At Rice University, scientists are working at the forefront of nanotechnology – the science of manipulating individual atoms and molecules to produce the smallest human-made objects. The possibilities created by nanotechnology are astounding – from diagnosing and treating disease to creating microscopic electronic components. In this course, eight Rice experts will explore the properties of nanomaterials that make them so promising and look at some intriguing applications currently under development.

Note: This course, last offered in fall 2004, contains several new lecturers and topics.

Course Schedule:

September 21. Chemistry, Physics, and Nanotechnology: An Overview. The principles of physics and chemistry significant to understanding recent advances in nanotechnology and the unique properties of nanomaterials. John Hutchinson, PhD, professor of chemistry.

September 28. Tiny Weapons with Giant Potential: Medical Applications of Carbon Nanostructures. The unique role that carbon nanostructures bring to diagnostic and therapeutic medicine. Lon Wilson, PhD, professor of chemistry.

October 5. Environmental Health and Safety: From Research to Policy. Concern over the potential environmental impact and health consequences of nanomaterials may be a roadblock for their commercialization. Policies for ensuring maximum societal benefit from nanotechnology. Kristen Kulinowski, PhD, director of external affairs, Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology.

October 12. Seeing at the Nanoscale: Microscopy in Nanotechnology. Principles and applications of optical, electron, and scanned-probe microscopy widely applied to research at the nanoscale. Jason Hafner, PhD, assistant professor of physics and astronomy.

October 19. Adsorption and Desorption of Nanoparticles and Associated Contaminants. Environmental importance of desorption. Contaminant adsorption to carbon and mineral oxide nanomaterials. Nanoparticle transport in soils. Mason Tomson, PhD, professor of environmental science and engineering.

October 26. Infinite Nanotubes: A Vision of Future Energy. Andrew Barron, PhD, Charles W. Duncan, Jr.-Welch Chair of Chemistry and professor of materials science.

November 2. Nanotechnology in the Environment. Special features of nanomaterials that make cleaner water and cheaper energy possible. Environmental consequences of their large scale use and disposal. Vicki Colvin, PhD, professor of chemistry and chemical engineering.

November 9. Nanotechnology in Medical Diagnostics. The unique chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials enable novel applications in clinical medicine. Rebekah Drezek, PhD, Stanley C. Moore Assistant Professor of Bioengineering.

Additional keywords: scientific, medicine

Course Co-Sponsors