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(Bio) Sensing and Transducing at the Nanoscale

Code: 45742
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Applied Nanoscience: From Materials to Devices OP 1

Contact lecturer

Name :
Núria Barniol Beumala
Email :
nuria.barniol@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Francesc Torres Canals

Teaching staff (external to UAB)

Victor Puntes
Massimo Urban
Jhonatan Cordoba
Muriel Freixenet
Maria Carmen Estévez
Danilo Echeverri

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of physics and chemistry fundamentals corresponding to bachelor's degree programs in Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience and/or Engineering.


Objectives

The course aims to provide an integrated overview of sensing and transduction principles at the nanoscale, including optical, electrochemical, and nanomechanical approaches applied to biological systems. Students are expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of physical mechanisms, electrochemical processes, and the response of nanoelectromechanical systems, as well as the role of nanomaterials in biosensing platforms. The course also aims to develop the ability to analyze, design, and optimize sensing devices, taking into account experimental requirements, sensitivity limits, and applications in diagnostics and monitoring.

Learning outcomes

  • CA24 (Relate the detection processes with those of transduction in systems that involve nanomaterials.) Relate the detection processes with those of transduction in systems that involve nanomaterials.
  • CA25 (Design experimental devices for signal transformation at the nanoscale.) Design experimental devices for signal transformation at the nanoscale.
  • KA24 (Provide the physical and chemical principles governing the detection and transduction of (bio)chemical and physical phenomena at the nanoscale.) Provide the physical and chemical principles governing the detection and transduction of (bio)chemical and physical phenomena at the nanoscale.
  • KA25 (Select the appropriate detection and/or transduction technique according to the property with which you want to work and the type of nanomaterial.) Select the appropriate detection and/or transduction technique according to the property with which you want to work and the type of nanomaterial.
  • SA32 (Identify the physical and chemical properties to be detected and/or transduced.) Identify the physical and chemical properties to be detected and/or transduced.
  • SA33 (Investigate the physical and chemical processes related to sensing and transduction at the nanoscale.) Investigate the physical and chemical processes related to sensing and transduction at the nanoscale.

Contents

  • Silicon-based optical waveguides and integrated plasmonic devices for biosensing, emphasizing high sensitivity to refractive index changes. Operating principles based on light–matter interaction and resonance effects (SPR/LSPR) for biomolecule detection. Design, integration, and optimization of label-free optical sensing platforms. Biofunctionalization strategies for metal- and silicon-based photonic transducers. Needs and requirements of biosensors and applications of photonic biosensing.


  • Introduction to electrochemical techniques: cyclic voltammetry, pulse voltammetry (DPV, SWV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Principles, instrumentation, and electrochemical data interpretation. Applications in nanomaterial characterization and (bio)sensing.


  • Nanoscale force and mass sensors. Mechanical transduction elements in air and liquid operation. Electrostatic, piezoresistive, and piezoelectric transduction. Limits of sensing at the nanoscale. Applications in cantilever-based biosensors and nanoelectromechanical mass spectrometry.


  • Inorganic nanoparticles and their nanoscale electronic properties (plasmon resonance, superparamagnetism, chemical reactivity, and catalysis). Applications in biological monitoring, sensing, and diagnostics. Practical example: tracking optical and chemical signatures of multimodal contrast agents in biological tissue using confocal microscopy.


Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Preparation and edition of the written reports and/or oral expositions 32 1.28 CA24, CA25, KA24, KA25, SA32, SA33
Laboratory 8 0.32 CA25, KA25, SA32, SA33
Theory 30 1.2 CA24, CA25, KA24, KA25, SA32, SA33
Study for the assimilation of concepts 70 2.8 CA24, CA25, KA24, KA25, SA32, SA33

Theory: presentation of the fundamental concepts. Concepts will be partially introduced through specific case studies.

Laboratory: Design and simulation of nanoscale transducers. Some demonstrative sessions will be also arranged.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Active Participation 30% 1 0.04 CA24, CA25, KA24, KA25, SA32, SA33
Oral Presentation or written report of one of the cases 30% 6 0.24 CA24, CA25, KA24, KA25, SA32, SA33
Written exams 40% 3 0.12 CA24, CA25, KA24, KA25, SA32, SA33

The course assessment will consist of three distinct components:


a) One written exam (40%), requiring a minimum grade above 4 in order to be averaged with the remaining components. This exam may be retaken in the final recovery exam, also requiring a minimum grade of 4 to be averaged.

b) Oral or written presentation of one of the case studies, including, if applicable, simulations using the tools employed in the laboratory to support the analysis of the proposed case. This activity is compulsory and non-recoverable (30%).

c) Active participation in all activities proposed in the course. This activity is compulsory and non-recoverable (30%).


For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted exclusively for support tasks, such as literature or information search, text correction, translation, and assistance in the writing and presentation of assignments. Students must clearly identify which parts have been generated using this technology, specify the tools employed, and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency in the use of AI in assessed activities will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in partial or full penalties in the grade for the activity.


The grade "Not assessable" will only be awarded if the student does not participate in any activity.


To obtain the highest distinction (Honors, awarded to up to 5% of enrolled students), it is required to obtain grades above 9 in all components or a final average grade above 9.2.


This course/module does not include a single-assessment system.

Bibliography

  • Ida, N. (2020). Sensors, actuators, and their interfaces : a multidisciplinary introduction (Second edition.). The Institution of Engineering and Technology. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/akvgtn/alma991011209904206709


  • Castañer, L. (2017). Understanding MEMS : principles and applications (1st ed.). Wiley. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/akvgtn/alma991010884198906709


  • Bhushan, B. (Ed.). (2017). Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology (4th ed. 2017.). Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-54357-3. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/akvgtn/alma991010689122006709


  • Gopel, Ko, W. H., & Grandke, T. (1996). Sensors, Fundamentals and General Aspects: Vol. 1. Vol. 1. Wiley VCH Imprint. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/akvgtn/alma991011190096306709


  • Senturia, S. D. (2002). Microsystem design. Kluwer Academic Publishers. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1i00uhr/alma991005597989706709


  • Brand, O. (Ed.). (2016). Resonant MEMS : fundamentals, implementation and application (1st ed.). Wiley-VCH. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/akvgtn/alma991010348921206709


  • Vigna, B. (Ed.). (2022). Silicon sensors and actuators : the Feynman roadmap. Springer Nature Switzerland AG. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1fbc57r/alma991010724313406709


  • Papers published in research journals (given by professors during the classes)


Software

Finite element simulation software available at the faculty (Comsol/Ansys)


Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 English first semester afternoon