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151-0941-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET

Molecular Sensors: From Fundamentals to Health and Environmental Applications

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Andreas Güntner, PD Dr. Philipp Gerber
Note: previous course title until HS23 " Molecular Health Sensors and Devices"
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:43

Abstract

Molecular sensors are used in everyday life in health care, environmental monitoring, food safety, space and other fields. Sources of molecular information, its transport and fundamental concepts of molecular sensing will be discussed. In the scope of group projects, the acquired knowledge will be applied and deepened in case studies.

Objective

After the course, the students will: • know the requirements and merits of molecular sensors for health, environmental and other emerging applications (e.g. space) • understand transport phenomena of molecular information & surface interactions and know how to quantitatively describe these • understand fundamental sensing concepts for the detection and quantification of molecular analytes • know concepts of signal processing • be capable to apply the learnt knowledge to conceive and engineer sensor concepts and systems • know how to investigate sensor-related literature and present scientific data This course consists of a theoretical and a project-based learning block. In the first 10 semester weeks, theoretical knowledge will be provided through lectures and deepened in corresponding exercises. In the last 4 weeks, the students will apply the learned concepts through group projects to investigate case studies. The outcome will be present.

Content

Transport of Molecular Information; Surface Interactions; Sensor Fundamentals; Chemoresistive Sensing; Electrochemical Sensing; Mass-sensitive; Capacitive Sensing; Signal Processing; Medical Requirements for Molecular Sensing

Resources

Lecture Notes

Hand-outs will be provided to each lecture including the exercises and their solutions.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None except for calculator (without communication) and 1 DIN A4 sheet (front- and backside) with self-written notes.
The written final exam covers all contents of this course, including lectures and exercises. It counts 70% towards the final grade. Additionally, there will be a compulsory continuous performance assessment counting 30% towards the final grade. It consists of a project-based learning tasks where groups of 3-4 students investigate a case study in the last 4 weeks of the semester and present the outcome in a final presentation (10 min + 10 min Q&A).

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Molecular Sensors: From Fundamentals to Health and Environmental Applications
  • Tue 08:15-10:00 (CHN E 46)
2 h weekly
exercise Molecular Sensors: From Fundamentals to Health and Environmental Applications
The exercise starts in the second week.
  • Wed 14:15-16:00 (CHN G 42)
2 h weekly

Offered In