ME 118: Introduction to Nanotechnology and Nanoscience (3 units)
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course introduces Engineering students (Juniors and Seniors) to the field of nanotechnology and nanoscience. The course has two components: (1) Formal lectures. Students receive a set of formal lectures introducing them to the field of nanotechnology and nanoscience. The material covered includes nanofabrication technology (how one achieves the nanometer length scale, from "bottom up" to "top down" technologies), the interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology and nanoscience (including areas of chemistry, material science, physics, and molecular biology), examples of nanoscience phenomena (the crossover from bulk to quantum mechanical properties), and applications (from integrated circuits, quantum computing, MEMS, and bioengineering). (2) Projects. Students are asked to read and present a variety of current journal papers to the class and lead a discussion on the various works. |
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Chemistry 1A and Physics 7B.
TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER
REQUIRED MATERIAL
No required textbook as there are none suitable for undergraduates
Required reading includes numerous classic and current
journal papers in Nature, Science, and Applied Physics Letters
COURSE OBJECTIVES
-
To introduce and provide a broad view of the
nascent field of nanoscience and nanotechnology
to undergraduates
- To introduce students to inter- and
multi-disciplinary science and engineering
DESIRED COURSE OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students will
-
Have a working knowledge of nanoscience and nanotechnology,
including theory and experiment
-
Be able to critique journal papers on nanoscience/nanotechnology
-
Propose potential projects in nanoscience/nanotechnology
-
Potentially be able to join a research group in
nanoscience/nanotechnology as a student researcher
TOPICS COVERED
-
Introduction to quantum mechanics as it pertains to
the quantum mechanical properties of nanostructures
(single elecronics, quantum confinement, single
particle physics)
- Micro- and nano-fabrication technology
(MEMS/NEMS)--students will have an opportunity
to work in Instructor's laboratory in Etcheverry Hall
-
Materials science and chemistry as they pertain to
the synthesis of quantum dots, nanowires, and carbon nanotubes
-
Nanomedicine--biosensors (in vitro and in vivo), drug delivery
-
Societal concerns of nanotechnology
CLASS/LABORATORY SCHEDULE
Three hours of lecture per week.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE TO MEETING
THE PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT
In this course, students
-
develop analytical skills (data interpretation, modeling, etc)
-
consider fabrication, manufacturing, and societal
issues throughout the course as they apply
to the topics addressed
-
understand the various components necessary for
interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary projects
(scientfic or engineering)
-
learn to critique and analyze science and engineering papers
-
are introduced to the concept of working in a group through a
semester-long project
-
are required to communicate scientifically (oral and written)
RELATIONSHIP OF THE COURSE TO
ABET PROGRAM OUTCOMES
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
An ability to communicate effectively.
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of
engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
A knowledge of contemporary issues.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS TOWARD COURSE OBJECTIVES
-
Homework assignments on a biweekly basis
-
One Midterm
-
Final group project which includes a final paper
and an oral presentation
PERSON(S) WHO PREPARED THIS DESCRIPTION: Lydia Sohn
