Northwestern University and the Technische Universität München

Dana Bumpus, Assistant Director of the Study Abroad Office
630 Dartmouth Pl. Floor 2
Phone 847.467.2947
d-bumpus@northwestern.edu

Professor Matthew Grayson, Department of Elect. Eng. & Comp. Sci.
Phone 847.491.8137
m-grayson@northwestern.edu

Munich, Germany (population:  ca. 1.3 million)

June 15 – July 27, 2008           

• Applicants should have approximately a 3.3 GPA. 
• While there is no language prerequisite, all students are required to enroll in a German language course as part of the overall program.
• The program in nanotechnology is intended for students who have finished their junior year, but exceptionally advanced sophomores may qualify.
• Students must have taken an introductory Solid-state Physics course here at Northwestern before beginning the program. It is also essential that students have taken 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) to be qualified to enroll in the Munich program. For more specific information on these pre-requisite course(s), please contact Prof. Matthew Grayson at m-grayson@northwestern.edu.

This challenging and selective summer school program will be inaugurated in the summer 2008, with competitive openings available for Northwestern undergraduates.  “Finding Nano” provides an in-depth look at the fundamentals of nanotechnology by offering the following courses (each worth one Northwestern credit):

 

1. 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 the Course Syllabus for this course here.

2. 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. Siemens), research laboratories (e.g. Max-Planck-Institute) and cultural points of relevance lead to a deeper understanding of Germany’s position in the technological world.

Download the Course Syllabus for this course here.

3. 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.

4. 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.

 

Students on this program will enroll in all three of the above courses AND the required non-credit supplement and will then be eligible to earn a total of three Northwestern credits for work done on this program.  “Finding Nano” takes advantage of the high tech importance of the Technical University of Munich in offering a mix of expertise in the latest trans-disciplinary field of nanotechnology, as well as an exposure to the heart of German culture.  As one of only three universities distinguished with the German Excellence Award in 2006, the Technische Universitat Munchen is a leading university in Germany and Europe, serving as an important global player in the international world of science and technology.  Opportunities to interact with German students are provided during the 6 weeks since the summer school overlaps with the German academic year. 

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.

Nanotechnology

Students have single or double-rooms in university dormitories, 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.

The estimated program fee for the summer of 2008 is $6,500.  This price includes tuition for three Northwestern credits, housing, some meals, administrative fees, excursions, mandatory German health insurance, and a public transportation pass in Munich.  This price is subject to change based on the fluctuating exchange rate.

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 the Assistant Director of Financial Services, Sue Kwan, at s-kwan@northwestern.edu or 847-491-7400.