An Undergraduate Nanotechnology Course for Classes of Multi-discipline students in Taiwan
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0931-KK05-06
An Undergraduate Nanotechnology Course for Classes of Multi-discipline students in Taiwan Chu Shiang Chen1,2, and Song Shiang Lin3,4 1
Center for General Education, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2 Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan 2
Center for General Education, Nation Dong Hwa University, No.1,Sec. 2,Da Hsueh Rd.,Shoufeng, Hualien, 97401, Taiwan 3
Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2 Kuang Fu Road, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan 4
Materials Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Bldg.77, 195-5Sec.4, Chutung,Hsinchu, 310, Taiwan ABSTRACT We reported on our experiences with teaching several semesters of undergraduate nanotechnology courses at both the National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) and National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) in Taiwan. Students who were enrolled in our classes at NTHU represented many different disciplines, but mainly in the physical sciences, engineering and life sciences. In contrast, students who were enrolled in our classes at NDHU dominated in the social sciences and arts. There were some interesting differences in addition to the similarities in their attitude toward the nanotechnology. Since this course is aimed at introducing the nanotechnology to students trained in different disciplines, we emphasized the fundamentals, current status, potential applications, and possible consequences of nanotechnology. This course also explored the close ties between nano-science and engineering (NS/E) and our daily life. Furthermore, this course elaborated on the interrelationships of NS/E with other subjects, particularly the biomimetics, smart systems, and biotechnology. INTRODUCTION Like others around the world, our students at both NTHU and NDHU are fascinated with nanotechnology and its potential. Our students are eager to learn about this emerging field; a few even aspire to be future leaders in nanotechnology. Not only students trained in physical and life sciences and engineering, but also those in social sciences and arts share this excitement. Most students are drawn to the class because of personal interest and curiosity. Some also attend because of peer or family pressure to learn more about the emerging nanotechnology. Providing these eager students with proper training in the fast growing field of nanotechnology is a challenge.
DISCUSSION This introductory course has been very popular at both schools; we even have had to turn away prospective students because of mandatory enrollment limits. At NTHU, for the six semesters, over 100 students enrolled each semester at the enrollment limit. Similarly, an average of 100 students enrolled each semester for four semesters at NDHU. Students represented a diverse distribution in disciplines and school levels as shown in Figures 1 to 3. There were some clusters of students in the same discipline and same school level. This is probably common for new and growing courses, as students prefer to work together for support when studying a new topic. We have 15 courses co
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