Best colleges with nanophysics/tech majors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for colleges offering nanophysics or nanotechnology majors. Participants explore various institutions in the United States and Europe, considering both undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as the importance of research opportunities and coursework relevant to future career paths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests the University of Central Florida and Rice University as potential options for studying nanophysics, while also mentioning Georgia Tech.
  • Another participant proposes looking into European institutions, specifically mentioning École Polytechnique.
  • A participant questions whether the original poster is seeking a PhD or undergraduate program and emphasizes the importance of research opportunities in various departments, even if they do not have structured nanotechnology programs.
  • There is a suggestion to consider future career goals, whether entering graduate school or the workforce, and to evaluate programs based on their ability to provide relevant experience and coursework.
  • One participant mentions the SMNO (Sciences des Matériaux et Nano-Objets) major in France, highlighting its collaborative nature among top schools, but notes the requirement of French language proficiency.
  • The University of Waterloo is mentioned as offering a Nanotechnology Engineering program, though its research orientation is questioned.
  • The University of Rochester's Institute of Optics is noted for its strong nano optics research group led by a specific professor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the best colleges for nanophysics, with no consensus reached on specific institutions or programs. There are differing views on the importance of structured programs versus research opportunities across various departments.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need to consider career goals and the relevance of coursework and research experience, indicating that the discussion may be influenced by individual priorities and definitions of what constitutes a strong program.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective students interested in nanophysics or nanotechnology majors, as well as those considering graduate studies or careers in related fields.

Mk
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What are some great recommended colleges I should look into if I were to major in nanophysics? :smile: The University of Central Florida is only a few minutes away from where I live right now, however Texas has plenty, and Rice University looks terrific. I looked one of Georgia's colleges (Georgia Tech?), and it looked quite appealing.
 
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Nanophysics in Europe

You can try in Europe. http://www.polytechnique.fr" .
 
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Are you looking for a PhD program, or undergrad program?

Even in universities without structured nanotechnology programs you can participate in research groups that DO nanotech research in various departments (chem/physics/engineering, etc.) "Nanotech" is just a buzz word -- lots of places do it without directly advertising... "Optics" and "Materials Centers" etc. are often similar buzz-wordy things... only by looking at programs can you determine if the buzz-word is appropriately showing a strengthn of the institution or just being used to draw people into the institution.

So (here I'm assuming you are an undergrad)...You might think about what you want to do AFTER undergrad... do you want to go to grad school, or into industry? If you want to go to grad school, you might think about that field and be sure that as an undergrad you take coursework suitable to prepare you for the grad program... and not just be drawn by the buzz word. If, on the other hand, you want to directly enter the workforce after undergrad, getting a certificate (and more importantly EXPERIENCE) in a field is important... places with programs for undergrads are then perhaps more meaningful because they have established routes that supposedly give you the experience in the field. BUT: Look at what those routes are... places that line up internships and have SPECIAL classes (with lab components) are certainly of higher quality than those with only a "seminar" series attendance requirement or a requirement to take classes outside your major (which you could do at any institution).

If you are looking at grad -- think about your undergrad experience and how that prepared you for the given program... and really look at the faculty in the program that you would be likely be doing your research under and how much they publish, how much their work is referenced, etc...
 
Major NanoPhysics

Also you have an interesting major : SMNO ( Sciences des Matériaux et Nano-Objets) which is a collaboration between the best schools in france.

Of course, you have to know french. More info on the http://www.nanosciencenet.org"

Good luck searching,
Adrian

www.nanosciencenet.org
 
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I'm not sure if this is as research oriented or specialized as you want but the University of Waterloo offers a Nanotechnology Engineering program.
 
The University of Rochester's Institute of Optics has a very good research group doing nano optics research led by Prof Novotony.

www.optics.rochester.edu
 

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