The course, titled "Nanotechnology: The Science & Technology of the Very Small," is centered on the definition of nanotechnology and the technology's effect on the future.

Dr. Greg Spencer, Dept. of Physics, will introduce the vast array of technologies and materials in the realm of nanotechnology. In addition to lectures by Texas State faculty and visiting experts from nanotechnology companies, he will use textbook and technical literature readings and discussions to teach the class.

"This course will achieve its goal of providing an introduction and overview of this innovative and increasingly important area of research," said Dr. Spencer. "Of course the ultimate goal is to encourage and challenge more students to learn and look at things from different scientific perspective."

Nanotechnology is a cross-disciplinary technology and is slated to be a field that will generate the next industrial revolution, making an education in nanotechnology essential. As the fields of application are multiple and employment opportunities are rich, opportunities are being created in both the business sector and in scientific and academic institutions.

The course at Texas State University is open for audit by the public.

About Nanomaterials Application Center

Nanomaterials Application Center (NAC), a center within The Institute for Environmental and Industrial Science (IEIS) at Texas State University - San Marcos, works to advance the role of nanotechnology in science, technology, industry, the economy, and society throughout Texas and the nation. It achieves this by fostering collaborations between industry, entrepreneurs, technology organizations, and academic institutions. The members of NAC combine their resources into directed research projects that promise near-term application in industry or commercialization.

For more information on Nanomaterials Application Center, contact Dr. Gregory Spencer, Department of Physics at Texas State University, 512.245.0587, or visit the web site at www.txstate.edu/nac.