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Course Logistics for Nanotechnology: The Basics

Nanotechnology: The Basics is an introductory level course that describes how the small size and unique properties of nanoscale materials can be applied in electronics, magnetics and photonics.

Every week students will be expected to view between 6 and 10 video lectures which are about 10-15 minutes each; optional 'in-depth' lectures will be added to provide background on concepts relevant for the week. Most lectures will have integrated questions to keep students engaged, and these will not count towards any grade. There will also be weekly 'basic' quizzes and a final exam for students seeking a statement of accomplishment.  For those seeking a statement of accomplishment with distinction, additional 'in-depth' quizzes and a peer-graded project will be required. 

The class contains a total of ten assignments: four basic quizzes, four in-depth quizzes, one final exam, and one peer assessment assignment.  Each of these assignments is worth a total of ten points, for a total of 100 points in the class. To receive a statement of accomplishment, students must obtain more than 40% of the total points in the class. This can be accomplished by taking only the basic quizzes and the final exam. To receive a statement of accomplishment with distinction, students must obtain more than 80% of the total points in the class. Obviously, this requires students to take some (or all) of the in-depth quizzes and the peer assessment assignment.

This course requires that students (a) have ready access to and facility with a spreadsheet program like Google Spreadsheet, Excel or Open Office; (b) have had a freshman level science class and have familiarity with advanced high school or college freshman chemistry and physics.

Finally, students are given two weeks to complete every assignment after posting.  Also, the late policy provides students with 8 days to apply as needed.