Microchemical and Microfluidic Systems

Topics

• Students learn about the use of a variety of fabrication techniques used for both microelectronics and microchemical systems. In a number of cases the fabrication techniques involve chemical processes, and the students apply their knowledge in transport phenomena, thermodynamics and kinetics to model these processes. In addition, microchemical systems involve virtually every unit operation conducted in traditional macro chemical processing.
• Students complete all problem sets in groups of 2 people. The final exam is an oral presentation (Power Point, typically) that is also done in groups of 2 people, although individual presentations are permitted. Students are given the opportunity to select the topic of their final presentation. Often, this involves the selection of a topic that is of current interest, such as ink jets, micro-total analytical systems, miniature fuel cells, etc. Since the presentation must be centered around patents and intellectual property, the topics selected are clearly of industrial and practical interest.
• Students conduct a laboratory experiment involving fabrication of a number of micromixers, followed by characterization of these devices. The experiment is done in teams, and a laboratory report is required.

Official roster learning outcomes