University Catalog 2023-2024

Nanobiotechnology (Certificate)

With financial support from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University offer graduate certificates in nanobiotechnology.  Tremendous advances in development of nanoscale, nanostructured, and nano-enabled materials for biotechnology applications are currently taking place. In particular, the development of advanced materials (e.g., electronic materials, optical materials, biologically-derived materials, and nanoscale materials) will allow for the development of next generation systems for use in medicine, homeland defense, and agriculture. These systems will provide integration of multiple functions, miniaturization of devices, an increase in stability, and a decrease in cost. In order for universities, companies, and governmental agencies to pursue this highly specialized work, students must be trained at the graduate level to perform work at the interface of nanoscale science and biotechnology. The nanobiotechnology certificates are aligned with the need for highly trained professionals to nurture rapid growth of nanobiotechnology infrastructure in North Carolina. The keystone of the certificates at both universities is a core nanobiotechnology course (BME 540, 3 credit hours), in which lectures, open discussion, and student presentations will be used to introduce students to this area of study.

Plan Requirements

BME 540Nanobiotechnology Processing, Characterization, and Applications3
Select nine hours of electives:9
Fundamentals of Bio-Nanotechnology (courses also offered at UNC-CH)
Nanobiotechnology
Ethical Issues in Biotechnology
Polymeric Biomaterials Engineering
Advanced Materials
Total Hours12