Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the study of the world at a scale that is larger than the atom but smaller than a bacteria. At this scale common materials have uncommon properties.

Course Overview

In this course, students will engage in a range of activities to gain an understanding of the nano-scale and establish the difference between bulk properties and nano scale properties.

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Learning Outcomes

Students will explore a wide range of new materials such as shape memory alloys, allotropes of carbon, hydrophobic surfaces and liquid crystals. Links are drawn between the properties of these materials and their application in health sciences, engineering and alternative energy production.

By the end of this course students will have:

  • Used technology to present a report on the history of nanotechnology;
  • Worked in teams to develop a lesson on the allotrope of carbon;
  • Shown an understanding of the properties of a material, and appreciate how they may alter at the nanoscale;
  • Demonstrated an understanding of how nanomaterials are produced;
  • Explored the difficulties of scaling up new technologies for commercial application;
  • Considered the ethical concerns that may arise from the production and use of different nanoparticles.

Homework

Students will be required to complete on average 1 hour of homework per week for the duration of this course.

Assessment

For successful completion of this unit students will be required to submit the following tasks:  

  • History of nanotechnology timeline;
  • Media article summaries;
  • Allotrope of carbon lesson;
  • Practical report;
  • Metals lotus diagram.

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