Finding Nano: Nanotechnology & Culture in Germany
Language Requirements
While there is no language pre-requisite, all students are required to enroll in a German language course as part of the overall program.Northwestern Requirements
- Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.3.
- The program is intended for students who have finished their junior year, but exceptionally advanced sophomores may qualify.
- Students must have taken introductory level quantum mechanics at Northwestern before beginning the program, either quantum chemistry (CHEM 342-2), quantum electronics (EECS 223), quantum materials (MAT SCI 351-1, 351-2), or basic quantum mechanics (PHYS 339-1, 339-2). For more specific information on these pre-requisite course(s), please contact Prof. Matthew Grayson.
Academic Specialties
"Finding Nano" provides an in-depth look at the fundamentals of nanotechnology.Course Type
Students on this program will enroll in all three of the following one-credit courses AND the required non-credit supplement and will then be eligible to earn a total of three Northwestern credits.
Electronic Properties of Nanoengineered Materials (NanoSCI): This course introduces students to the rapidly developing field of nanoengineered materials with special focus on their electronic properties. The course is of special interest to electrical engineers, materials scientists, physicists and the like. Fundamental aspects of the electronic properties of these materials, as well as fabrication processes and applications will be equally discussed in this course. Download a course syllabus (pdf).
Nanotechnology in Germany: Implementing Science, Research, and Technology in Germany (NanoTECH)
This course gives students an overview of the technological landscape of Germany, with an emphasis on nanotechnology centers. Excursions to industrial sites (e.g. BMW), and research laboratories (e.g. Max-Planck-Institute) lead to a deeper understanding of Germany's position in the technological world.
German Language: A German language course rounds out the third course, with German being taught at both beginner and intermediate levels. Students take a placement test upon arrival in Munich and are placed in an appropriate course with other students. The ability to use German language for communicative purposes provides students with a greater access to German culture. A comfortable working knowledge of German and a familiarity with German culture prepare students for an increasingly international work environment.
Required Non-Credit Supplement: German Culture and History - Discovering European and German Contributions to Science, Education, Politics, Art and Technology: Visits to cultural sites give both an introduction to the cultural and political profile and to the importance of technology in the development of the arts and the architecture in history. The excursions combine the NanoTECH visits to technology centers with neighboring local historical sites (e.g. Nuremberg, Augsburg). Social events complement the daily life experience and create opportunities to interact with other students.
Additional Information
Policies:
- Read about the refund, cancellation and withdrawal policies for Northwestern's summer study abroad programs
- All students who participate in Northwestern Study Abroad programs are required to purchase HTH health insurance. Read about HTH costs and enrollment.
- All students who participate in Northwestern Study Abroad programs must register prior to their departure with International SOS, a free travel and security assistance program. For registration instructions, click here.
About Munich:
Located in southern Bavaria just an hour from the Alps, Munich is known for its rich culture, spectacular architecture, high tech expertise, and southern German hospitality. Munich is an ideal center to any exploration of Europe, at an epicenter between Berlin, Vienna, Paris and Prague.
Nano in the News:
Read a McCormick article about the Summer 2009 Munich program.
Housing
University Dormitories:- Students have single or double-rooms, pending availability. These housing arrangements provide an opportunity for students to socialize with other program participants and also German and international students who may be staying the summer in Munich. Cooking facilities in the dorms allow for social gatherings.
Program Costs
Summer 2012 Fees: $6,150
This fee includes tuition, housing, half board, books, transit pass, excursions, German health insurance and the Study Abroad Administrative Fee.
Additional expenses, which are the responsibility of the student, are estimated to be $3,100 and include flight, food, HTH insurance, excursions and personal expenses.
Financial Aid: Northwestern students receiving financial aid during the academic year may be eligible for summer aid for this program. If funding is available, it may count as one of their 12 quarters of aid. For more information, please contact Mike Frechette at the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid, at 847-491-7400.
Study Abroad Office Scholarships: The Study Abroad Office will offer a limited number of need-based scholarships, ranging from $1,000 - $3,000, to eligible Northwestern students applying to study abroad on the Munich summer program. To be considered for a need-based summer study abroad scholarship, please complete a Scholarship Form by March 1, 2012 and submit it to the Study Abroad Office.
Summer Undergraduate Research Grants: Sponsored by the Provost, these grants provide an unrestricted $3,000 to cover research and living expenses for full-time summer projects, plus 50% travel for international projects. Application deadline: March 11, 2012. For details, click here.
Approximate Program Size
10-12 studentsApplication Requirements
Students applying to the Munich summer program must:
- Schedule an interview with Professor Matthew Grayson prior to the application deadline. Please email Professor Grayson to schedule an interview.
- Complete a Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Application, a Technical University of Munich Application and submit one copy of your resume to the Study Abroad Office by March 1, 2012.
- Note: Students interested in conducting research or internships abroad in conjunction with the Nanotechnology program are encouraged to submit their application materials (including the NU Study Abroad Application, Technical University of Munich application and resume) to the Study Abroad Office for early review starting January 3, 2012. Applications will be accepted until March 1.
Note: Make sure your passport is valid through January of the following year. If you are planning to apply to this program and you do not yet have a passport (or need to renew your current passport), you should begin this process as soon as possible so that it is completed by the time of application in early March. The processing time for a passport application is approximately 6-8 weeks. For more information on how to apply for or renew a passport, please visit the State Department's passport web site.
