Module overview
This module teaches the basics of the behaviour of fluids in microsystems, specifically focussing on the interaction of fundamental physical mechanisms and the design of microfluidic devices. It also reviews and analyses the state of the art in applied microfluidics such as Laboratory-on-a-Chip technology.
The module uses COMSOL Multiphysics, a specialist finite element analysis tool, to model a fluidic sensor.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Operating principles and physical mechanisms unique to microfluidics
- The theory and physical principles of fluid mechanics on the microscale
- Fabrication methods used in the production of lab-on-a-chip systems
- The use of Lab-on-a-Chip systems for different analytical purposes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of scaling of electrical, thermal, and fundamental dynamics in microsystems and the effects on system design
- Propose design strategies for microfluidics systems based on fluid mechanical principles
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Mathematically model microfluidic devices and systems
Syllabus
- Principles of miniaturisation, scaling laws
- Theory of Microfluidics and nanofluidics
- The diffusion of molecules and microscale mixing
- Technological production of components: mixers and pumps
- Fundamentals of electrical/electrochemical effects in microfluidics
- DC fields in microsystems: electro-osmosis and electrophoresis
- AC fields in microsystems: spectroscopy and dielectrophoresis
- Soft lithography, novel methods and fabrication of Lab-on-a-Chip devices.
- Detection methods – electrical, optical, thermal
- Bio-analytical applications
- Magnetic particle biotechnology
- Surfaces, forces, electrowetting: Digital Microfluidics
- Diagnostic systems – medical systems
- Separation, purification, concentration technologies
- Simulation and design of mixing devices for chemical reactors
Learning and Teaching
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 25 |
| Specialist Laboratory | 9 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Follow-up work | 11 |
| Tutorial | 6 |
| Lecture | 22 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 11 |
| Wider reading or practice | 56 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Comprehensive online notes.
Internet Resources
Textbooks
Tabeling (2005). Introduction to Microfluidics. Oxford.
Gescheke et al, (2004). Microsystems Engineering of Lab-on-a-Chip Devices. Wiley.
Oosterbroek and van den Berg (2003). Lab-on-a-chip : miniaturized systems for (bio)chemical analysis and synthesis. Elsevier.
Marc J. Madou (2002). Fundamentals of Microfabrication, The Science of Miniaturization. CRC Press.
Nguyen and Wereley (2002|2006). Fundamentals and applications of microfluidics. Artech.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Assessment | 70% |
| Continuous Assessment | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External