Nanotechnology and Society
Code: 103290Credits: 6
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Science, Technology and Humanities | OP | 4 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Eva Maria Pellicer Vilà
- Email :
- eva.pellicer@uab.cat
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
Not required.
Objectives
This subject provides students with a general overview of nanotechnology, beyond the scientific content developed during the degree. The main goal is to offer a cross-training which will allow students to identify what are the fields of application of nanotechnology, its impact on society, and what will our society look like in the near future. This will enable students to uncover areas in which a nanotechnologist can have a place but have so far been unknown. The subject is organized into six units: 0) Nanotechnology and its applications. 1) Nanotechnology in perspective. 2) Nanotechnology in Europe, Asia and the United States. 3) Scientific and technological development of nanotechnology. 4) Nanotechnology in Spain and Catalonia. 5) Ethical and social aspects. The idea is to explore beyond the science itself so that, after the multiple possibilities nanotechnology fits into society and labour market are disclosed, students become aware that greatest potential for labour market integration happens when the scientific training acquired during the degree couples to transferable skills.
Learning outcomes
- Know and understand the basic theoretical and practical principles and the work methodology of science and technology, deeply enough to work in this field with ease.
- Describe the principal fields of application of nanoscience and nanotechnology and the prospects of these.
- Reason from a critical standpoint.
- Solving problems autonomously.
- Describe the principal physicochemical properties that depend on the size of materials.
- Identify the principal economic, environmental, social and ethical implications and prospects of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
- Describe perspective interdisciplinary cross-curricular the impact of nanoscience nanotechnology society.
- Recognise the terms specific to each topic within the fields of nanoscience, nanotechnology and society.
- Recognise the environmental risks associated with manipulation of nanotechnology-derived products.
- Collect and interpret data on which to substantiate the conclusions drawn, including, where necessary, a reflection on social, scientific or ethical matters in a particular area of study.
- Communicate orally and in writing in your first language.
Contents
0. The nanotechnology and its applications:
The 'nano' scale
Properties of nanomaterials
Main applications
1. The nanotechnology in perspective:
Social perception of nanotechnology
Top 10 emerging technologies in the last five years
Knowledge economy
Hype Cycle
Evolution of nanotechnology in the last years
Inversion in nanotechnology
2. Nanotechnology in Europe, Asia and the United States:
The EU Framework Programs: evolution
Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe
KETs (Key Enabling Technology)
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
Nanotechnology as a KET
The race for the leadership in nanotechnology: China and the United States
The NNI (National Nanotechnology Initiative)
3. Scientific and technological development of nanotechnology:
Scientific production: scientific publications and cites. Publish or perish
Intellectual protection. Patents
Entrepreneurship. Spin-off versus start-up
Venture capital
4. Nanotechnology in Spain and Catalonia:
The NanoSpain network
National companies of the sector
CERCA centers
ICREA program
5. Ethical and social aspects:
REACH regulation in nanotechnology
Risk management in nanotechnology. FDA and EMEA.
Ethics and nanotechnology
Lessons from history
Science divulgation. Citizen science.
Perspective and dimension of gender in science in general and nanoscience in particular
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-class exercises and case studies | 15 | 0.6 | 3, 10 |
| Reading articles | 5 | 0.2 | 3, 4, 10 |
| Self-study | 25 | 1 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
| Oral presentation | 20 | 0.8 | 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11 |
| Lectures | 42 | 1.68 | 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Mentoring | 18 | 0.72 | 1 |
| Problem solving | 5 | 0.2 | 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 |
Lectures
The teacher will introduce and develop the theoretical contents of the subject using ppt. Supporting material will be delivered to students.
Classroom debates (forums) and exercises
Debates and exercises (in the broadest sense of the word) will serve to consolidate and see how the knowledge acquired during theory classes is put into practice. They will be intercalated with the theory classes to reinforce specific aspects or at the end the thematic units. The debates will be carried out under the guidance of the teacher and with the proactive participation of the students. Classroom tests will be carried out to monitor the knowledge acquired.
Group presentations
Oral presentations in small groups will be given at the end of the semester, covering topics from the contents of the subject and beyond.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exams | 50% | 10 | 0.4 | 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Surveys / problems done in class | 15% | 4 | 0.16 | 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Group oral presentation | 35% | 6 | 0.24 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 |
In-class surveys / problems: the student will have to demonstrate consolidation of the acquired knowledge (15% of the mark).
Group oral presentations: they represent 35% of the final mark and will be held by the end of the semester. Oral presentations will be followed by a discussion with the classmates. They are compulsory, as well as attendance at the presentations delivered by the other students. The technical and formal quality of the presentation as well as the answers given during the discussion phase will be considered.
Two exams covering the theory content of the subject and the aspects addressed during the practical sessions and seminars. They account for 50% of the final mark.
The proactive attitude in the classroom will be taken into account for the final grade of the subject.
Re-assessment for this subject requires the student must previously have done a minimum of two-thirds of the course-assessment items.
In order to pass the course, you must have an overall grade equal to or higher than 5.0. If you fail, but you get a minimum of 3.5 overall in the subject, you will have the right to a written makep-up test covering the entire contents of the subject that will allow you to pass with a maximum mark of 5 over 10.
A student will receive a Non-assessable grade if they have submitted no more than 30% of the assessment activities.
In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted as an integral part of the development of the group assignment and oral presentation, provided that the final outcome reflects a significant contribution from the student in terms of analysis and personal reflection. Students must clearly identify which parts have been generated using AI, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these tools have influenced both the process and the final outcome of the activity. Failure to disclose the use of AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in a penalty to the activity grade or more severe disciplinary sanctions in cases of serious misconduct.
This course does not offer a single-assessment option.
Bibliography
There is not a dedicated textbook. Relevant works in the field will be indicated in the ppt slides and lecture notes given by the teacher.
Software
Not applicable.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE