Materials & Nanoscience
Available as a concentration
Materials and nanoscience marries chemistry and physics to make discoveries at the molecular level.
As a student in materials and nanoscience, you'll expand your studies by exploring the frontiers of basic physical science at the atomic and molecular levels. This interdisciplinary concentration will benefit students who wish to continue their educations in the field of nanotechnology at the graduate level.
Curriculum & Courses
Sample Course Offerings
PHYS-250 Introduction to Nanomaterials
PHYS-450 Physics of Materials
CHEM-260 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
Student Experiences
Students learn value of community outreach through work in schools
Members of the Society of Physics Students have been working with local elementary school students through an after-school STEM program. "We hope that getting kids excited about exploring science and math will help keep them engaged in their STEM classes," said club member Morgan Heckman '19. The opportunity to run this program has also been an educational experience for club members. "Learning how to communicate and foster excitement about STEM is a necessary skill for anyone in the STEM fields. Kids helps us find ways to do this more effectively, and their enthusiasm can be infectious."
Lambert receives Goldwater Scholarship – the preeminent undergraduate science scholarship
William "Liam" Lambert '19, a double major in physics and math, was awarded a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, the preeminent undergraduate science scholarship. The 2018 Goldwater Scholars were selected based on academic merit from a field of 1,280 natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering students from over 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide. Lambert receives a membership to the American Physical Society and the organization featured his Goldwater award and covered his research.
What Makes Roanoke Different?
Peering into the nano world
The Physics Group has purchased a high-resolution atomic force microscope (AFM). This instrument can produce high-resolution images of structures that are 1,000 times smaller than a human hair. Physics students and faculty use the AFM for mapping micro and nanostructures, studying surface properties of thin films, and manipulating matter at the nanoscale.
Learn by Doing
Many opportunities for independent study
Nanotechnology: Daniel Ballou synthesized Goethite nanotubes.
Material Science: Anne Kyner analyzed Mossbauer data from planet Mars.
Careers & Outcomes
Our grads go on to great graduate programs.
Three students in Roanoke College's materials and nanoscience program won Goldwater scholarships or honorable mentions in recent years.
News
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Roanoke College faculty are accomplishing exciting things! Catch up on some of the latest news.
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Catch up on the latest news from our exceptional faculty members.
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The bachelor’s degree program is designed to support the region’s fast-growing biotech sector as it creates hundreds of new jobs.
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This interactive workshop, the first of a two-part event, is intended to train researchers to better communicate their work with people outside of their field. Folks from all programs are encouraged to attend!
- Date:
- March 27, 2026
- Time:
- 4 - 6 p.m.
- Location:
Antrim Chapel
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Engaged in research? Consider competing in this year's Nutshell Games Competition for a chance to win an Amazon e-gift card.
- Date:
- April 21, 2026
- Time:
- 6 - 7:30 p.m.
- Location:
Antrim Chapel
