Course syllabus

Introduktion till miniatyriserade analyssystem
Introduction to Lab-on-a-chip Systems

EEMN20, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2014/15
Decided by: Education Board A
Date of Decision: 2014-04-07

General Information

Elective for: BME4-bf, E4-mt, F4, F4-mt, F4-nf, N4-nbm
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The course gives a broad introduction to the area of microfluidics with an outlook towards Lab-On-A-Chip systems. Microfluidics and Lab-On-A-Chip systems deal with liquid and gas flows in micrometer-sized channels, often for chemical and biochemical analysis. The area is truely interdiciplinary where micro- and nanotechnologies are utilised for integration of electrical, mechanical, chemical and optical functions on a chip. Systems based on microfluidics plays and increasingly important role within areas like chemistry and biochemistry, biotechnology and medicine.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to analyse advantages and limitations of miniaturising fluidic systems.
• Be able to describe how design geometries and physical parameters affect the properties of microfluidic systems.
• Be able to describe the available methods for fabrication of microfluidic systems and generations and control of micro flows.
• Be able to describe common components of a microfluidic system.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to experimentally develop and use microfluidic systems together with instrumentation to study those.
• Be able to design a simple microfluidic system.
• Be able to read, summarise and discuss scientific articles in the field of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Have realised the importance of and being open to a cross-disciplinary way of working.

Contents

Fluid mechanics in microsystems, flow simulations, materials and methods for fabrication of microfluidic systems, surface tension, viscosity, diffusion, dimensionless parameters (e.g. the Reynolds number), flow characterisation, valves, mechanical and electrokinetical pumps, mixing, droplet microfluidics, separation, detection, applications within chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, biology and medicine, acoustics on chip, nanofluidics.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Compulsory parts to be passed: lab exercises including reports, active participation in the discussion forum, project work including oral presentation and written report, written exam.

Admission

Required prior knowledge: FAFA01, FAFA05, FAFA35 or equivalent courses in fundamental physics.
The number of participants is limited to: 32
Selection: 1. The relevance of the course for the student's specialisation. 2. Number of credits until graduation.
The course overlaps following course/s: EEM055

Reading list

• "Introductin to BioMEMS" by Albert Folch. ISBN: 978-1-4398-1839-8.
• Lecture slides and lab instructions.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Maria Tenje, maria.tenje@elmat.lth.se
Course coordinator: Pelle Ohlsson, pelle.ohlsson@elmat.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.elmat.lth.se/utbildning/kurser/mikrofluidik/