related to nanoscale science and engineering.
- Delves into specific areas like molecular and material properties, device fabrication and characterization, nanostructured materials, nanofabrication techniques, and theoretical simulations at the nanoscale.
- Provides in-depth knowledge of various materials, including molecular dots, wires, crystals, thin films, and nanostructured architectures.
- Introduces students to diverse applications across sectors like healthcare, energy, electronics, and more.
- Includes research projects and hands-on experience using advanced tools and equipment at the Albany NanoTech Complex.
- Structure & Schedule:
- Requires 36 credits (for students with a Master's degree) or 60 credits (for students with a Bachelor's degree) for program completion.
- Includes core courses, track-specific electives, research credits, and seminars totaling the required credit count.
- Offers flexibility to choose the course load per semester based on individual goals and research progress.
- Typically requires 4-5 years for full-time students and longer for part-time students to complete the program.
- Specific course offerings and schedules may vary depending on availability, faculty expertise, and student demand.
- Modules & Descriptions:
- Foundational Modules:
- Introduction to Nanoscale Science and Engineering
- Quantum Mechanics and Materials Science
- Nanomaterials Synthesis and Characterization
- Nanoelectronics and Optoelectronics
- Nanoscale Modeling and Simulation
- Track-Specific Modules:
- Each of the seven tracks mentioned previously offers specialized modules related to their respective themes. These may include:
- Economic Impacts of Nanoscale Science and Nanotechnology: Theoretical and simulation-based studies exploring the economic impact of emergent nano-enabled systems on various industries and society
- Course Load: Typically involves taking 4-5 courses in a semester, but students have the flexibility to adjust based on research workload or time constraints.
Assessment:
- Preliminary Written Exam: Covers basic nanoscience topics, with two attempt opportunities for students to maintain standing in the program.
- Preliminary Oral Examination: Held 2 semesters post written exam and specific to individual student research focus.
- Dissertation: Submission and defense of an original research proposal contributing new knowledge to nanoscale science.
- Publication Requirements: Requires publishing as first author in at least two peer-reviewed journal articles within the student's specialization.
Teaching:
- Methods: Combines traditional lectures with hands-on laboratory exercises, independent research opportunities, and participation in research seminars to encourage active learning and knowledge development.
- Faculty: Comprises distinguished professors, experienced researchers, and industry leaders specializing in various areas of nanoscience and engineering. Their diverse expertise contributes to a well-rounded and research-driven learning experience.
- Unique Approaches:
- Extensive access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Albany NanoTech Complex provides a unique and unparalleled research environment.
- Interaction and collaborations with numerous corporate research partners offer valuable industry perspectives and real-world research applications.
- Opportunities to present research findings at various conferences and participate in professional development activities foster networking and career opportunities.
Careers:
- Potential Careers: Upon graduation, students may pursue diverse career paths in academia, research institutions, or industrial settings.
- Examples: Positions like university professor, post-doctoral researcher, R&D engineer, scientific director, photovoltaic materials scientist, research metallurgist, and many others are accessible with a PhD in Nanoscale Science.
Other:
- International Opportunities: The program is recognized as a STEM designated program, enabling international students to pursue up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training for practical industry experience after graduation.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
Master's and PhD Program:
- Academic Background: Students require a bachelor's degree in science or engineering for the MS program or a bachelor's degree in any field for the PhD program.
- GPA:
- Students applying to the MS program should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their last 60 or 90 credit hours.
- Students applying to the PhD program should have a combined GPA of 3.2 in undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Additional Requirements:
- All applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- International applicants must submit official translated transcripts and demonstrate English proficiency (see below).
- For the PhD program, applicants must also submit:
- Three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement describing their research interests and career goals
- A curriculum vitae
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International Students: All students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. They can achieve this by:
- Scoring a minimum of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL exam, 80 on the internet-based TOEFL exam, 6.5 on the IELTS exam, or 71 on the PTE Academic exam.
- Completing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction. The specific requirements may vary depending on the applicant's chosen track or program.