Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | EN.510.422

Micro and Nano Structured Materials & Devices

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(3.74)

Almost every material’s property changes with scale. We will examine ways to make micro- and nano-structured materials and discuss their mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. Topics include the physics and chemistry of physical vapor deposition, thin film patterning, and microstructural characterization. Particular attention will be paid to current technologies including computer chips and memory, thin film sensors, diffusion barriers, protective coatings, and microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices.

Spring 2013

(3.94)

Spring 2014

(3.39)

Spring 2015

(3.88)

Spring 2013

Professor: MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

(3.94)

The best aspects of the course were the professor, the presentations, and the cutting edge topics covered in a simple format. The course was lightweight, but students were still able to get a general overview of the micro-nano world. The worst aspects of the course included the dul student presentations and vague guidelines on assignments. The course would improve if the class was more interactive and if the assignments were more engaging and thought provoking. Prospective students should expect a nice laidback course with lots of interesting micro and nano-technology material to learn.

Spring 2014

Professor: Howard Katz, En Ma

(3.39)

This course presented a survey of different aspects of nanotechnology and offered students the opportunity to research the field on their own and improve upon their presentation skil s. According to many students, the class was easy and the course load was fairly light, including short writing assignments and one presentation. The lectures were boring but mandatory, organization was poor, and there were absolutely no incentives for learning. Also, presentations took up a lot of class time. Suggestions for improvement include: more engaging activities and lectures, more structure, more discussion, and a midterm. This course is great for prospective students who want to expand upon their knowledge of nanotechnology.

Spring 2015

Professor: Howard Katz

(3.88)

The best aspects of the course included the exposure to cutting edge work in the field, the discussion-based approach to class, and the applications of concepts. Many students appreciated the professor’s enthusiasm, and his ability to make class challenging and interesting. Some students struggled with the open-ended nature of the exams and were unclear on how to prepare for them. Pop-quizzes were stressful for some and ineffective at facilitating learning. Suggestions for improvement included using PowerPoint in class rather than solely relying on the assigned readings, and focusing more on general ideas and than technical details. Prospective students should be prepared to attend every class for the important lectures and pop-quizzes.