Microsystems and nanotechnologies - training opportunities in the context of Romanian-Bulgarian transborder cooperation

Abstract

In the challenges specified in the objectives of the EU 2020 Strategy the place of microsystems and nanotechnologies (MNT) is not directly indicated but undoubtedly MNT go along with these challenges as well as with many areas of our life: research, electronics, environment, medicine, energy saving, sustainable management, waste disposal, water processing etc. According to the research made under the “Millennium project - Global future studies and research” MNT face 8 global challenges from the total 15. The education on MNT requires specific curricula and methods due to its multidisciplinary character on one hand and the declining numbers of students willing to study the “hard” sciences on the other. The paper considers a joint MEng/MSc University degree course in MNT under the "Romanian-Bulgarian Services Centre for Microsystems and Nanotechnology" project. It is developed by two of the project partners: National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies - IMT Bucharest and Ruse University "Angel Kanchev", and University Politehnica of Bucharest. In the paper analyses supporting the development of the course is presented. The basic clusters of information required for the development of the course are specified and structured. More particularly a portfolio of technologies and services of interest for the business were defined as well as design and managerial skills required for the engineers. Exemplary structure of the proposed MNT course is also discussed. Three major blocks of modules are suggested: core, specific, optional. They are followed by an Individual Project. It is also envisaged that the course would cover several key areas of MNTs such as: IC Materials and Systems; Bio Materials and Systems; Manufacturing Materials and Systems. An indicative content of the modules is also presented and discussed from the point of view of the aims of the course; learning outcomes; targeted intellectual, practical and transferable skills; teaching and learning patterns; assessments methods. In general the course will provide an understanding of micro/nano manufacturing processes and systems. It will enable the engineers to appreciate the role of efficiency, process and materials selection in the design and production of MNT products. It will assist the design and manufacturing engineers in specifying the essential requirements for the products, including material and dimensional/geometrical properties and the usage of appropriate standards.