Course 1: Microfluidics for Synthetic Biology
Syllabus
Lectures:
1: Introduction to Microfluidics
2: Major Synthetic Biology Opportunities for Microfluidic Solutions
3: Microfluidic Fundamentals and Unit Operations
4: Implementing Microfluidic Setups to Study Biosystems
5: Existing Microfluidics Chips for Synthetic Biology
6: Microfluidic Design Tools and Challenges
7: Materials and Fabrication Methods for lab-on-a-chip devices
8: In-depth: Major examples of Biosensors Applications and Microfluidics Integration
9: In-depth: Hardware Automation Applications and Microfluidics Integration
10: Pushing the boundaries for Semiconductors and Microfluidics Integration
11: Challenges in Co-designing Biosystems and Microfluidics Solutions
12: Microfluidics Solutions: Accelerators, Competitions, Startups, and Industry
Labs:
1: Demo: Testing Microfluidic Valves and Pumps using Multi-layer chips
2: Reading groups: Fast-prototyping Fabrication Equipment and Infrastructure (SLA, Injection Molding, 3D printing, CNC-milling, Laser-cutters)
3: Demo: Cleanroom Equipment and Protocols
4: Visit: Bringing a Research Lab to Present their Experience
5: Demo: Testing Thermoplastics Droplets and droplet-based fluidics
6: Reading groups: Organs-on-chip Chips and Applications
7: Visit: Bringing a Microfluidics Company to Present their Experience
8: Demo: Testing Microfluidic chips integrated with Semiconductors and Electrodes Systems
9: Reading groups: Co-designing Biosystems and Microfluidics Solutions
10: Hands-on: Pitch Competition Preparation
Workload:
3 MSU -> 3h/w -> 1h Lecture/week + 2h Labs/week
12 Lectures + 10 Labs -> 22 Interactions
Full semester (14 weeks): 12 weeks + Midterms + Projects
Score - 0-100 points:
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5% Attendance
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10% Quizzes (once/week)
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30% Assignments (Lab reports)
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15% Mid-term Exam (half-semester)
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40% Final Projects (end-semester) -> Total 100%
5% BONUS Scores During Lab Sessions (Extra work)
Course Materials
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Open-source scientific papers (TBI)
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Free/Accessible Textbooks (TBI)
Final Grade Range (90-100->A, etc. - subject to change)
Late Policy (10% off a grade per delayed day)