| AVS 60th International Symposium and Exhibition | |
| Nanometer-scale Science and Technology | Wednesday Sessions |
| Session NS+AS+BI+SP-WeM |
| Session: | Nanoscale Imaging and Microscopy |
| Presenter: | N.A. Burnham, Worcester Polytechnic Institute |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
The outcomes of and materials for undergraduate and graduate courses on atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the Physics Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are described [1]. Given since 2001, the courses have been well received by over 150 students – from freshmen to emeritus professors – 45% of whom go on to use their AFM skills in subsequent studies or professions. Over half of the enrollees have been students external to the author’s home department. The course materials that have been developed are: YouTube videos [2], instrument lab instructions, computer lab instructions and programs, instructions and programs for labs with a macroscopically sized cantilever, classroom materials including writing exercises, and notes for teaching assistants and lecturers. Still under development is a textbook with homework problems. Most materials are available upon request from the author in order to promote AFM courses at other institutions, with the intent to draw more students into the intriguing world of nanoscience.
1. Accepted for publication in J. Nano Education
2. http://www.youtube.com/user/AtomicForceMicro/featured