Module overview
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of a range of biomolecular, microscale and nanoscale systems and devices, including sensors. The module consists of practical work on three different systems, involving construction and characterisation with a variety of methodologies, and is supported by lectures. The assessment is in the form of three laboratory reports. The semester 1 module ELEC6203 Microsensor Technologies is a prerequisite for ELEC6208.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: ELEC6203
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Explaining the working principle of several classes of bio/micro/nano systems
- Define characterisation strategies for such systems
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Structure and write technical reports
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Package and evaluate a piezoelectric sensor
- Perform measurements with an enzymatic biosensor
- Characterise a nanoresonator system
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Key features of a range of bio/micro/nano systems
- Electrical and optical characterisation of such systems
Syllabus
Piezo/capacitive systems
- Thick-film and piezoelectric systems
- Sensor actuators
- Piezoresistive and Capacitive sensing
- Pressure sensors
- Accelerometers
- Gyroscopes
Nanoscale systems
- Nano Electro Mechanical Systems
- Nanotube and nanowire devices
- Nano resonators
Biomolecular devices
- Optical
- Mechanical
- Electrical
Laboratory
- Packaging and characterisation of piezoelectric sensor
- Nanoresonator characterisation
- Enzymatic glucose sensors
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Note that a laboratory report will not be marked if the student has not attended the associated laboratory sessions.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Tutorial | 9 |
Lecture | 18 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 15 |
Completion of assessment task | 50 |
Wider reading or practice | 25 |
Supervised time in studio/workshop | 18 |
Follow-up work | 15 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Comprehensive lecture notes will be provided.
Internet Resources
Sensors and Actuators A: Physical.
Biosensors and Bioelectronics.
Biosensors and Modern Biospecific Analytical Techniques.
Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems.
Textbooks
Senturia, S.D (2001). Microsystem Design. Kluwer.
Eggins BR (2002). Chemical Sensors and Biosensors. Wiley.
Hames D and Hooper NM (2011). Biochemistry (BIOS Instant Notes series), 4th Ed.. Garland Science.
Hector de Los Santos (2004). Introduction to Microelectromechanical Microwave Systems. Artech House, Inc..
Kaajakari V (2009). Practical MEMS: Design of microsystems, accelerometers, gyroscopes, RF MEMS, optical MEMS, and microfluidic systems. Small Gear Publishing.
Pethig RR and Smith S (2012). Introductory Bioelectronics: for Engineers and Physical Scientists. Wiley.
Maluf N and Williams K (2004). An Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems Engineering. Artech House Mems Library.
Gaura, E (2006). Smart MEMS and Sensor Systems. Imperial College Press.
Khanna VK (2011). Nanosensors: physical, chemical, and biological. CRC Press.
Kovacs GTA (1998). Micromachined Transducers Sourcebook. McGraw-Hill.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
A lab report will not be marked if the student has not attended the corresponding lab sessions.
Laboratory sessions are scheduled in the labs on level 2 of the Zepler building and in B85
Length of each session: 3 hours
Number of sessions completed by each student: 5
Max number of students per session: 40
Demonstrator:student ratio: 1:8
Preferred teaching weeks: 8
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Continuous Assessment | 100% |
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