Nanotech course for 6th formers
Nanotechnology is considered to be the engineering of the twenty-first century. This one day introduction offers an overview of the field of nanotechnology, its origins, applications and major advances in the field, communicated in a such a way as to show you that underlying your A-level studies, there's some pretty interesting science! The whole field has been catapulted ahead with the invention of scanning probe microscopes, that can see individual atoms. During the course of the day, there will be an opportunity for all participants to use some of these microscopes, which are among the most powerful ever made.
You will be given a booklet containing all the material covered during the day.
Nanotechnology is a word, which like cloning, is often reported in the popular press. Unfortunately, much of what is written is largely inaccurate, mainly due to the fact that as the field came into existence scientists got quite carried away when imagining the possibilities. Most people know that Nanotechnology is something to do with "small things". In this course we are going to de-mystify the field and show that it is in fact an enormously broad field which essentially encompasses Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and that it could just as easily be called the Science of very small things, which incidentally the word Nanoscience means (translated literally it means dwarf science!).
Introduction: We will begin with a look at classical Physics as it stood towards the end of the nineteenth century and how its foundations were rocked by relativity and quantum mechanics. This will lead us on to how a quantum description of events at the atomic scale and below has an impact at larger scales.
The practical Implications: In the second session we will see how and why nanostructures are so important, and look at the science behind this.
In the third session, we will introduce Nanotechnology formally - what it is and is not, why it is so important, products on the market, economic impact, and hot topics.
Hands-on experience: In the final session, we will look at how Nanotechnology research is actually done, and we will explore the invention that kick-started the entire field - the scanning probe microscope (SPM). We will carry out a number of experiments using SPM to demonstrate its potential.
Who this course is for: Anybody interested in learning more about Nanotechnology. This course is specifically designed for sixth-form students, so don't worry if it sounds daunting - all will be explained! It is an interactive course, so if you have any questions about science, this is an opportunity to ask them!
Who this course is given by: The course will be delivered by Dr Colm Durkan, Reader in Nanoscale Engineering at the University of Cambridge and co-founder of CambridgeNano, whose details may be found here and here.
The course will take place at: Girton College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge
Dates: 15th, 16th, 25th and 26th July
One day course starting from 9am to 6pm,
Cost: £125.00 inc VAT. All meals will be provided.
Please fill in the booking form below