In 2001, the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto introduced the world’s first undergraduate degree in nanoengineering to Engineering Science students.

“This pioneer multi-disciplinary program enables our students to tackle the increasingly complex challenges of today’s world by incorporating their knowledge of nanoengineering to provide innovative solutions,” said Cristina Amon, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.

“Taught by leading nanoengineering experts, our students have the unique opportunity to learn with the professors who author the textbooks and garner international awards for their research.”

The Engineering Science nanoengineering program is a combination of disciplines, including physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, mechanical and industrial engineering, chemical engineering and applied chemistry, computer and electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering.

Students have the option to enter into nano after their second year of studies in Engineering Science.

"The nanoengineering program is the epitome of interdisciplinary education. Nanotechnology will once again unify science, such that 25 years from now we will wonder why we divided nature into physics, chemistry and biology," said Professor Doug Perovic, who built the nanoengineering program at U of T Engineering and has served as the program’s Chair since its inception. He also served as Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering for the past 10 years.

One of the program’s first graduates, David Deak (EngSci 0T3) says, “Nanotechnology has its place in almost every industry that involves developing technologies.” He is putting his nanoengineering degree to use as Project Manager of Technology for Siemens Wind Power in Denmark, where he manages and coordinates projects that aim to enhance wind turbine performance as well as mitigating failures in wind turbines. Deak recently completed his PhD at Oxford, where he founded and led the Oxford Chapter of Engineers Without Borders.

“Our nanoengineering graduates have the potential to radically transform almost any imaginable sector utilizing the tools provided in our multi-disciplinary nanoengineering degree, including health care, manufacturing, information technology, energy and transportation,” says Professor Will Cluett, Chair of the Division of Engineering Science.

For more information about the world’s first nanoengineering degree: www.engsci.utoronto.ca

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