MCCCD Program Description

General Principles of Nanotechnology

Course: ECE112

First Term: 2010 Spring

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: Designed to provide students with a strong fundamental understanding of the scientific principles, processing, and applications of nanotechnology. Includes the concepts of chemical bonding, quantum mechanics, and microstructure applied to various nanomaterials and their use in electronic devices, composites, computing, and various other biological, medical, energy-related, and current consumer applications. Introduces analytical techniques used in nanotechnology, as well as possible societal applications.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Define nanotechnology and list five properties that characterize nanotechnology. (I, II) 2. Explain the scientific principles of nanomaterials and how their properties are altered at the nanoscale. (I, II, III) 3. Explain the principles and techniques of the analysis of nanomaterials. (IV) 4. Discuss the use of nanomaterials in the creation of nanoscale devices, batteries and fuel cells, and quantum dots, as well as in medical applications. (V, VII, IX, X) 5. List at least ten practical applications of nanotechnology. (V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI) 6. Identify and explain the possible societal implications of nanotechnology with respect to standard of living, the environment, ethical considerations regarding genetic engineering, and economic conditions. (XII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Fundamentals A. Definition and Size Considerations B. History C. Atoms, Molecules and Bonding D. Quantum Mechanics II. Materials Science A. Properties of Metals and Alloys, Electronic Materials, Polymers, Ceramics, and Composites B. Effect of Microstructure on Chemical, Electrical, and Mechanical Properties C. Changes of Properties at the Nanoscale III. Nanomaterials A. Buckyballs B. Carbon Nanotubes C. Nanocomposites IV. Analysis Techniques A. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) B. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) C. Spectroscopy V. Device Fabrication A. Photolithography B. Thin Film Deposition C. Other Processes such as Etching, Diffusion, and Metallization VI. Nanoelectronics A. Piezoelectric Sensors B. Molecular Transistors C. Carbon Nanotube Transistors VII. Quantum Dots A. Scientific Principles Relevant to Quantum Dots B. Uses and Applications such as Dyes, Lasers, Amplifiers, Biological Sensors, and LED`s VIII. Spintronics, Quantum Computing, and Nanorobotics IX. Energy A. Economic and Geopolitical Influences on the Use of Nanotechnology in Energy B. Batteries and Fuel Cells C. Solar Panels X. Biological and Medical Applications XI. Consumer Applications A. Sunblock B. Clothing C. Sports Equipment XII. Societal Implications A. Living Standards B. Environment C. Manufacturing Processes D. Ethics E. Economy

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 6/23/2009

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.