Nanotechnology Minor (B.Eng.) (21 credits)
Offered by: Chemical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering)
Degree: Bachelor of Engineering
Program credit weight: 21
Program Description
Through courses already offered in the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Medicine and Health Sciences, depending on the courses completed, undergraduate students will acquire knowledge in some of the following areas related to nanotechnology:
- Nanomaterial synthesis and processing approaches
- Physicochemistry and quantum behavior of nanomaterials
- State-of-the-art techniques for nanomaterial characterization and detection
- Applications of nanomaterials in engineered solutions
- Nanomaterials in medicine and pharmacology
- Nanomaterials in electronics and energy
- Environmental, health, and social impacts of nanomaterials
Minor program credit weight: 21-22 credits
Students must complete 21 credits of courses as indicated below. A maximum of 12 credits of courses in the student's major may double-count with the Minor.
Students who have not taken the listed prerequisites for any of these courses should ensure that they have the adequate background and/or meet with the instructor before registering for the course. Permission from the instructor and/or department may be required.
The program is open to undergraduate students that are in Year 2 or higher.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Complementary Courses (21-22 credits)
Group A
Students must complete a minimum of 3 credits from the following list of courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIEN 510 | Engineered Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications. | 3 |
Engineered Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the interdisciplinary field of biomedical uses of nanotechnology. Emphasis on emerging nanotechnologies and biomedical applications including nanomaterials, nanoengineering, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, nano-based imaging and diagnostic systems, nanotoxicology and immunology, and translating nanomedicine into clinical investigation. | ||
| BMDE 508 | Introduction to Micro and Nano-Bioengineering. | 3 |
Introduction to Micro and Nano-Bioengineering. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The micro and nanotechnologies that drive and support the miniaturization and parallelization of techniques for life sciences research, including different inventions, designs and engineering approaches that lead to new tools and methods for the life sciences - while transforming them - and help advance our knowledge of life. | ||
| CHEE 521 | Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. 1 | 3 |
Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Environmental impacts and applications of nanomaterials. Topics: physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles in aquatic media, colloid chemistry for understanding nanoparticle aggregation and mobility in the environment, mechanisms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by nanomaterials, nanomaterials for environmental remediation and water treatment, methodologies for assessing nanoparticle toxicity, novel research developments. | ||
| CHEM 534 | Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. 1 | 3 |
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Topics discussed include scanning probe microscopy, chemical self-assembly, computer modelling, and microfabrication/micromachining. | ||
| CIVE 521 | Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. 1 | 3 |
Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Environmental impacts and applications of nanomaterials. Topics: physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles in aquatic media, colloid chemistry for understanding nanoparticle aggregation and mobility in the environment, mechanisms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by nanomaterials, nanomaterials for environmental remediation and water treatment, methodologies for assessing nanoparticle toxicity, novel research developments. | ||
| ECSE 535 | Nanoelectronic Devices. 2 | 3 |
Nanoelectronic Devices. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Physical principles and modelling of nanoelectronic devices. Bandstructure and electronic density of states, Quantum wells, wires and dots. Ballistic electron transport, tunnelling and scattering mechanisms. Electrical and optical properties of nanostructures, fundamental performance limits. Research devices and materials. | ||
| MIME 570 | Micro- and Nano-Fabrication Fundamentals. | 3 |
Micro- and Nano-Fabrication Fundamentals. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamentals of micro- and nano-fabrication technologies. Lithographic, etching, deposition, and implantation and various control parameters of these processes and their resulting effects on structure, materials quality, and conformality. | ||
| PHYS 534 | Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. 1 | 3 |
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Topics include scanning probe microscopy, chemical self-assembly, computer modelling, and microfabrication/micromachining. | ||
- 1
Students can take only one course from each set of the following courses:
- MIME 260 Materials Science and Engineering., MIME 261 Structure of Materials., MIME 262 Properties of Materials in Electrical Engineering. or CHEE 380 Materials Science.
- CHEE 515 Interface Design: Biomimetic Approach. or MIME 515 (Bio)material Surface Analysis and Modification.
- CHEE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. or CIVE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment.
