Integrating Nanoscale Science and Engineering Concepts into Mechanics and Materials Classrooms

Teaching modules devoted to nanoscale science and engineering concepts have been developed and integrated into key introductory and advanced undergraduate courses in the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin Madison. In addition to one new course that has been created under this effort, existing courses have been modified, removing outdated content and replacing it with cutting-edge content based on current research and emerging applications in nanotechnology. For example, in the Introduction to Engineering course, the traditional dissection laboratory (commonly performed on a toaster or blender) was replaced with dissection of a liquid crystal display watch. In addition to learning about liquid crystals and their properties, students explore how new technology impacts design through this laboratory. Several of the new experiments and demonstrations developed have been contributed to a web-based Laboratory Manual for Nanoscale Science and Technology available at http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/nanolab/index.html and the Nanoworld Cineplex available on the Internet at http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/cineplex/index.html.