“Why cannot we write the entire 24 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica on the head of a pin?” When the physicist Richard Feynman first asked that question a half century ago, the word nanoscience had yet to be used. Today, nanoscience and nanotechnology have created a great deal of interest from scientists and engineers and also from the general public. Questions we will address include: What is the nature of nanoscience and nanotechnology? What are the principles that enable us to predict behavior over nanometer length scales? How are nanomaterials made and organized? How is nanotechnology likely to impact our lives? We will use the primary literature, popular portrayals, and interactions with researchers in nanoscience as avenues to explore the field.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: CHEM 205 or CHEM 120, and CHEM 211.

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Every three years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered; Spring