The series, sponsored by USC and its NanoCenter, will begin March 17 and continue on consecutive Wednesdays through April 21. The programs will be held at 7 p.m. in USC's Sumwalt College on Greene Street.

The non-credit, consumer-friendly series will feature USC faculty who study nanotechnology and its societal implications and are nationally respected for their expertise in this growing scientific field. The $10 fee will cover the cost of reading materials, which are intended for people who are curious about nanotechnology. Enrollment will be limited to 40 participants. Participants will receive a non-credit certificate to document their participation in the SCCSN.

The schedule is:
• March 17, "NANO 101: A Friendly Introduction to Nanotechnology," Cathy Murphy, chemistry and biochemistry
• March 24, "From 'Scopes to 'Bots: A Short History of Nanotech and the Tools That Make It Possible,” Davis Baird, philosophy
• March 31, "A Personal View of What I Do in Nanotech, and Why I Do It," Donna Chen, chemistry and biochemistry
• April 7, "Nanomedicine: How We Will Be Affected by Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Drugs," Robert Best, School of Medicine, Division of Genetics
• April 14, "Commercial and Industrial Implications in South Carolina, "Jonathan Fletcher, USC NanoCenter
• April 21, "Nanotech in Science Fiction," Steve Lynn, English.

The series is one of the first of its kind in the United States, said Chris Toumey, a USC adjunct associate professor of anthropology and program coordinator.

"Few universities have undertaken as broad a perspective on nanotechnology as this series, which brings together science, medicine, and liberal arts, as well as business and industry," Tuomey said. "Participants in the S.C. Citizens' School of Nanotechnology will be among the first in the Palmetto State to gain a comprehensive understanding of nanotechnology. Our intent is to develop an informed public who can have an active and constructive voice as nanotechnology policy issues evolve."

For more information, e-mail Toumey at toumey@gwm.sc.edu. To register, contact Conny Chen at 7-2210 or by e-mail at connyc@sc.edu.

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