COURSE SYLLABUS
Introduction to Nanotechnology
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Course Title: |
NT112 - Introduction to Nanotechnology
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Software Requirements:
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Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher http://www.microsoft.com/downloads
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Adobe Acrobat Reader current Version, be sure to get the updates free http://www.adobe.com
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NOTE: If you do not have MS Office or can not
afford it, go to http://www.openoffice.org
and download the FREE generic version that is
fully compatible.
Course Description
There is a wave coming like a tsunami; most people are completely unaware of it
and are making no preparation to understand or utilize Nanotechnology. It will be exponentially bigger than the tech
boom and the invention of computers.
Furthermore, it will be truly interdisciplinary and touch every aspect
of life, science, industry and education.
For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is just a few years away; how
can I assign a paper when a student can verbally give a command to a desktop
computer which will search the Net and write the paper in any style in
minutes. How about a machine that can
produce gold from carbon? It has been in
operation for 7 years now. How about a complete
cure for cancer? It was invented using
Nanotechnology 6 years ago. How about
paint and clothing that change color on voice command? Do I have your attention
yet?
Nanotechnology will be the most
important thing in the written history of the world and this course is not
scientific, engineering, math, or about growing new organs from a DNA sample,
it is about introducing you to the vocabulary and potential of Nanotechnology
so that as it grows in society, you will have a basic understanding of a
conversational vocabulary.
Nanotechnology will encompass manufacturing, health care, electronics,
food, and most anything we have today that is of use and worth making. Plus, it will do things that have never been
done before.
Because the field of Nanotechnology is changing so fast,
we will use many Internet links in this course instead of a text book only.
Course Objectives
Specific outcomes expected of students enrolled in this course include the
following:
- An understanding and
application of applications of nanotechnology.
- The ability to see the
impact of Nanotechnology on society.
- An enhanced
understanding the future.
- An awareness of the
relevance of Nanotechnology to careers.
- The ability to converse
intelligently about Nanotechnology.
- An understanding of
appropriate and relevant technical vocabulary and concepts.
- An awareness of the
scientific method and research techniques used to test the efficacy of
methods.
- An increased awareness
of one’s own place in the future.
- An interest in and a
desire to keep abreast of developments, problems and research findings in
the field.
TEXTBOOK
In place of a textbook, we will
use the Internet for more current information than a book.
Start here:
Nanotechnology/Introduction
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Nanotechnology/Introduction
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance (or study and lesson completion) is essential to maximum
learning and academic success. The records and registration office of
Zero Tolerance Plagiarism and Cheating Policy
Plagiarism and other forms of cheating may result in failure of the assignment
and/or the failure of the course.
Examinations
Midterm and Final examinations are selected chapter summaries of not less than
300 words for each chapter, highlighting the items that you found most
interesting. During the course of grading, no paper will be dropped from the
total points possible. No examination will be given in the ordinary sense, but
the chapter summaries will be carefully graded.
Special Assignment
Students are expected to complete an additional research assignment and compile
the information using APA format. For APA help, ask me for a sample paper, use
the APA related links below, or purchase the APA Publication Manual, 5th
Edition from a place like amazon.com.
Choice #1
A final paper will be written in the 10th and final session on the text topic
you find most applicable to your career. *
Choice #2
Read 10 scholarly articles about any single aspect of Nanotechnology and write
a 10 page paper taking a position on the subject. Students must include the sources
of the articles to receive full credit. *
* The special assignment paper will be in American Psychological Association
(APA) format. This is the standard format recognized for writing in the social
sciences. Use one inch side margins, one and one half at the top and one inch
at the bottom. Double space and use the following format for citations in your
bibliography:
Mays, W. (1998) The Evaluation of Student Learning, Fobs Press,
Mid-Term and Comprehensive Final Exam
Both exams will consist of one vignette based on each chapter.
Total Points
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Grading Scale
92-100= A
82-91= B
70-81= C
60-69= D
59-0= F
Disabilities Statement
Students with special needs due to disabilities should inform the instructor
prior to the second class meeting. If I do not hear from you, I will assume
that you do not require special accommodations.
Weather and/or Down Server Policy
We do not generally cancel classes due to inclement
weather. If weather prevents you from finishing your class work or getting
online, please inform the instructor as soon as possible.
Tentative Class Schedule.
Students will read the chapters in the time frame assigned below. Please direct
questions directly to your instructor.
In most cases, you will have a reply within the day. Telephone calls must be pre-arranged
by email. Calls must be initiated by the student.
Students may email attachments in
The Midterm and Final Exam will
be summaries of the chapters as they apply to your own career choice. In other words, read the chapter, digest the
material, then write 300 words on how that reading applies to your career. Do this for each chapter. If you require
extra time, please contact me by email.
Session 1
Read Part 1, http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Nanotechnology/Introduction
Familiarize yourself with this
web site: http://www.nano.gov
Session 2
Read Part One at http://e-drexler.com/d/06/00/EOC/EOC_Table_of_Contents.html
Session 3
Read Part 2 at http://e-drexler.com/d/06/00/EOC/EOC_Table_of_Contents.html
Session 4
Read Part 3 at http://e-drexler.com/d/06/00/EOC/EOC_Table_of_Contents.html
- MID-TERM EXAM DUE
Session 5
Read the material at http://www.foresight.org/nano/
Be sure to follow all of the
links. Membership is free.
Session 6
Read http://www.kurzweilai.net/index.html?flash=1
Write a summary on the nearness
of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and what it means to your life and career.
Session 7
Read the Foreword to The Intelligent
Universe by James Gardner and comment on it in your chapter
summary. http://www.kurzweilai.net/meme/frame.html?main=memelist.html?m=1%23691
Session 8
Sustainable Energy
Nanotechnology will lead us into
a future of environmentally friendly energy.
Google the following to phrases
using the Boolean parameters “….” Or quote marks as follows:
“nanotechnology
batteries” green.
"nanotechnology
energy" green
Select one from each search that
interests you most and write one page, essay style, on each. Be sure to include the link you select.
Session 9
Sustainable Food Supply
Nanotechnology will assist in
feeding the world making a new kind of “Green” revolution
Google the following to phrases
using the Boolean parameters “….” Or quote marks as follows:
"nanotechnology
food" green
"nanotechnology
crops" green
Session 10
Read Chapter 10 SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT PAPER DUE
APA FORMAT REQUIRED CORRECT FORMAT IS A PART OF YOUR GRADE
For all writing
assignments in this class you are required to use the American Psychological
Association (APA) 5th Edition style of format and source citation. An
example of this can be found at the OWL site.
Below the OWL site is a link for citing e-sources.. Use the link below to resolve any questions
you may have about APA format. You may also request a model APA paper from me by email. Here is a web
link for additional information.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html#General%20Format
http://www.apastyle.org/elecref.html for electronic citations.
Plagiarism:
Main Entry: pla·gia·rize
Function: verb
Etymology: plagiary
transitive senses :
to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use
(another's production) without crediting the source
intransitive senses : to commit literary theft : present
as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source
Do not plagiarize ! I use an
Internet service to scan all papers. If I find a plagiarized paper, you will
receive an F for that paper. A second
offense results summary expulsion from the class with an F.
Have fun, this is a great
course!