- CHEM 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. or PHYS 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
- BIOL 319 Introduction to Biophysics. or PHYS 319 Introduction to Biophysics.
- 2
A 3.0 or higher CGPA is required in order to take these courses.
Group B
Students will be required to take up to 18-19 credits of courses from Group B, depending on how many courses from Group A were taken.1
- 1
A research-based course (maximum 4cr) with the focus on nanotechnology taken at McGill University may be considered for credits towards this Minor; students must obtain the approval of the research project from the Minor adviser prior to taking the course in order for the course to be counted as part of the Minor credits.
Bioengineering
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIEN 420 | Biodevices Design for Diagnostics and Screening. | 3 |
Biodevices Design for Diagnostics and Screening. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Design of analytical devices for high throughput screening (HTS) for genomics, proteomics and other “omics” applications; and for diagnostics for medical, veterinary, or environmental applications. Assessment of the specific requirements of each 'client' applications, followed by a review of specific regulations and guidelines. Theoretical and practical guidelines regarding the design of a specific micro- or nano-device, and comparison with the established state of the art in the chosen application. | ||
| BIEN 550 | Biomolecular Devices. | 3 |
Biomolecular Devices. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamentals of motor proteins in neuronal transport, force generation e.g. in muscles, cell motility and division. A survey of recent advances in using motor proteins to power nano fabricated devices. Principles of design and operation; hands-on-experience in building a simple device. | ||
Chemical Engineering
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEE 380 | Materials Science. 1 | 3 |
Materials Science. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Structure/property relationship for metals, ceramics, polymers and composite materials. Atomic and molecular structure, bonds, electronic band structure and semi-conductors. Order in solids: crystal structure, disorders, solid phases. Mechanical properties and fracture, physico-chemical properties, design. Laboratory exercises. | ||
| CHEE 515 | Interface Design: Biomimetic Approach. 1 | 3 |
Interface Design: Biomimetic Approach. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Investigation of the factors that cause biological surfaces to have superb functionalities; chemical and physical concepts responsible for the respective interfacial phenomena, such as surface tension, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrical double layers, surface wetting, adhesion and structural coloration; comparison of nature's solutions to engineering problems with synthetic approaches. | ||
| CHEE 543 | Plasma Engineering. | 3 |
Plasma Engineering. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Description of the plasma state and parameters, plasma generation methods, and of the related process control and instrumentation. Electrical breakdown in gases and a series of discharge models are covered. Plasma processing applications such as PVD, PECVD, plasma polymerisation and etching, environmental applications, nanoparticle synthesis, spraying and sterilization are treated. | ||
| CHEE 582 | Polymer Science and Engineering. | 3 |
Polymer Science and Engineering. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Application of engineering fundamentals to the preparation and processing of polymers emphasizing the relationship between polymer structure and properties. Topics include: polymer synthesis techniques, characterization of molecular weight, crystallinity, glass transition, phase behaviour, mechanical properties, visco-elasticity, rheology, and polymer processing for use in blends and composite materials. | ||
| CHEE 585 | Foundations of Soft Matter. | 3 |
Foundations of Soft Matter. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to soft condensed matter. Atomic and molecular origins of hydrodynamics and elasticity. Microscale order and disorder, phase transitions and dynamics. Polymer solutions, melts and gels. Surfactants, self-assembled structures, and fluid membranes. Colloidal dispersions, their dynamics, gels and crystals. Liquid crystals. Integration of the foregoing topics with modern experimental techniques in soft-matter research. | ||
- 1
Students can take only one course from each set of the following courses:
- MIME 260 Materials Science and Engineering., MIME 261 Structure of Materials., MIME 262 Properties of Materials in Electrical Engineering. or CHEE 380 Materials Science.
- CHEE 515 Interface Design: Biomimetic Approach. or MIME 515 (Bio)material Surface Analysis and Modification.
- CHEE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. or CIVE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment.
- CHEM 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. or PHYS 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
- BIOL 319 Introduction to Biophysics. or PHYS 319 Introduction to Biophysics.
