Welcome Letter
Description: This Nanotechnology to Robotics course seeks to introduce fundamental introductory concepts in nanotechnology and robotics for the college undergraduate. The instructor has prepared course lecture slides, and the course requires access to a computer to utilize math software for learning, solving problem sets and exam problems. We also expect to have hands-on Arduino kit project to work through in the course. Through the group project, exam and course lecture, the goal is to expand our view of robotics and find synergies with fundamental science and engineering. These basics are to be applied to technologies such as solar and fuel cells, batteries and self-driving vehicles.
Objectives: For the science and non-science major alike, this course introduces fundamental concepts in robotics, nanotechnology and quantum mechanics. We cover vectors, matrices, pendulums, solving differential equations and applying these ideas to understand solar/fuel cells, batteries, and self-driving vehicles.
Grading: The course grading is based on working through 6 biweekly problem sets (30%), an exam in week 9 (30%), completing a group project/presentation (30%), and participating in lecture (10%). The problem sets and exam are graded on a scale of maximum 100 points, while the group work is graded based on rubrics categories (Developing, Emerging, Meets Expectations, Exceeds Expectations).
Late Problem Sets are not accepted, as that is not fair to the grader. A makeup exam is possible.
Texts:
- Arthur Beiser, Kok Wai Cheah. “Concepts of Modern Physics”. McGraw-Hill 2019.
- John J. Craig. “Introduction to Robotics: Mechanics and Control”. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company 3rd2003.
Syllabus File, Nanotech Matlab files
Week 1 – Fundamental Concepts, Matlab: basic_input.m, basic_simulink.slx, Model A Planar Pendulum Example
Week 2 – Introduction to Robotics, Problem Set 1 due, Matlab: draw_plot2D.m, draw_plot3D.m
Week 3 – Introduction to Nanotechnology, Matlab: f1.m, stat3.m
Week 4 – Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Problem Set 2 due, Matlab: take_diff.m
Week 5 – Atoms and Molecules, Matlab: SimulateThePhysicsOfAPendulumsPeriodicSwingExample.mlx
Week 6 – Atoms and Molecules, Problem Set 3 due, Matlab: ek_pendulum.m
Week 7 – Observed Holiday No Class
Week 8 – Atoms and Molecules, Matlab: Double Pendulum
Week 9 – Exam, Matlab: Code, Problem Set 4 due
Week 10 – Applied Concepts, Matlab: Calculate Spherical Harmonics Example, Parallel Demo
Week 11 – Applied Concepts, Problem Set 5 due
Week 12 – Motorcycle Assembly Instructions, Matlab: LowLight, penddemo.mlx, Arduino Project instructions (word, pdf)
Week 13 – Matlab: Arduino Project, Problem Set 6 due
Week 14 – Matlab: Arduino Project
Week 15 – Presentation Work Together in Class
Week 16 – Presentations
Week 17 – Flexible Scheduling
Week 18 – Flexible Scheduling