535.664.81 - Fundamental Principles for Bio-microfluidic Systems

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Being Small and Scaling Law
• Surface Tension and Wetting Phenomena
• Capillary Flow Manipulation
• Control of Surface Tension
• Fluid Mechanics Review and Unidirectional Flows
• Hydraulic Circuits
• Capillar Microfluidics
• Chemical Transport and Mixing in Microfluidics
• Stokes Flow
• Inertial Microfluidics
• Digital Microfluidics
• Electrokinetic Effects
• Electrowetting
• Magnetic and Optical Manipulation

Course Goals

To introduce students to the core design principles and microscale phenomena of fluid mechanics, surface tension, wetting, and electrokinetics, empowering them to conceptualize innovative microfluidic systems for biological and biomedical applications

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Explain physical, electrical, optical and chemical principles responsible for unique microscale phenomena.
• Relate fundamental principles to specific microscale object manipulation techniques.
• Critique technological developments and their impact on organizational communications
• Identify scientific problems that can be solved with microscale phenomena.
• Develop a scientific proposal for an innovative, conceptual biomicrofluidic system.
• Orally communicate your innovation.

Textbooks

Not required.

Required Software

In this class, some computer literacy skills you are expected to have include creating and submitting files in a word processing program, downloading and installing software, using spreadsheets, using presentation software, and using web conferencing tools and software. Additionally,  you will be expected to use online search tools for academic purposes, properly cite information sources, and prepare a presentation of such findings.

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 7–10 hours per week to complete. 

This course will consist of the following basic student requirements. Student work will be graded using a rubric in Canvas. Feedback for assignments will be posted within a week after the due date. Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructors).  

Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

Grading Policy

EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students. This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University is committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. If disability accommodations are needed for this course, students should request accommodations through Student Disability Services (SDS) as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.  For further information about this process, please refer to the SDS Website.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically.  For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity.    If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.