Graduate-level hands-on laboratory practices of microdevices for microoptic and biosensor applications

We present our experience in graduate-level, small enrollment size, hands-on laboratory instruction of microoptic and biosensor microdevices.Inherently, instructing the two microdevices types can be largely benefited by linking with microfabrication laboratory practices to design, fabricate and characterize these devices in class.Based on the knowledge base of microfabrication instructions, two experimental courses emphasizing each device category were offered by Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Missouri University of Science & Technology.All laboratory experiences were team-based and many laboratory project topics were proposed by the students themselves.Cost-effective microfabrication and characterization facilities were utilized to conduct the lab projects.The preliminary assessments indicate that students prefer significant laboratory experience and that learning of lecture concepts of the two types of devices is enhanced.Several key issues need to be further investigated and improved for this type of experimental laboratory courses to be more effective learning experience.These include the selection of appropriate project topics, the structure of the course contents related with laboratory and lectures, and the enhancement of the laboratory infrastructure for higher flexibility in process practices and higher enrollment.