Nanotechnology and Society

About

This course provides a general overview of nanoscience and nanotechnology and their social, economic, and ethical implications. Nanotechnology has emerged as a very powerful tool capable of revolutionizing and changing our lives. Nano-objects and nanostructures exhibit new phenomena and properties that are unthinkable in the macroscopic world. Such new phenomena and properties can be exploited to provide solutions for the great social challenges in medicine, energy, information, environment, and so on. The student is invited to embark on a fascinating journey to discover the great power of the small.

Course leader

Dr. Eva Pellicer, Physics professor at UAB. Dr. Patxi López-Barberá, assistant professor at UAB.

Target group

The UAB Barcelona Summer School is open to standing local and international undergraduates and graduate students. International students who have been accomplished the first year of their undergraduate or at least the 50% of their first year credits at their home university could also be enroled at the programme. Working knowledge of the language instruction is highly recommended.

Course aim

One of the goals of the course is to identify the main application fields of nanomaterials and how their introduction into myriad of products is changing and shaping our lives. In addition, we will put the focus on the consumer perception towards nanotechnology-based products. Main investment areas in nanotechnology at the worldwide level will be also analysed. On the other hand, the associated risks, ethical issues, and misconceptions will be uncovered.

The course is aimed at creating a friendly climate of debate. Prototypes and demonstrators will be shown in class to help understand the fascinating world of nanomaterials and nanodevices.

Fee info