Prof. Peters teaches Aerosol Technology each fall semester (since 2005). Students from across campus take the course. 

Peters says,

"Aerosol Technology is an applied course. My approach is to "awaken" student's brain cells that may not have been used since high school physics, chemistry, and mathematics and use them to predict airborne particle behavior. During the first class, I encourage students to “Be the ball, there is a force in nature and all you have to do is get in touch with it”. This quote from the movie Caddie Shack embodies a useful message for students in that if you imagine being the particle (or other contaminant for that matter) then you can figure out how it will behave and control it." 

"At the beginning of each major module, I typically conduct a short hands-on activity to visually depict the fundamental science principle underlying the upcoming lecture material. In lectures, I use a PowerPoint presentation as an outline for lecture material while extensively using the whiteboard to review calculations and portray key principles. I supplement lectures with Excel spreadsheets to show how calculations can be carried out with real-world examples. At the end of the module, I discuss practical applications and relate any relevant current events."

"The ability to predict airborne particle behavior positions students to harness the potential benefits of aerosols or to prevent diseases from exposure to them. For example,

  • Chemists and chemical engineers devise new ways to formulate nanomaterials;
  • Chemical and biochemical students predict the spread of global air pollution;
  • Environmental engineers devise strategies to control air pollution;
  • Pharmacists develop new ways to deliver drugs based on inhalation; and
  • Industrial hygienists protecting worker health."

An aerosol is an assembly of particles suspended in a gaseous medium. They are omnipresent in our workplaces and outdoor environments and include a wide range of phenomena such as dust, fume, smoke, mist, fog, haze, clouds, and smog. Certain aerosols pose significant health threats, while others improve the quality of our lives. It is necessary to understand how airborne particles behave to control against their undesirable effects and to harness their beneficial potential. This course will explore the mechanics of aerosol behavior, including their generation, transformation, and fate in occupational and environmental settings. 

SyllabusPDF icon Aerosols-fall2014-Syllabus.pdf; SchedulePDF icon Aerosols-fall2014-Schedule.pdf.