NUE (EEC): INTEGRATING NANODEVICE DESIGN, FABRICATION, AND ANALYSIS INTO THE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CURRICULUM

摘要

This article describes a new nanotechnology undergraduate education (NUE) program on the design of nanodevices in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Washington. The goal of the NUE program is to prepare mechanical engineers to design nanodevices. The NUE program leverages existing strengths of the Mechanical Engineering (ME) curriculum in analysis, fabrication, and design of (larger-scale) devices by integrating novel developments and unique challenges in nanodevices into the ME curriculum. It is noted that educational efforts in nanodevices have become important as nanotechnologies move from research laboratories into industries. For example, nanodevices are critical to renewable energy and next-generation electronics. Additionally, nanodevices have applications in biotechnologies, e.g., in the development of sensors for early detection and prevention of disease. The proposed NUE program will integrate issues in the engineering of nanodevices into the undergraduate curriculum to prepare the engineering workforce for emerging nanotechnology industries.