Course content - Learning outcome - Admission - Prerequisites - Overlapping courses - Teaching - Examination - Evaluation

Course content

Selected examples of micro- and nanosystems and their applications will be presented: pressure sensors, accelerometers, mirror arrays and labs-on-chips. In order to prepare for designing these types of elements, the course teaches elasticity, structures, electrostatics, piezoresistivity and microfluidics. Microsystem modeling normally combines several fields of physics (multiphysics): mechanics, electromagnetism, fluid dynamics, electronics and small-scale effects like Brownian motion. Analytical models and rough estimates for the functioning of the selected systems are presented, as well as lithographic mask layers and manufacturing processes. The students will use the finite/boundary element based programs Coventorware or Comsol for designing and modeling elements themselves.

Learning outcome

The course provides a theoretical background for modeling mechanical, electromechanical, optical and fluidic microsystems, as well as examples and applications.
The student will achieve experience in

• Using design tools and commercial modeling programs for MEMS design
• Evaluation of numerical results, and comparison with rough models
• Reading and presenting a relevant research paper

Admission

PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.

If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.

PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.

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Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

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Recommended previous knowledge

Background (bachelor level) from physics, electronics, informatics or mechanics.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits with FYS4230 - Modelling and design of micro- and nanosystems (discontinued)
• 10 credits with TFE4225 - MEMS-design (NTNU)
• 5 credits with SEN9010 - Mechanical sensors and actuators based upon micro- and nanotechnolgies (University College of Vestfold)
• 5 credits with MEM1M 000 MEMS Design (university College of Vestfold)

Teaching

The course is a part of the “Norwegian PhD Network on Nanotechnology for Microsystems”. Lectures will be given in compact form, one week in October and one week in November. Between the lecture weeks the students will work on modelling and literature study. The course includes two compulsory exercises, one design and modeling exercise, using Coventorware or Comsol, and one paper presentation.

Access to teaching

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Examination

Final oral exam.

Examination support material

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Language of examination

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Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

You may request an explanation of your grades, and you may also appeal against your grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals.

Resit an examination

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam.

Withdrawal from an examination

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Special examination arrangements

If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Evaluation

Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, periodic evaluation of this course.