Lab-on-a-chip Design-Build Project with a Nanotechnology Component in a Freshman Engineering Course

Abstract

A micromanufacturing lab-on-a-chip project with a nanotechnology component was introduced as an alternate laboratory in the required first-year engineering curriculum at The Ohio State University. Nanotechnology is introduced in related reading and laboratory tours as well as laboratory activities including a quarter-length design, build, and test problem using project management skills found in the standard lab sections. Comparison between pilot and non-pilot students showed no difference in performance on examination questions regarding fundamentals of engineering.