INDI strives to provide undergraduates with innovative educational opportunities in nanotechnology. The School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI — in collaboration with INDI — currently offers an NSF-funded research-based academic nanotechnology track, within the Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) and Mechanical Engineering (ME) Departments in established Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs. Crucial features of this program include: lab-based curricula; strong linkages to existing undergraduate research programs; technical and research courses; and integrated Themed Learning Communities (TLCs) in nanotechnology. Students pursuing the nanotechnology track will have lectures and laboratory research experiences to prepare them to enter the global workforce and to become leaders of research and development in industry, business, and academia in the emerging era of nanotechnology.
Students can choose to take the four nanotechnology courses (12 credit hours) as electives toward the fulfillment of degree requirements. The nanotechnology track will be noted on their transcript upon completion of the program.
The following gives a brief description of each course under the nanotechnology track program.
Introduction to Nanotechnology and Applications (3 Credits)
The course aims to help students understand the scale of nanotechnology, identify materials used in nanotechnology, evaluate forces acting in nanomaterials, describe electronic and mechanical behaviors on the nanometer scale, and describe applications in industries and life sciences. Nano- versus micro-technology in the evaluation of potential risks and benefits will be covered with emphasis on their societal impact.
Nanosystems Materials and Measurements (Lab-based Course) (3 Credits)
The course introduces students to statistical process control, optical microscopy (light propagation, Snell’s law, mirrors, prisms, lenses and beam-splitters, etc), scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), near-field microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, surface roughness and step profilers, roughness step testing (RST), and reflectometry, and ellipsometry. Nanosystem measurement laboratory is associated with the course.
Nanosystems Principles (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to the principles and applications of nanosystems, including: nanoscale materials, processes, and devices. It also provides students with a basic understanding of the tools and approaches that are used for the measurement and characterization of nanosystems and for their modeling and simulation. Moreover, the course covers the applications of nanosystems in a wide range of industries: information technology, energy, medicine, and consumer goods.
Nanosystems Processes and Devices (Lab-based Course) (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to processes and devices associated with integrated nanosystems. “Integrated nanosystems” refers to systems which consist of integrated micro-, meso-, and/or macro-scale parts, and their core components in nano-scale materials, processes, and devices. The course focuses on the theory and operation of select electronics, electromechanical, and biomedical devices which are used for information technology, sensing, medical, and other applications. The lectures will be complemented by hands-on laboratory experience.
Research
Students are encouraged to pursue research during their undergraduate studies. During the sophomore year, the students are divided into teams to work with faculty mentors, who assign a literature search on a given nanotechnology research topic. During the junior year, the students will pursue a research project with their faculty mentor on an assigned research topic. Please explore undergraduate research opportunities at the Center for Research and Learning.
Students can choose to take the four nanotechnology courses (12 credit hours) as electives toward the fulfillment of degree requirements. The nanotechnology track will be noted on their transcript upon completion of the program.
The following gives a brief description of each course under the nanotechnology track program.
Introduction to Nanotechnology and Applications (3 Credits)
The course aims to help students understand the scale of nanotechnology, identify materials used in nanotechnology, evaluate forces acting in nanomaterials, describe electronic and mechanical behaviors on the nanometer scale, and describe applications in industries and life sciences. Nano- versus micro-technology in the evaluation of potential risks and benefits will be covered with emphasis on their societal impact.
Nanosystems Materials and Measurements (Lab-based Course) (3 Credits)
The course introduces students to statistical process control, optical microscopy (light propagation, Snell’s law, mirrors, prisms, lenses and beam-splitters, etc), scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), near-field microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, surface roughness and step profilers, roughness step testing (RST), and reflectometry, and ellipsometry. Nanosystem measurement laboratory is associated with the course.
Nanosystems Principles (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to the principles and applications of nanosystems, including: nanoscale materials, processes, and devices. It also provides students with a basic understanding of the tools and approaches that are used for the measurement and characterization of nanosystems and for their modeling and simulation. Moreover, the course covers the applications of nanosystems in a wide range of industries: information technology, energy, medicine, and consumer goods.
Nanosystems Processes and Devices (Lab-based Course) (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to processes and devices associated with integrated nanosystems. “Integrated nanosystems” refers to systems which consist of integrated micro-, meso-, and/or macro-scale parts, and their core components in nano-scale materials, processes, and devices. The course focuses on the theory and operation of select electronics, electromechanical, and biomedical devices which are used for information technology, sensing, medical, and other applications. The lectures will be complemented by hands-on laboratory experience.
Research
Students are encouraged to pursue research during their undergraduate studies. During the sophomore year, the students are divided into teams to work with faculty mentors, who assign a literature search on a given nanotechnology research topic. During the junior year, the students will pursue a research project with their faculty mentor on an assigned research topic. Please explore undergraduate research opportunities at the Center for Research and Learning.
| Acknowledgments The development of the track is supported by the National Science Foundation – Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) grant 1042110 and School of Engineering & Technology at IUPUI. |
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