Chemistry
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 334 | Advanced Materials. | 3 |
Advanced Materials. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Survey of the physical and chemical structure-function relationships defining advanced materials, including an introduction to basic materials science and characterization. Topics include supramolecular polymers, self-healing materials, advanced surfaces and adhesives, bio-inspired materials, shape memory materials, sensors and actuators, and photonic materials. | ||
| CHEM 531 | Chemistry of Inorganic Materials. | 3 |
Chemistry of Inorganic Materials. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Structure, bonding, synthesis, properties and applications of covalent, ionic, metallic crystals, and amorphous solids. Defect structures and their use in synthesis of specialty materials such as electronic conductors, semiconductors, and superconductors, and solid electrolytes. Basic principles of composite materials and applications of chemistry to materials processing. | ||
| CHEM 582 | Supramolecular Chemistry. | 3 |
Supramolecular Chemistry. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to supramolecular organization will be followed by discussions on the nature of interactions and methodologies to create ordered aggregates of high complexity. Potential of supramolecular chemistry in fabricating smart materials will be explored using specific topics including inclusion chemistry, dendrimers, molecular self-assembly and crystal engineering. | ||
| CHEM 585 | Colloid Chemistry. | 3 |
Colloid Chemistry. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Principles of the physical chemistry of phase boundaries. Electrical double layer theory; van der Waals forces; Brownian motion; kinetics of coagulation; electrokinetics; light scattering; solid/liquid interactions; adsorption; surfactants; hydrodynamic interactions; rheology of dispersions. | ||
Electrical Engineering
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECSE 423 | Fundamentals of Photonics. | 3 |
Fundamentals of Photonics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the fundamentals of modern optical and photonic engineering. Topics covered include the propagation of light through space, refraction, diffraction, polarization, lens systems, ray-tracing, aberrations, computer-aided design and optimization techniques, Gaussian beam analysis, micro-optics and computer generated diffractive optical elements. Experiments on physical and geometric optics. | ||
| ECSE 430 | Photonic Devices and Systems. | 3 |
Photonic Devices and Systems. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to photonic devices and applications. Semiconductor lasers, optical amplifiers, optical modulators, photodetectors and optical receivers, optical fibers and waveguides, fiber and waveguide devices. Photonic systems (communications, sensing, biomedical). Experiments on characterizing photonic devices and systems. Optical test-and-measurement instrumentation. | ||
| ECSE 433 | Physical Basis of Transistor Devices. | 4 |
Physical Basis of Transistor Devices. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Quantitative analysis of diodes and transistors. Semiconductor fundamentals, equilibrium and non-equilibrium carrier transport, and Fermi levels. PN junction diodes, the ideal diode, and diode switching. Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT), physics of the ideal BJT, the Ebers-Moll model. Field effect transistors, metal-oxide semiconductor structures, static and dynamic behaviour, small-signal models. Laboratory experiments. | ||
| ECSE 519 | Semiconductor Nanostructures and Nanophotonic Devices. 1 | 3 |
Semiconductor Nanostructures and Nanophotonic Devices. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Physics, design, synthesis, and fundamental properties of semiconductor nanostructures, quantum dots, nanowires, and nanotubes. Nanoscale confinement of radiation, properties of microcavities, whispering gallery modes, photonic crystals, strong vs. weak coupling, and Purcell effect. Quantum dot lasers, nanowire LEDs, and photonic crystal lasers. Nonclassical light sources. Solar cells and thermoelectric devices. | ||
| ECSE 536 | RF Microelectronics. 1 | 3 |
RF Microelectronics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits and wireless transceiver architectures. Modelling of passive/active integrated devices. Design of monolithic bipolar and CMOS LNAs, mixers, filters, broadband amplifiers, RF power amplifiers, VCOs, and frequency synthesizers. Analysis of noise and non-linearity in RFICs. Project using modern RFIC simulation/layout CAD tools. | ||
| ECSE 571 | Optoelectronic Devices. 1 | 3 |
Optoelectronic Devices. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Physical basis of optoelectronic devices including Light Emitting Diodes, semiconductor optical amplifiers, semiconductor lasers, quantum well devices, and solid state lasers. Quantitative description of detectors, optical modulation, optical logic devices, optical interconnects, and optomechanical hardware. Throughout the course, photonic systems applications will be addressed. | ||
| ECSE 596 | Optical Waveguides. 1 | 3 |
Optical Waveguides. Terms offered: Summer 2025 An in-depth analysis to guided-wave propagation. Dielectric waveguides (slab, 2D, nonlinear, spatial solitons), optical fibers (modes, dispersion relations, propagation in dispersive, nonlinear fibers, temporal solitons), beam propagation method, coupled mode theory, waveguide devices (couplers, gratings, etc.). Selection of current research topics of interest (e.g., photonic crystals, optical signal processing, etc.). | ||
| MIME 262 | Properties of Materials in Electrical Engineering. 2 | 3 |
Properties of Materials in Electrical Engineering. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Properties of a material continuum and crystalline state; properties of atoms in materials; conduction electrons in materials; electronic properties of semiconductors and metals; magnetic and thermal properties of materials; applications of electronic materials in semiconductor technology, recording media and transducers. | ||
- 1
A 3.0 or higher CGPA is required in order to take these courses.
