Science of the small: A new upper-division undergraduate nanoscience course at James Madison University

CHED 127

Kevin L. Caran, carankl@jmu.edu, Barbara A. Reisner, reisneba@jmu.edu, Brian H. Augustine, augustbh@jmu.edu, and Stephanie L. Torcivia, torcivsl@jmu.edu. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, MSC 4501, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Over the past two years, we have developed and implemented a series of laboratory and classroom modules that have been placed throughout the core chemistry curriculum (general, inorganic, organic, analytical, biochemistry, physical chemistry) as a coordinated effort to introduce nanoscience topics to our undergraduate students. An assessment instrument indicated that our students have a deficiency in their understanding of matter on the nanoscale. A major component of our program has been the development of a new interdisciplinary upper-level course entitled “Science of the Small: An Introduction to the Nanoworld.” The class provides a broad overview of themes in nanoscience and nanotechnology; particular attention is paid to the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The course is taught in three segments: (1) Layers on Surfaces: Top Down Engineering; (2) Soft Materials: Bottom-Up Molecular Assembly; and (3) Low Dimensional Systems: Nanoparticles and Nanostructures. Ethical and environmental concerns associated with the field, as well as the commercialization of nanotechnology, were also included. Laboratory experiments (developed with undergraduate collaborators) were designed to compliment the lecture material. We will discuss how course activities are designed to enhance student comprehension of the behavior of matter at the nanoscale.
 

General Posters
7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Sci-Mix

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008