A career in Nanotechnology via pure sciences

[shezi1995]

I have been offered admission by St Johns College Cambridge University for Natural science. In the first year I have to choose 3 experimental sciences along with maths. My options are physics, chem, materials science, computer science and some biological options. I am looking into a career in nanotechnology with a more theoretical approach. What options would be best for this. Is chemistry useful? I am thinking of physics, comp sci and materials sci. Would this give me a suitable background as to be able to decide what specialisation is best for me? I have enjoyed physics and chem in my a levels especially the materials section of both subjects like polymers, nanotechnology etc.
Thanks

 

[f95toli]

You need to explain what you mean by nanotechnology. This word nis owdays used for all sorts of things -ranging from biochemistry to semiconductor physics- meaning it is more or less meaningless unless in a context.

 

[shezi1995]

I know that I was a bit ambiguous. I'll try to be more clearer. I have been doing a level chemistry which contains applications. We studied things like use of gold nano particles in targeted drug delivery, study of buckyballs, graphene and its properties and uses and nanotubes. I studied about their chemical properties, bonding and physical properties etc. i enjoyed those things. I am also fascinated by superconductors and also semiconductors and its uses it electronics like thermisors, LED, LDR etc. I want to go in depth in these fields and perhaps explore more in related fields. I do realize that I have barely scratched the surface and things become complicated at higher levels but I am expecting it. I want to get into the mathematical aspects as well which includes modelling using mathematical and computational methods.
My background includes single variable calculus, basic linear algebra, descriptive and inferential stats, algebra based electricity and magnetism, calculus based mechanics, a level chemistry. I haven't studied any biology what so over in my high school education except for biochemistry involving stuff about proteins, DNA, RNA, genetic mutations etc which i studied in a level chem.
So I want to know more about this field and that was my main motivation behind this thread. So i would like anyone working in such areas to help me. What should I do before my university life begins? I have about 3 months in which I will be completely free.
I hope I've made myself clearer.

 

[Delong]

I'm a biochemistry major, one of my classmates is a biochemistry and applied math double major and he wants to get into the field of nanomedicine, or targetted drug delivery. Honestly I think he's being a little naieve in his route but who am I to judge.

I think molecular physics and material science are probably very related to that field.

 

[Matrix0]

for your interest in nanotechnology and congratulations on your admission to St Johns College Cambridge University for Natural Science! First of all, it's great that you have a clear career goal in mind and are already thinking about how to tailor your studies towards it. Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field with endless possibilities, so it's important to have a strong foundation in the pure sciences to pursue a career in it.

As for your options in the first year, physics and materials science are definitely important for a career in nanotechnology. Nanotechnology involves manipulating and studying materials at the nanoscale, so understanding the properties and behavior of materials is crucial. Physics will also provide you with a strong understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of matter at the nanoscale.

Computer science is also a valuable option, as nanotechnology often involves using computer simulations and modeling to design and analyze nanoscale structures and devices. Additionally, computer science skills are becoming increasingly important in all fields, including nanotechnology.

While chemistry may not seem as directly relevant to nanotechnology, it can still be useful. Understanding chemical reactions and bonding is important for designing and synthesizing new materials at the nanoscale. Additionally, many nanotechnology applications involve the use of nanoparticles, which are often made of various chemical compounds.

Overall, a combination of physics, materials science, and computer science would provide a strong foundation for a career in nanotechnology. However, it's always a good idea to keep an open mind and explore different options during your studies. You may find that you have a particular interest or aptitude for a specific area within nanotechnology, and your studies can help guide you towards that specialization.

Good luck with your studies and future career in nanotechnology!