Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education

The University of Texas at Austin, has developed an upper-division undergraduate laboratory, called the NANOLAB, which is designed to introduce engineering and natural sciences students to nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) concepts. At present three 6-hour experiments have been developed: 1) “Fabrication of gold nanoparticles using self-assembled templating”, 2) “Optical and redox properties of colloidal semiconducting quantum dots”, and 3) “Acid-doped polyaniline nanofiber sensor for vapor detection”. The NANOLAB experiments are integrated with existing undergraduate laboratories, currently in five different departments-Chemistry/Biochemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering-across both the Colleges of Engineering and Natural Sciences. The NANOLAB is not a stand-alone course that is offered by a specific department, but rather is a laboratory “station” that interfaces with existing laboratory courses in the participating departments.

Primary Strategic Outcome Goal:
Undergraduate Education and Undergraduate Student Research

Secondary Strategic Outcome Goals:
Disciplinary/Interdisciplinary Research (Anything not covered by one of the 12 categories
below.)



How does this highlight address the strategic outcome goal(s) as described in the NSF Strategic Plan 2006-2011
This project supports the Strategic Outcome Goal of Learning; in particular, the NANOLAB helps to advance the fundamental knowledge base on learning. The work is notable because of the integrated laboratory bridging the Colleges of Engineering and of Natural Science, and is a powerful approach to educating a large cross-section of an undergraduate student body. It will serve as a model for multi-departmental teaching in an active-learning environment.

Does this highlight represent transformative or potentially transformative research? If so, please explain why. For more information, see report to Congress: Transformative Research at the National Science Foundation, April 16, 2008
No

Does this highlight represent Broadening Participation? If so, please explain why. For more information, see Broadening Participation at the National Science Foundation: A Framework for Action
No

Are there existing or potential societal benefits of this research? It is important for NSF to be able to provide examples of NSF-supported research that have societal benefits, including benefits to the U.S. economy.
For more information, see Excerpt from Merit Review Broader Impacts Criterion: Representative Activities, July 2007
No