The laboratory is strongly committed to design education across all levels of study. Professor Henein’s courses cultivate the creative processes at the heart of design while emphasizing the analytical thinking needed to understand, model, and predict the performance of engineering systems. Together, these skills provide a foundation for innovative engineering practice.
Mechanism Design I & II / Conception de mécansimes I & II
This two-semester course develops students’ ability to design innovative mechanisms for microengineering applications. Combining engineering fundamentals with design thinking, it covers mechanical components, physical principles, dimensioning methods, and the creative processes that transform functional requirements into effective mechanical solutions.
Lecturer: S. Henein, D. Briand, D. Karampinos
Section: Microtechnique
Level: Bachelor semesters 2 and 3
Hours per week: 3
Section: Microtechnique
Level: Bachelor semesters 2 and 3
Hours per week: 3
Link to the coursebook:
Mechanism Design I – MICRO-200 – EPFL
Mechanism Design II – MICRO-201 – EPFL
Collective creation: improv-arts and engineering I & II / Création collective: arts improvisés et ingénierie I & II
This interdisciplinary course explores the connections between improvisation in the performing arts and engineering design. Through collaborative projects, students investigate collective creative processes, develop technical artefacts, and culminate their work in an improvised public performance that brings together artistic expression and engineering innovation.
Lecturer: S. Henein
Section: all EPFL sections
Level: Master semesters 1 and 2
Hours per week: 3
Section: all EPFL sections
Level: Master semesters 1 and 2
Hours per week: 3
Link to the coursebook:
Création collective: arts-impro & ingénierie I – HUM-441 – EPFL
Collective creation: improv-arts & engineering II – HUM-443 – EPFL
Ethical Integrity in the Sciences
This course introduces doctoral students to the ethical foundations of scientific research and professional practice. Combining philosophy, scientific integrity, and performance-based learning, it encourages students to examine ethical challenges in research, reflect on responsible conduct, and develop a practical understanding of how ethical principles are embodied in scientific work.
Lecturer: S. Henein, N. Mazouz
Section: Doctoral Program
Level: PhD
The course will be given over three full days in Fall 2026, on the ETHZ campus
Section: Doctoral Program
Level: PhD
The course will be given over three full days in Fall 2026, on the ETHZ campus
Link to the coursebook:
