Microsystems and nanotechnology: conceptual issues in education and society

M. E. Heaton; Norman D. McMillan

doi:10.1117/12.606092

8 June 2005 Microsystems and nanotechnology: conceptual issues in education and society

M. E. Heaton, Norman D. McMillan

Proceedings Volume 5827, Opto-Ireland 2005: Photonic Engineering; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.606092
Event: OPTO-Ireland, 2005, Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

The rapidly emerging field of MEMS (micro electromechanical systems) has recently seen a proliferation of microscale devices and processes. Indeed, microsystems and nanotechnology has from its origins in the integrated circuits industry now become an extensive field of research encompassing everything from biosensors with near real-time diagnostics to power MEMS for portable devices, enabling vastly improved performance to power consumption over their macro counterparts. The paper uses relevant contemporary issues that arise from conceptual limitations in this burgeoning field to illustrate and highlight some critical analysis of the key educational issues involved in teaching in this vital area. The paper considers a number of political-strategic issues arising for Ireland directly out of the nano-biotechnology revolution. It also highlights a number of relevant concerns that can be addressed by educational initiatives. Theoretical and philosophical concepts regarding changes in thinking surrounding recent developments are also explored, with some specific primary science discussion made on research issues and second-third level education. The paper ends with an attempt to identify the major opportunities for Ireland and highlights the changes that science and technology will wrote for an Ireland ready or not, to face a new reality that is also no respecter of any country's past successes.

Citation Download Citation

M. E. Heaton and Norman D. McMillan "Microsystems and nanotechnology: conceptual issues in education and society", Proc. SPIE 5827, Opto-Ireland 2005: Photonic Engineering, (8 June 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.606092

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
14 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Nanotechnology

Information technology

Microsystems

Analytical research

Microelectromechanical systems

Biotechnology

Manufacturing

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years