An Undergraduate Nanotechnology Course for Classes of Multi-discipline students in 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.