- 2
Students can take only one course from each set of the following courses:
- MIME 260 Materials Science and Engineering., MIME 261 Structure of Materials., MIME 262 Properties of Materials in Electrical Engineering. or CHEE 380 Materials Science.
- CHEE 515 Interface Design: Biomimetic Approach. or MIME 515 (Bio)material Surface Analysis and Modification.
- CHEE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. or CIVE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment.
- CHEM 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. or PHYS 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
- BIOL 319 Introduction to Biophysics. or PHYS 319 Introduction to Biophysics.
Mechanical Engineering
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MECH 500 | Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering. 1 | 3 |
Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A course to allow the introduction of new topics in Mechanical Engineering as needs arise, by regular and visiting staff. | ||
| MECH 553 | Design and Manufacture of Microdevices. | 3 |
Design and Manufacture of Microdevices. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Micromachining techniques (thin-film deposition; lithography; etching; bonding). Microscale mechanical behaviour (deformation and fracture; residual stresses; adhesion; experimental techniques). Materials- and process-selection. Process integration. Design of microdevice components to meet specified performance and reliability targets using realistic manufacturing processes. | ||
| MECH 556 | Microfluidics and BioMEMS. | 3 |
Microfluidics and BioMEMS. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Fundamentals of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and microfluidic devices (also called lab-on-a-chip devices), and their applications to biology and medicine. Topics include: microfabrication techniques, MEMS sensing and actuation principles, microfluidics theories, microfluidic device design, packaging and characterization of MEMS and microfluidic devices, bioanalytical techniques in microfluidics. Students will have the opportunity to conduct two term designs in microfluidics and bioMEMS. | ||
| MIME 260 | Materials Science and Engineering. 2 | 3 |
Materials Science and Engineering. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Structure properties and fabrication of metals, polymers, ceramics, composites; engineering properties: tensile, fracture, creep, oxidation, corrosion, friction, wear; fabrication and joining methods; principles of materials selection. | ||
- 1
When topic is appropriate, with approval from the Minor Adviser.
- 2
Students can take only one course from each set of the following courses:
- MIME 260 Materials Science and Engineering., MIME 261 Structure of Materials., MIME 262 Properties of Materials in Electrical Engineering. or CHEE 380 Materials Science.
- CHEE 515 Interface Design: Biomimetic Approach. or MIME 515 (Bio)material Surface Analysis and Modification.
- CHEE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. or CIVE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment.
- CHEM 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. or PHYS 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
- BIOL 319 Introduction to Biophysics. or PHYS 319 Introduction to Biophysics.
