Future Shock: What Would a Nanotechnology Curriculum Look Like

1
Future Shock What Would a Nanotechnology
Curriculum Look Like?

• 2008 ACTE Convention
• Dominick E. Fazarro, PhD, CSIT
• Sam Houston State University
• Alton Kornegay, PhD, CSIT
• North Carolina AT State University

2
We must prepare the 21st century workforce to
compete globally with emerging technologies. In
order to prepare for nanotechnology, educators
should be proactive not reactive to new
technologies create programs cutting-edge
curriculum at post-secondary schools.-Fazarro
3
The NSF estimates that by the year 2015 there
will be a need for two million workers worldwide
in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Source Diane Palma (2007). K-12 nanotechnology
education outreach for workforce Development The
Georgia Institute of Technology Model.
http//www.nanohub.org/resources/2251/
4
How do we prepare for Nano Curriculum?
(proactive thinking)

• Understanding the demographic shift in the U.S.
  (more diverse)
• Understanding the nature of nanotechnology
• Cognizant of the implications
• Understanding what levels of material should be
  taught through research
• Understanding of what areas to integrate
• Understanding the roles for 2-yr 4-yr schools
  will play in the educating students

5
How do we prepare for a Nano Curriculum?
(proactive thinking)

• Understanding the demographic shift in the
  U.S.(more diverse)
• In consensus that Math and Science is more
  prevalent than ever before
• Designing curriculum that is socially conscience
  and can be integrated into the fabric of society

6
How do we prepare for a Nano Curriculum?
(proactive thinking)

• Understanding the nature of nanotechnology
• History of development
• Research application
• Research on safety issues
• Consumer use

7
How do we prepare for a Nano Curriculum?
(proactive thinking)

• Cognizant of the implications
• Dangers-Safety practices
• Ethic and moral practices
• Understand for the advancement of humankind

8
How do we prepare for a Nano Curriculum?
(proactive thinking)

• Understanding what levels of material should be
  taught through research?
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Electrical
• Management (Logistics)
• Safety
• Applied Technology

9
How do we prepare for a Nano Curriculum?
(proactive thinking)

• Understanding the roles for 2-yr 4-yr schools
  will play in the educating students
• 2yr Schools
• Highly skilled nano-technicians
• Preparing students for articulation to 4-yr
  program
• 4yr Schools
• Researchers
• Nano Managers (Safety, Logistics, Fabrication)
• Preparation for doctoral work

10
How do we prepare for a Nano Curriculum?
(proactive thinking)

• Understanding of what areas to integrate

Source Fazarro, D.E. NanoTX Conference October
2-3, 2008
11
Developing the Curriculum

• Example of courses (B.S.-Applied
  Nanotechnology-Emphasis in Fabrication)
• (NANO 100)The History of Nanotechnology
• (NANO 200) Ethical Issues of Nanotechnology
• (NANO 210) Issues of Nanomaterial Safety
• (NANO 220) Legal Issues and commercialization of
  Nanomaterials
• (NANO 300) Theoretical Foundation of
  Nanotechnology
• (NANO 310) Nanomaterials-Physics
• (NANO 320) Nanomaterials-Chemistry
• (NANO 330) Nanomaterials-Electromechanical
• (NANO 340) Introduction to Biotechnology
• (NANO 400) Introduction to Nanomaterial
  Fabrication Equipment
• (NANO 410) Principles of Nanofabrication
  Technology
• (NANO 420) Principles of Nanoscaled Material
  Processing
• (NANO 430) Managing and Marketing of
  Nanomaterials in Products

12
Questions Comments