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. 2016 Jun 8;10(3):034117. doi: 10.1063/1.4953448

TABLE I.

Column one indicates the learning outcomes selected for the lab component of this module. The success of the project in meeting the learning objectives is given in Figure 3. Designing activities to meet the learning outcomes had several limitations due to time and resource limitations, and these are highlighted in the second column.

Desired learning outcomes for project Limitations
To introduce you to the design and manufacture of microfluidic systems Use of the laser cutter as a fabrication approach due to time constraints = size constraints on the types of designs
To familiarise you with the set-up and operation of microfluidic systems Activity run in a classroom so simple and safe chemicals needed
To work in groups to solve a challenge by designing, fabricating, and testing microfluidic devices Careful group allocation needed to ensure all students can participate, however keeping the group number manageable in relation to demonstrator availability
To consider how to plan experiments to evaluate key performance characteristics of a system(s) Evaluation needed to be undertaken with safe surrogate chemicals and without access to advanced microscopes = care in project design to check challenges were relevant but achievable
To report the theory, methods, and interpret the results of the experiments in the style of an academic journal paper Experiments were carried out as a group exercise; therefore, one academic journal paper would be submitted per group. A separate personal statement of contribution would be used to help allocate individual grades.