Discover the exciting field of nanoscience through hands-on experiments

At the Nanoscience Lab, students will learn some of the key concepts of nanoscience and nanotechnology through seminars, hands-on experiments, analyzing collected data, and seeing the instruments that enable this science.

Students will be introduced to both pervading approaches in nanofabrication: Bottom-up and Top-Down, and will fabricate nanostructures and devices using these approaches. The properties of materials and devices will be evaluated with nanoscale components by performing hands-on experiments. Students will learn to analyze their experimental results with scientific vigor. They will learn how research from nanoscience is already being used and what other applications are possible in the near future. They will also practice presenting what they have learned to others, including non-experts.

Applications are reviewed and admission to the program is granted on a rolling basis starting February 15^th. Applying at your earliest convenience is highly recommended.

The program has application requirements for admission. Eligible applicants who successfully submit all requirements will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within 3 weeks.

Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:

• An unofficial transcript from grade 9 to present reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
  • If your school transcript utilizes a different grading system, please submit your transcript as is. If available, please attach a translation/equivalency guide.
  • INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: If you are an international student, a transcript refers to your complete secondary academic record. To learn more about converting your grades into a US-based GPA, please click here.
    • If your school has a translation/equivalency guide, please also include it with your transcript. If you do not have a translation/equivalency guide, please still submit your most up-to-date transcript as is for staff to review.
• Value statement: At the time of registration, ALL applicants will be prompted to submit a few short sentences reflecting on their pursuit of participation in a UCLA Precollege Summer Institute. Please note that students are strongly discouraged from relying on ChatGpt/AI tools for their application responses and are encouraged to submit original and authentic answers.
• Students are required to have completed a high school chemistry course. An additional strong science foundation in physics and biology is highly recommended.
• Short essay responses to the following prompts:
  • In no more than 250 words: What interests you in science or technology and how will participation in this program help you achieve your academic and personal goals?
  • In no more than 125 words: How did you hear about nanoscience and nanotechnology and what is your current understanding of these topics? Is there anything you are particularly interested in learning more about?

Due to the intense nature of the Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute and the time commitment involved, a residential track is available as well as a commuter track.

All residential precollege programs feature scheduled non-curricular evening and weekend activities that all students are expected to participate in. The nature of these scheduled activities is at the sole discretion of the individual academic department offering the program, and are not operated by UCLA Summer Sessions. To learn more about when your selected program will host such activities, please consult the schedules for each program, or contact the department in question directly: ctanimoto@cnsi.ucla.edu

Most of our residential precollege programs will hold check-in on the Sunday before the start of the program between 4-6pm, and hold check-out the Saturday after the final day of class at 11am. Please contact the department in question directly to confirm check-in and check-out times: ctanimoto@cnsi.ucla.edu

For more information on UCLA housing precollege programs, please see the Housing for Minors page.

As an alternative to the residential track of the Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute, UCLA is also offering a commuter option. There is NO on-campus housing available for the commuter program through the summer institute or UCLA Summer Sessions. Additionally, please note that only students aged 17 and older as of June 23rd, 2025 are eligible to sign a housing contract, and not all program dates correspond to when contracts are available. Students interested in exploring this option should review information at UCLA Summer Housing.

Participants of the Nanoscience Lab Summer Institute commuter program must commute to the UCLA campus each day of the program. Specific location information (e.g. classroom) will be provided to enrolled students closer to the start of the program.

Parking
Summer Sessions parking permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students have the option to purchase a summer term permit or a daily permit.

Coursework
Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM) 7; 2 units

Grading
Students will be graded on a Pass/No Pass basis upon completion. See University Credit, Grades and Transcripts for more information about academic credit.

In order to successfully complete the program, students are not allowed any excused or unexcused absences.

UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support

Qualified students attending grades 9th – 11th in Spring 2025 in the state of California may be eligible for Summer Scholars Support, a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. Students must be 15 years old by the first day of Summer Sessions 2025 on June 23rd in order to participate in a Precollege Summer Institute and/or apply for Summer Scholars Support. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP/eSCIP, one Summer Course, or a Precollege Summer Institute.

Summer 2025 deadline to apply: March 15.