Nanotechnology allows people to control and engineer matter atom-by-atom to build microscopic materials and devices at nanometer size (1 billionth of a meter), far smaller than the human eye can see, with unique properties desired for advanced technological products. Nanotechnology has emerged as a versatile platform that can provide efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally acceptable solutions to the global sustainability challenges that are crucial for society and human life.
This is an introductory course to acquaint students with the concept of nanoscience and nanotechnology, but will not involve much detail in complicated mathematics, physics, and biology. Emerging applications of nanotechnology in the fields of energy, environment, and health care will be demonstrated, together with benefits and risks of relevant nano-products. Furthermore, the course will deal with the issues related to business chances, innovation, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, public perceptions, and the commercialization of nano-products, etc., especially the support of thetechnological value chain, thereby, provide an outlook how nanotechnology may have a significant impact on the sustainable development of society.