THE STUDENTS’ MINI-CONFERENCES FOR THE SPECIALIZATION “NANOMATERIALS AND NANOTECHNOLOGIES”

The reforms in the system of higher education in the Russian Federation have brought changes in the periods of studying, the studying processes and the list of specializations over the last 10 years. The requirements to knowledge and skills of students, teaching methods, creation and application of the educational innovations, and forms of organisation of the educational process have been changed. The speed of dissemination of information, the development of new branches of science, the integration of science with technology and industry are the characteristic features of modern life and as well as of education, as a part of life.

The author's method of lecturing, practical sessions and mini-conferences on physics for the freshmen on the Faculty of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies of the Institute of oil, chemistry and nanotechnologies of Kazan National Research Technological University is presented.
The following problems arose in the process of teaching of physics: the first problem is that physics is taught during the first two semesters of study, and the students doesn’t have enough skills in Mathematics. The second problem is the fact that some students did not study physics at secondary school. The third is the necessity of showing students why the study of physics is obligatory and what are the relations between this subject and future studies and jobs. The last important problem is the reduction of school hours for lectures and practical courses.

The topics taught during Physics course in Russian Federation for engineers are the same taught in the courses of the foreign schools of engineering, but under another titles. The same topics are studied by freshmen, but from the second semester.

The author's method of teaching physics was developed to solve the defined situation. The students of each group were divided into 10 teams they receive specific tasks to prepare oral and electronic presentations on topics of nonmaterial’s and nanotechnologies, for example: nanomotors, molecular rotors, graphens etc.

At the beginning of the second semester we organize mini-conferences on issues of nonmaterials and nanotechnologies. Chosen topics on nanomaterials and nanotechnologies show modern problems, and scientific schools of thought that exist nowadays in different countries and research centers. The representatives of companies, working in the fields of nanotechnology also are invited to speak about their products and the requirements for skills required in their future employees. After the mini-conference is held, freshmen are sent to different secondary schools to make their presentations for the school’s graduates.

In conclusion, we note that the presented methodology of teaching physics gives the results and quality of knowledge, skills and social significance for freshmen.