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Nanotechnology is not just a Nano matter.
Nanotechnology, the scientific field of the 21st century, has ushered in significant opportunities worldwide. With the potential it holds, nanotechnology has opened doors to a multitude of possibilities. In the United States, the field boasts a workforce of one million individuals dedicated to its advancements. 

The term "nanotechnology" was initially introduced by Prof. M.S. It's Norio Taniguchi in 1974. In 1986, Eric Drexler authored a book titled "Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology," which delved into various facets of the field. A significant milestone in the history of nanotechnology was the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope in 1981 by Gerd Binning and Heinrich Rohrer. Another pivotal moment was the discovery of the "bucky ball," a spherical carbon molecule, by Robert Kear, Harry Croto, and Richard Smalley. These scientists were subsequently awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Additionally, in 1991, Japanese scientist and educator Dr. Sumio Ijima pioneered the development of microscopic nanotubes by rolling delicate nanolayers.

💾Nanotechnology
The term "nano" originates from the Greek word meaning "dwarf," representing its scale. A nano refers to one billionth of a meter. As substances decrease in size, their surface energy increases, leading to distinct characteristics. This knowledge principle forms the basis of nanoscience, a widely recognized field of study.

Renowned physicist Richard Feynman famously described this principle as "There is plenty of room at the bottom." 
All objects consist of tiny particles known as atoms, which combine to form molecules. Molecules, in turn, combine to create various substances. The atomic structure differs in each substance, resulting in distinct properties. By manipulating the structure of these fundamental particles, the nature of materials can be altered. Nanotechnology is a technology that harnesses the ability to modify the structure of these minuscule atoms from molecules, thus creating substances with novel features.

🌌Job Opportunities
Completing a course in nanotechnology opens up abundant opportunities both within and outside of India. Countries such as the United States, England, Singapore, Germany, China, Korea, and Japan are at the forefront of utilizing nanotechnology.
Various career paths await those trained in nanotechnology, including roles as nanotechnologists, scientists, researchers, professors, engineers, medical scientists, and food scientists. Starting salaries for beginners in the field typically range from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per month. As one gains more experience, the earning potential increases to approximately Rs. 8,00,000 to Rs. 15,00,000 per year.

For individuals with an M.S. degree in Nanotechnology or a Ph.D. in a related field, opportunities exist as nanotechnologists, specialists, and scientists. Employment prospects can be found in biotechnology, agriculture, food science, genetics, space research, and medicine. Institutions such as the National Physical Laboratory and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics also offer employment opportunities. Those with research degrees can also pursue careers as faculty members in universities and colleges.

🌌Courses
In India, there are various courses available in the field of nanotechnology, including B.Sc. in Nanoscience, B.Tech. in Nanotechnology, M.Tech. in Nanotechnology, and M.Sc. in Nanotechnology. Individuals who have completed their higher secondary education in the science stream are eligible to enroll in an undergraduate program in nanotechnology. For those aspiring to pursue a master's degree or other related courses in nanotechnology, a bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, or life sciences is the minimum qualification required. Additionally, a minimum of 50% marks is typically required for graduation.
There are several undergraduate programs available in India such as B.Tech. in Materials Science, Biotechnology, Biomedical, Mechanical, Chemical, Electronics, and Computer Science. For individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies, there is the option of pursuing an M.Tech. in Nanotechnology. Additionally, there are M.Sc. programs in fields like Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Materials Science, and Computer Science. Those who already hold an M.Tech. in Nanotechnology can further advance their knowledge in the field.
Furthermore, individuals with a master's degree in physics, science, or electronics can also explore research opportunities in nanotechnology. Specialization options in nanotechnology include nano-biotechnology, ceramic engineering, green nanotechnology, materials science, nanoarchitectonics, nanoengineering, nanomechanics, wet nanotechnology, nanomedicine, and nanosolar
🌌🎇Prominent institutes that offer programs in nanotechnology.
The Amrita Centre for Nanoscience and Molecular Medicine at the Kochi campus, part of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, established India's first nanobio center. They offer a range of programs including M.S. in Nanotechnology/Nanoscience, M.Tech., M.Sc., and B.Sc. courses. Amrita University has collaboration with the University of Arizona, USA, providing opportunities for dual degree programs.

One notable aspect of admissions at Amrita University is that there is no entrance exam required. Instead, applicants undergo a telephonic interview. They offer M.Tech. and M.Sc. programs in Nanobiotechnology, Nanoscience and Technology, and Molecular Medicine. Dual degree programs include M.Sc. (Nanobiotechnology) + M.S. (Cellular and Molecular Medicine) and B.Sc. (Molecular Medicine) programs.

•    Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi (M.Tech. Nanotechnology).

•    IIT Roorkee (M.Tech., Ph.D. in Nanotechnology).

•    IISc (M.Tech., Ph.D. In Nanoscience and Engineering).

•    NIT Bhopal (M.Tech. Nanotechnology).

•    NIT Kurukshetra (M.Tech. Nanotechnology).

•    M.A.N.I.T. Bhopal (M.Tech. Nanotechnology).

•    IIT Patna (M.Tech. Nanotechnology).

•    Aligarh Muslim University (M.Tech. nanotechnology).

•    Campuses of Amity University, Noida, Gurgaon and Jaipur (M.Tech. and B.Tech. in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology).

•    Anna University's Tiruchirappalli and Tirunelveli campuses (B.Tech. and M.Tech. in Nano Science and Technology).
 
•    Periyar Maniyamma University, Vallam Thanjavur - M.Tech in Nanotechnology.

•    Bharathiar University, Coimbatore - M.S.C in Nanoscience and Technology.

•    S.R.M. Kattankulathur - M.S. Degree Course in Nanoscience and Technology.

•    Sastra University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu Integrated M.Tech Degree Course in Medical Nanotechnology.

•    University of Rajasthan and VIT in Vellore offer M.Tech degree programs. Additionally, Aryabhatta Knowledge University          in Patna, Barkatullah University in Bhopal, and Sri Guru Granth Sahib University in Punjab also provide M.Tech courses          in this field.

•    Srinivas Institute of Technology, Karnataka and SRM University, Chennai. B.Tech courses.

•    Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi - M.E-Course with Nanotechnology as an Elective Subject.

•    M.Phil. in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from The University of Mumbai. 

•    Amity University Noida (M.Sc. Nanoscience).

•    Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (MSc. Nanoscience and Technology).

•    Opportunity to do M.Phil. and Research in Nanotechnology at The University of Kerala.

•    M.S., M.Phil and PG Diploma (Evening Course) courses in the Department of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma       Gandhi University. 

•    M.Tech. and Ph.D. programs from the Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Calicut University.

•    Kochi University: Cusat Kochi University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has an inter-university research centre for         nano. Most of the research is related to energy, communications, environment and medicine. The centre, which started           with the aim of research and development activities, does not currently offer a Master's degree, ph.D There's an                         opportunity for ph.D.

•    NIT Kozhikode (M.Tech, Nanotechnology).

•    Amrita Centre for Nanoscience and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Kochi Campus (M.Tech.,       M.Sc., B.Sc.).

An Article By Mujeebulla K M
CIGI Career Team
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