Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip

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:

The theory and physical principles of fluid mechanics on the microscale
Operating principles and physical mechanisms unique to microfluidics
The use of Lab-on-a-Chip systems for different analytical purposes
Fabrication methods used in the production of lab-on-a-chip systems

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Mathematically model microfluidic devices and systems

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

Learning and Teaching

Study time
Type	Hours
Completion of assessment task	25
Specialist Laboratory	9
Lecture	22
Tutorial	6
Preparation for scheduled sessions	11
Follow-up work	11
Wider reading or practice	56
Revision	10
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Comprehensive online notes.

Internet Resources

On-line resources.

Textbooks

Gescheke et al, (2004). Microsystems Engineering of Lab-on-a-Chip Devices. Wiley.

Marc J. Madou (2002). Fundamentals of Microfabrication, The Science of Miniaturization. CRC Press.

Tabeling (2005). Introduction to Microfluidics. Oxford.

Oosterbroek and van den Berg (2003). Lab-on-a-chip : miniaturized systems for (bio)chemical analysis and synthesis. Elsevier.

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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
A lab report	30%
Examination	70%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External