Dateline: October 1, 2000

Most progress in nanoscale science and technology results from research involving various combinations of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and Computer Science. Therefore, a basic understanding of each of these subjects is a valuable asset for a person engaged in interdisciplinary nanoscience. A diverse background will give a nanoscientist the ability to communicate with colleagues and find the appropriate methods for a particular project. While each of these subjects has a plethora of available information from a macroscale perspective, there is plenty of room for their development with respect to the nanoscale. With such a background established, a strong focus on the nanoscale intersection between two or more of these fields is a promising method for achieving success in the field of nanotechnology.

Biology provides proof that the concept behind nanotechnology is realistic. The dis-assembly and re-assembly of biological systems into their individual components such as DNA, protein and phospholipids is common practice for the molecular biologist and has resulted in numerous advancements in biotechnology.

Chemistry is a well established method for dealing with atoms and molecules in very precise statistical sense. Nanoscale chemistry involves the study of single molecules, molecular assembly lines, nanoscale reaction vessels and more.

Physics has produced tools that can be used to directly interact with the nanoscale, namely Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM). SPM technology was predicted in the 1950s by Feynman and its discovery in the 1980s could be considered the spark that started nanotechnology.

Engineering on the nanoscale involves the use of atomically precise components to design and build nanoscale devices. Simulation and fabrication of nanomachines, quantum computers and molecular electronics may soon become standard practice in the engineering community.

Computer Science is a field that may be the first to develop real nanotechnology. Rapidly shrinking computer chips and novel architechtures require new chip fabrication methods and new software. Molecular simulation is an essential tool for nanotechnology.

Perhaps the most promising approach to nanotech education is to explore various combinations of the above fields. For instance, chemical engineering is a well established and profitable combination. Merging biology with computer science results in the important subject of bioinformatics. For my own undergraduate education, I chose a biochemistry major with a minor in mathematics. Meanwhile, our understanding of the nanoscale is rapidly expanding into numerous disciplines as scanning probe methods are developed by physicists.

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