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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Molecular Nanoscience And Engineering On Surfaces, Willi Auwarter, Agustin Schiffrin, Alexander Weber-Bargioni, Yan Pennec, Andreas Riemann, Johannes V. Barth Sep 2008

Molecular Nanoscience And Engineering On Surfaces, Willi Auwarter, Agustin Schiffrin, Alexander Weber-Bargioni, Yan Pennec, Andreas Riemann, Johannes V. Barth

Physics & Astronomy

Molecular engineering of low-dimensional materials exploiting controlled self-assembly and positioning of individual atoms or molecules at surfaces opens up new pathways to control matter at the nanoscale. Our research thus focuses on the study of functional molecules and supramolecular architectures on metal substrates. As principal experimental tools we employ low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Here we review recent studies in our lab at UBC: Controlled manipulation of single CO molecules, self-assembled biomolecular nanogratings on Ag(111) and their use for electron confinement, as well as the organisation, conformation, metalation and electronic structure of adsorbed porphyrins.


Student Understanding Of Control Of Variables: Deciding Whether Or Not A Variable Influences The Behavior Of A System, Andrew Boudreaux, Peter S. Shaffer, Paula R. L. Heron, Lillian C. Mcdermott Feb 2008

Student Understanding Of Control Of Variables: Deciding Whether Or Not A Variable Influences The Behavior Of A System, Andrew Boudreaux, Peter S. Shaffer, Paula R. L. Heron, Lillian C. Mcdermott

Physics & Astronomy

The ability of adult students to reason on the basis of the control of variables was the subject of an extended investigation. This paper describes the part of the study that focused on the reasoning required to decide whether or not a given variable influences the behavior of a system. The participants were undergraduates taking introductory Physics and K-8 teachers studying physics and physical science in inservice institutes and workshops. Although most of the students recognized the need to control variables, many had significant difficulty with the underlying reasoning. The results indicate serious shortcomings in the preparation of future scientists …