Identifying knowledge, skill and competence for nanoscience and nanotechnology research: a study of postgraduate researchers’ experiences

• Autores: Deepa Chari, Paul Irwing, Robert Howard, Brian Rowe
• Localización: The International journal of engineering education, ISSN-e 0949-149X, Vol. 28, no. Extra 5, 2012, págs. 1046-1055
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Over the past few decades, scientific disciplines have changed significantly with the introduction of new and complex aspects ofresearch, particularly in the area of nanoscience and nanotechnology (N&N). Efforts to develop science education programmes inN&N area to adopt these complex changes are also evident from recent literature and educational reports. However, these attemptsare focused towards identification and inclusion of contextual scientific knowledge in the curricula and very little is understoodabout the attributes knowledge, skill and competence necessary to successfully undertake N&N research. Identification of theseattributes is important so that the contextual scientific knowledge can be embedded in the curricula more effectively. Also, it isuncertain whether this growing research area requires researchers that have studied specialised undergraduate or postgraduateN&N programmes or traditional science and engineering disciplines. In other words, is N&N research multidisciplinary,interdisciplinary or will it develop into a unique discipline is not clear. To address this question, this qualitative study will examinethe postgraduate researchers’ experiences of researching in N&N area. Studying how the researchers understand, interpret anddescribe their experiences, we can achieve a new; or; at the very least a wider understanding of what N&N research is; and how thepostgraduate researchers use their education and training to research in this area. This in turn will inform the curriculumdevelopment at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and address the issues of whether we should have specialisedundergraduate N&N programmes or simply different distinct science and engineering disciplines coming together.