Materials Engineering
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MIME 261 | Structure of Materials. 1 | 3 |
Structure of Materials. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Classification of materials, electrons in atoms, molecules and solids, bonding in solids, elements of crystallography, common crystal structures, atoms positions, directions and planes in crystal structures, defects in crystalline solids, point defects, dislocations, structure of polycrystalline materials, grains, grain boundaries, non-crystalline solids. | ||
| MIME 467 | Electronic Properties of Materials. | 3 |
Electronic Properties of Materials. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Electrons as particles and waves, Schrodinger's Equation, electrical and thermal conductivity, semiconductors, semiconductor devices, fundamentals of magnetism, superconductivity and superconductive materials, dielectric materials, optical properties of materials, LASERs and waveguides. Advanced materials and their technological applications. An introduction to quantum mechanics will be included which will be the foundation upon which energy band diagrams will be built and understood. | ||
| MIME 515 | (Bio)material Surface Analysis and Modification. 1 | 3 |
(Bio)material Surface Analysis and Modification. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Material surface properties and how they affect their real-world applications, with emphasis on biologically relevant applications. Material surface modification techniques. Material surface characterization techniques. | ||
| MIME 542 | Transmission Electron Microscopy. | 3 |
Transmission Electron Microscopy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Comprehensive study of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Theory, principles and practical application of imaging, analysis and advanced sample preparation relevant to biological and non-biological materials. | ||
| MIME 569 | Electron Beam Analysis of Materials. | 3 |
Electron Beam Analysis of Materials. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Emphasis on operation of scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Topics covered are electron/specimen interactions, hardware description; image contrast description; qualitative and quantitative (ZAF) x-ray analysis; electron diffraction pattern analysis. | ||
| MIME 571 | Surface Engineering. | 3 |
Surface Engineering. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Surface science. Surface characterization. Surface modification. Coatings and thin films. Tribology. Surface engineering and control of surface properties. | ||
- 1
Students can take only one course from each set of the following courses:
- MIME 260 Materials Science and Engineering., MIME 261 Structure of Materials., MIME 262 Properties of Materials in Electrical Engineering. or CHEE 380 Materials Science.
- CHEE 515 Interface Design: Biomimetic Approach. or MIME 515 (Bio)material Surface Analysis and Modification.
- CHEE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. or CIVE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment.
- CHEM 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. or PHYS 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
- BIOL 319 Introduction to Biophysics. or PHYS 319 Introduction to Biophysics.
Pharmacology
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHAR 504 | Drug Discovery and Development 2. | 3 |
Drug Discovery and Development 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Nobel Prize-winning discoveries as a basis for drug development. | ||
Physics
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 319 | Introduction to Biophysics. 1 | 3 |
Introduction to Biophysics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Emerging physical approaches and quantitative measurement techniques are providing new insights into longstanding biological questions. This course will present underlying physical theory, quantitative measurement techniques, and significant findings in molecular and cellular biophysics. Principles covered include Brownian motion, low Reynolds-number environments, forces relevant to cells and molecules, chemical potentials, and free energies. These principles are applied to enzymes as molecular machines, membranes, DNA, and RNA. | ||
| PHYS 319 | Introduction to Biophysics. 1 | 3 |
Introduction to Biophysics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Emerging physical approaches and quantitative measurement techniques are providing new insights into longstanding biological questions. This course will present underlying physical theory, quantitative measurement techniques, and significant findings in molecular and cellular biophysics. Principles covered include Brownian motion, low Reynolds-number environments, forces relevant to cells and molecules, chemical potentials, and free energies. These principles are applied to enzymes as molecular machines, membranes, DNA, and RNA. | ||
| PHYS 346 | Majors Quantum Physics. | 3 |
Majors Quantum Physics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. De Broglie waves, Bohr atom. Schroedinger equation, wave functions, observables. One dimensional potentials. Schroedinger equation in three dimensions. Angular momentum, hydrogen atom. Spin, experimental consequences. | ||
| PHYS 558 | Solid State Physics. | 3 |
Solid State Physics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Properties of crystals; free electron model, band structure; metals, insulators and semi-conductors; phonons; magnetism; selected additional topics in solid-state (e.g. ferroelectrics, elementary transport theory). | ||
- 1
Students can take only one course from each set of the following courses:
- MIME 260 Materials Science and Engineering., MIME 261 Structure of Materials., MIME 262 Properties of Materials in Electrical Engineering. or CHEE 380 Materials Science.
- CHEE 515 Interface Design: Biomimetic Approach. or MIME 515 (Bio)material Surface Analysis and Modification.
- CHEE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment. or CIVE 521 Nanomaterials and the Aquatic Environment.
- CHEM 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. or PHYS 534 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
- BIOL 319 Introduction to Biophysics. or PHYS 319 Introduction to Biophysics.