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The Nanoscience Undergraduate Education (NUE) Program at James Madison University

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Brian H Augustine ,
Barbara A. Reisner  and
Kevin L. Caran
Brian H Augustine
Affiliation:
augustbh@jmu.edu, James Madison University, Department of Chemistry, MSC 4501, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22812, United States, 540.568.8081
Barbara A. Reisner
Affiliation:
reisnerba@jmu.edu, James Madison University, Department of Chemistry, MSC 4501, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22812, United States
Kevin L. Caran
Affiliation:
carankl@jmu.edu, James Madison University, Department of Chemistry, MSC 4501, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22812, United States
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Abstract

Work has been underway at JMU in the Department of Chemistry through an NSF-NUE grant to develop an evolutionary approach to curriculum development across the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Preliminary assessment data suggests that there exists a profound misunderstanding amongst graduating chemistry majors about basic aspects of nanotechnology as revealed by the NAI. Specifically, there are misconceptions about the sizes of and forces acting on the molecular-scale which is fundamental to any deep understanding of nanometer-scale phenomena. This is particularly alarming since senior-level undergraduate students majoring in chemistry should have a clearer understanding of molecular interactions than other STEM disciplines. A more careful, coordinated and sustained approach to teaching nanometer-scale phenomena must be undertaken in order to address these misconceptions and better prepare students the future workforce in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Keywords

nanoscalescanning probe microscopy (SPM)self-assembly
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 931: Symposium KK – Education in Nanoscience and Engineering , 2006 , 0931-KK01-05
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2006

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