Implementation of a Curriculum Leading to a Baccalaureate Degree in Nanoscale Science

Abstract

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) at the University at Albany has developed an academic curriculum leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nanoscale Science. This curriculum represents a 132-credit program designed for completion in eight academic semesters and is consistent with the SUNY General Education Program requirements as implemented at the University at Albany. This curriculum comprises a cutting-edge, inherently interdisciplinary, academic program centered on scholarly excellence, educational quality, and technical and pedagogical innovation. The blueprint for this curriculum is comprised of four basic components: a “Foundational Principles”’ component, a “Core Competency” component, a “Concentration” component and a “Capstone Research/Design” component. The first two components are designed to integrate the dissemination of fundamental, cross-disciplinary, nanoscale science and engineering principles with the cultivation of the critical skill set necessary for advanced undergraduate coursework and interdisciplinary research. The remaining two components expand on these foundational skills to develop the topical expertise, technical depth, and independent research abilities that are essential to a well-rounded undergraduate educational experience. The combination of these instructional tools ensures a customizable and coherent undergraduate degree program that trains the student's intellect how to explore, discover, and innovate, while ensuring its proficiency in a specific nanoscale discipline. The outcome is a unique undergraduate experience that taps into CNSE's global academic leadership in nanoscale science and engineering to attract and educate a diverse and talented pool of qualified scientists and engineers at the baccalaureate level.