Nanotechnology is the study and interaction with materials and systems at the nanoscale level - or approximately 0.1-100 x 10^-9 meters.  At this microscopic scale, scientists and engineers are interacting with materials at the molecular and even atomic level, where the chemical, physical, electrical and biological properties  are being viewed and understood as never before. This molecular-level interaction holds exceptional promise for medicine, engineering, diagnostics, design and manufacturing, systems modeling and the manipulation of individual molecules for a variety of purposes.

"Nanotechnology is the base technology of an industrial revolution in the 21st century. Those who control nanotechnology will lead the industry." Michiharu Nakamura

At the molecular and atomic scale the fundamental properties of matter can be understood and employed to benefit humanity in ways never imagined. In one sense, nanotechnology is one of the most diverse and interactive of technologies; bridging physics, chemistry, engineering,  biological and mechanical sciences.  Development of these nanotechnologies will require extensive interaction between these areas of expertise.

Molecular manipulation via Atomic Force Microscope

http://www.triple-o.de/images/porducts/afm-description.jpg

A few example areas of activity include:

	nanomedicine
	biological sensors and diagnostics
	micro-mechanical devices and nano-machinery
	detection and treatment of disease
	molecular-level assembly and manufacturing
	miniature chemical processors
	nano-factories and production
	self-replicating mico-machines
	manipulation of events "atom by atom"

These developments also have serious economic, social, environmental, manufacturing and military implications  - consider the role and potential uses of a machine one nanometer wide, or nano-machines capable of self-replication.  Like the development of steam-power, electricity and modern computing, many consider the development of nanoscale technologies will represent the next industrial revolution. 

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Sir Arthur Clarke.

http://www.spacedaily.com/images/nanotech-mem-gearset-bg.jpg

Effective implementation of these technologies will require 20-100 years of development, but even now discoveries and implementations are occurring at an increasing rate.  In all probability, nanotechnology will forever change many aspects of manufacturing, electronics and medicine.

This course is intended to provide a fundamental introduction to the concepts of nanotechnology and is divided into the following sections:

	Microfabrication - basic concepts in fabrication at the molecular level
	Nanomedicine - molecular medicine and therapeutics
	Molecular Electronics - molecular circuits and systems
	NanoTools and devices - pumps, switches, wires, chips, etc.

"Homo sapiens, the first truly free species, is about to decommission natural selection, the force that made us... Soon we must look deep within ourselves and decide what we wish to become". E.O. Wilson

COURSE OUTLINE

Course Code and Title  T07 –CXXX   Nanotechnology  (Introductory)

Department Health Sciences

Program  Chemical and Biosciences Technology

Total Hours 28     Credit Hours  3

Course Description    An internet-based research course designed to introduce the student to the language, concepts and issues of nanotechnology. This course deals with the current state of development of nano-science and engineering and examines future directions for this rapidly developing sector.

 Academic Pre-requisites   Entrance Requirements  NA

 Course Delivery Method  Online

 The following Communication tools will be used in this course

Email, online content.

 Course Format   The course is an internet based course with (2) written / report-based assignments to be turned in via email to the instructor.

Effective date  January 1, 2007

Instructor information      David Blicq         dblicq@rrc.mb.ca   (632-2577)  A425M 2055 Notre Dame Ave, Wpg., MB, R3H 0J9

Student Readiness   Computer, internet, other – floppy disc to save assignments

Student Commitments and Contact times   Online commitments

Course Resources  Textbook - there is no textbook for this course.   References include posted notes, internet searches.

 Student Learning

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course of study, you should be able to….

1.      define nanotechnology

2.      understand and use the language and concepts of nanotechnology

3.      comprehend nanotechnology-based concepts in microfabrication, nanomedicine and nanotools.

4.      maintain a successful working knowledge of nanotechnology as the field continues to develop.

5.      seek and find pertinent information on nanotechnology and it's related fields of activity.

Instruction Schedule  Self directed internet course.   Please email the instructor to start the course.  As well, please mail the instructor with any questions regarding the course content or the assignments.  The instructor will respond within a reasonable time during normal working hours.

Assessment and Evaluation   Assignments 1+2 together make up 100% of the course grade.  Assignments 1+2 must be typed and referenced.

Letter grade Distribution

A+	4.5	90 – 100 %
A	4.0	80 – 89 %
B+	3.5	75 – 79 %
B	3.0	70 – 74 %
C+	2.5	65 – 69 %
C	2.0	60 – 64 %
F	0.0	0 – 59 %

General Academic Policies    It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with and adhere to the Red River College (RRC) Academic Policies and Procedures.  These Policies and Procedures can be found in the RRC calendar or online at http://www.rrc.mb.ca/academicpolicy/default.htm#

 Supplemental Policies   Students can submit completed assignments by correspondence or email.  All assignments MUST be submitted on time.  Assignments will NOT be accepted late; you will receive a grade of F in the course.   

Additional Information / Frequently asked questions   References must be included with your assignments and should follow the following format:

If a book: author, title, publisher, date, pages

If an internet site: the URL, title, author, date sourced

If a journal: The title of the journal, title of article, author, volume #, date, pages

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