About the Course

In the world of the very small, nano-size particles of gold are red and nano-packaged drugs can be delivered directly into diseased cells, avoiding damage to healthy tissues. It sounds like science fiction, but it's quickly becoming fact. In this 10-week class, videos from Coursera, The Great Courses, and other sources will provide a bird's eye view into nanotechnology, the study and application of extremely tiny materials. Come with us as we explore the world of cells and molecules, where individual atoms can be manipulated and particles can be inserted into DNA's spiral to change the behavior of a cell.

Course Syllabus

After an introduction to the realm where distances are measured in billionths of a meter, we will explore the role of nanoscience in biology. The building blocks of life, including DNA, are nanoscale objects, and these lectures provide a review of what goes on inside healthy and not-so-healthy cells before introducing the field of nanomedicine. We will explore DNA and cell proteins, cancer and other diseases, and the use of nanomaterials for the drug delivery and nanoscale surgical tools.

Following these lectures on the biological and medical applications of nanoscience, we will learn about applications for nanomaterials in electronics and energy. For example, solar cells can be small and flexible, and can capture more wavelengths of light to produce more energy at less cost.

Recommended Background

You do not need more than a basic understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics. We recognize that for some participants this knowledge may be rusty, and we welcome questions and discussion in class if you have trouble with the information presented in the videos.