The purpose of this course is to introduce concepts necessary to understand quantum mechanical and other issues occurring in current Research & Development fields including nano-technology. The target audience is non-specialist, and only very basic mathematics and technical backgrounds will be assumed. Quantum mechanics plays a strong role in a variety of basic systems/applications such as lasers, plasmas, digital electronics, etc. However, quantum mechanical effects are becoming increasingly important in more and more fields as technology develops and device sizes shrink. The course will provide an intuitive understanding of the governing energy concerns in different systems, and explain the terminology appearing in different applications.