Collaborative Teaching and Interdisciplinary Discovery-Based Experiments for Understanding Nanoscale Metrology and Manufacturing

Drexel University, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Abstract

The emerging technologies in nanoscale metrology and manufacturing have the potential for significant contributions to the growth of the nation's economy over the next several decades. In spite of the rapidly growing need for qualified nanotechnology technicians, current undergraduate programs of most engineering schools do not offer nanoscale metrology and manufacturing in their curricula. In order to produce a properly prepared nanotechnology workforce, there is a need for educational opportunities in the advanced manufacturing technology arena. This project will address the absence of nanoscale metrology and manufacturing education by developing a packaged suite of discovery-based laboratory modules. Combined with proposed lectures, the laboratory materials will enable many engineering programs to offer nanoscale metrology and manufacturing in their curricula, thereby increasing opportunities for engineering and science students to be exposed to this emerging field early in the formative years of their career. This project will bring relevant nanoscale engineering physics and chemistry into the educational experience of undergraduate engineering students as well as develop and test a set of collaborative lecture and laboratory modules in nanoscale metrology and manufacturing.