Nanotech Courses
ENGS 9:
Nanotechnology
This
course will study the differences between science and engineering
through an examination of the nanoscale world. Beginning with a
brief history of science and engineering, we will look at the
microelectronic revolution and the emergence of nanotechnology and
nanoscience. The course will explore basic science, that is,
nanoscale chemistry and physics as well as nanotechnology; the
application of nanoscience "from the ground up." The changing role
of scientists, as they are encouraged to participate in technology
transfer and start-up companies will be examined.
We will
introduce the visionaries of the nanotechnological revolution,
including specifically, Feynman, Drexler, Merkle, and Smalley, as
well as the controversies surrounding some of these individuals,
since the controversy reflects the different approaches of
scientists and engineers. Science fiction and science fact blend
as never before when nanotechnology is explored in literature. The
class will read
Michael Crichton's Prey, a novel in which nanotechnology gains
control of human activity, and examine its implications on the
moral duties of those involved in the discovery and application of
natural phenomena.
Readings
are taken from monographs intended for a general audience. This
course is designed to improve the general understanding of what
promises to be the technology of the 21st Century. No
prerequisites. Satisfies TAS distributive requirements.