Using nanoHUB.org for teaching and learning nanoelectronic devices in materials engineering

Abstract

This paper presents an educational methodology that uses the computational resources available in the nanoHUB.org online research and education platform. To this end, a number of software tools provided by nanoHUB.org have been incorporated as part of the practical lab exercises and linked to an e-learning virtual environment of a course on Electronic Materials, with emphasis on Nanoelectronic devices. The activities carried out during the course allowed students to enhance their understanding of those theoretical concepts dealing with Nanoelectronic materials and devices, thus becoming more motivated and satisfied. As an application and example, a set of experiences carried out by students is described. These experiences cover different Nanoelectronic materials and devices, going from physical and theoretical principles to device simulation. The proposed method has been applied to an undergraduate course, although it could be extended also to master students enrolled in courses dealing with materials science and engineering.