Y. Ijiri (Physics)
4 NS, W-INT
Full Course -- 4 Credits
Fall Semester FYSP 143-01 TR 9:30-10:45
Checked your e-mail today? Downloaded a tune for your iPod? Used your cell phone? Chances are that your daily life is filled with electronics that are performing increasingly sophisticated functions. This seminar will explore the making and measuring of the materials used in the common computer as well as their impact on the environment and society. We will look at how the basic science of materials has led to applications and at the impact of these materials on the environment and society at large. Questions to be addressed include: What sets the speed and memory of your computer? How do you store data? What happens to all those old cell phones? The underlying materials science will be developed as needed through readings including Philip Ball’s Made to Measure, a series of Scientific American articles, and other handouts; Internet resources (with assistance from the science library staff); and in-class demonstrations and workshops involving transistors, parts of hard drives, and other computer components. Using these resources, students will write a series of short papers on particular aspects of electronic materials that are of interest. Students will also make presentations to the class. No previous technical background is necessary.