Enhancing Engineering Educational Outcomes through Integration of New Vision for Civil Infrastructures with Nanotechnology into Undergraduate Curriculum and Its Implementation Results

摘要

Nanotechnology enables the creation and utilization of materials and devices with novel functions through the control of matter at the nanoscale level. It can be expected that the nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the design and construction of civil infrastructures. Nevertheless, the excitement and promise of nanotechnology for conceiving innovative systems can provide a new opportunity for educational institutions to stimulate interest and broaden the vision of diverse students in engineering and research, foster active learning and life-long learning, and inspire innovation and creativity. The objective of this paper is to share strategies for utilizing nanotechnology as a vehicle to strengthen engineering curriculum and enhance undergraduate engineering educational outcomes. The paper presents instructional strategies and new course modules for integrating nanotechnology education into a mainstream civil engineering undergraduate curriculum. The outcomes from the first year implementation are revealed, and their implications and future improvement are discussed.