Instrumentation for Research: A Biomaterials/Materials Project Laboratory

This course is designed to prepare students for research in biomaterials/materials science by focusing on a project that yields a testable product/device. Advanced equipment/instrumentation will be used to fabricate and evaluate materials required for each project and to test the performance of the product/device that uses these materials. Example projects that illustrate the course plan include building a microfluidic-based medical sensor or fabricating a polymer-based battery. These examples require materials synthesis (polymerization or hydrothermal), materials characterization (SEM, X-ray diffraction), device fabrication (microfabrication, assembly under inert/sterile atmosphere), and product testing (biological assays, electrochemical methods). Student interests will determine other projects. Completion of Laboratory Safety and Hazardous Waste Training offered by EHS.