NUE: NanoCORE II (Nanotechnology Concepts, Opportunities, Research and Education) at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

摘要

The research and development in nanoscale science and engineering have grown rapidly in the past decade. Many nanotechnology breakthroughs have begun to impact the marketplace. The current values for nanotechnology-enabled products are estimated at about $91 billion in the United States and $254 billion worldwide. Current developments presage a burgeoning economic impact: trends suggest that the number of nanotechnology products and workers worldwide will double every three years, achieving a $3 trillion market and 6 million workers by 2020. Thus it is important for college students to be familiar with nanotechnology concepts and for these students to develop positive attitudes towards nanotechnology. The Nanotechnology Concepts, Opportunities, Research and Education (NanoCORE) program at the Florida A&M University - Florida State University (FAMU-FSU) College of Engineering has been supported by the Nanotechnology in Undergraduate Education (NUE) program at the National Science Foundation. The first NanoCORE program was successfully completed during January 2009 through December 2010, and the NanoCORE II program extended the project efforts during January 2011 through December 2012. The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is home to a diverse student body where 42% of the undergraduate student population belongs to traditionally under-represented groups. The NanoCORE program introduces and integrates nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) as permanent components of the core undergraduate engineering curricula, presents multiple opportunities for undergraduate learning of concepts in nanoscale science and engineering, and creates opportunities for undergraduates to pursue nanotechnology related research activities. In the first NanoCORE project, we focused on introducing nanoscale science and engineering into the undergraduate curriculum through short teaching units, which we refer to as "nanomodules," within existing courses. Students also had opportunities for more in-depth nanotechnology training by enrolling in technical electives and participating in undergraduate research. The program has made a noteworthy impact on our undergraduate educational content and experience. With the NanoCORE II project, we have extended the program by expanding student-learning opportunities to include additional hands-on and laboratory activities. The NanoCORE II topic areas and activities are designed to promote student interest and generate excitement about NSE and thus improve student retention. The project team also coordinates undergraduate research opportunities in nanoscale science and engineering across the College. Additionally, this program is designed to attract students into graduate studies in the field.