Nano-Scale Physics

Nano-Scale Physics (Winter 2026) is the study of physics at the scale of nanometers (nm, 10^-9 m), though the path to nano-scale physics necessarily follows from work at the micron (𝜇m, 10^-6 m) scale. In this class, we will discuss both the unique physics available to us at such small scales, as well as discuss the specialized processes developed for creating micro- and nano-scale materials and devices.

Physics at the nano-scale covers many of the broad subject areas studied at the macroscale, and as such, our lessons will range from discussions of micro- and nanomechanics, to nanoelectronics and optoelectronics, to microfluidics. (Fluids behave very differently at the microscale!) These explorations will necessarily involve some discussion of quantum mechanics, as this branch of physics is necessary for understanding nano-phenomena.

You can expect problem sets to include analytical physics problems, as well as explorations of nanofabrication techniques through analyzing current research papers and practicing the development of fabrication plans. As this is an online class, we will not be able to physically tour a cleanroom, but Dr. McGill will draw on her knowledge of and experience with academic cleanrooms to curate a selection of online tours and resources that we will explore together.

Knowledge of calculus is required for this class.

Once the Winter 2026 term is set, this description will be updated to include class meeting times and the application deadline.