University of Technology Sydney

42724 Microfluidics in Biology and Medicine

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Biomedical Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Honours Embedded Degree owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours Degree owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours Degree co-owned by FEIT
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

Microfluidics, a technology characterised by the engineered manipulation of fluids at the micro-scale, has shown considerable promise in point-of-care diagnostics and clinical research. Microfluidic platforms are creating powerful tools for cell biologists to control the complete cellular microenvironment, leading to new questions and new discoveries. This subject introduces students to the concepts of Microfluidics and the challenges and opportunities for manipulating biological matters and chemicals at the micro-scale. Through educational videos and interactive (virtual) laboratory sessions, students learn how to build functional miniaturised devices (so called Lab-on-a-chips) for particle/cell separation, fluid mixing, and single cell analysis. In this subject, students further engage in real-world scenarios using microfluidics in medicine and biology.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Identify, and understand microfluidic principles in the context of the medical industry and current research problems. (C.1)
2. Formulate and apply prototyping and design methodologies to design and develop microfluidic technologies. (D.1)
3. Critically analyse and communicate disciplinary knowledge and practices to a wide range of audiences. (E.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
  • Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
  • Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating autonomously within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

Students enrolled in the Master of Professional Engineering should note that this subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies:

  • 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
  • 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
  • 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
  • 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject will offer several different modes of curricular activities to enhance the student’s learning experience both individually and in groups.

This will include face-to-face (or via Zoom) classes (~2 hr lecture), which will be complemented by independent learning activities (~2-4 hrs per week) including lab-based works, and interactive tutorial sessions (group activity).

The subject will provide an interactive and hands-on learning experience:

  • Interactive lecture tutorial components
  • Computer-based laboratory sessions (instructor guided)
  • Tutorial questions and laboratory projects designed to give further practice in the application of microfluidics theories and procedures

Content (topics)

  • Introduction to microfluidics
  • Fundamentals of micro-fabrication
  • Microfluidics design using SOLIDWORKS
  • Microfluidics Device design and Components
  • Soft-lithography for microfluidic device fabrication
  • 3D-printing at the microscale level

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Group project (microfluidic device development & testing)

Intent:

To design, prototype and test a microfluidic device for a specific biomedical application.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1 and 2

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

C.1 and D.1

Type: Design/drawing/plan/sketch
Groupwork: Group, individually assessed
Weight: 70%

Assessment task 2: Group project (Literature Review and Group Presentation)

Intent:

This task is designed to enhance your collaborative skills in a group setting, focusing on researching and presenting key ideas and designs related to microfluidic technologies. Together, you will create a presentation that effectively communicates your collective findings. Additionally, this task will help you develop the oral presentation skills essential for success in both industry and research environments.
Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

E.1

Type: Case study
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 30%
Length:

15-minute presentation followed by 5 min Q&A

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Recommended texts

  1. Microfluidics in Biotechnology, Janina Bahnemann,; Alexander Grünberge, Springer 2022
  2. Fundamentals and Applications of Microfluidics, Nguyen N.T., Wereley S., 2006, Second Edition, Artech House, Boston, London.
  3. Microfluidic and Microfabrication, Suman Chakraborty, Springer.