Biology for engineers
Summary
This course consists of an introduction to biology and more particularly to biology as a multidisciplinary field, emphasizing natural examples of materials engineering. It should therefore allow engineering students to find inspiration from biology in future materials research problems.
Content
BLOCK 1: Introduction and engineering with cellular components
Lecture 1. Intro to engineering in biology
Lecture 2. Proteins and protein-based materials
Lecture 3. DNA and DNA-based materials
Exercise 1. Proteins, peptides and DNA
BLOCK 2: Inter- and intracellular action
Lecture 4. ECM, adhesion and artificial matrices
Lecture 5. Virus, antibodies and immune engineering
Lecture 6. Bacteria and living materials
Exercise 2. Nanoparticles and scaffolds
BLOCK 3: Physics of biological action
Lecture 7. Multivalency: Receptors and targeting
Lecture 8. Endocytosis and drug delivery
Lecture 9. Measuring cell signaling and communication
Exercise 3. Engineering Functionality
Lecture 10. Revision and conclusion
Open office. Questions, discussion, exam prep
Keywords
Life, Cells, Tissues, Interactions, Natural Materials, Bioengineering, Bioinspired Engineering, Molecular Biology, Structure - Function relationships in Biology
Learning Prerequisites
Important concepts to start the course
Students should appreciate that many materials engineering problems have been solved by nature.
Evolution is always billion years ahead of what we can engineer as humans.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Describe the building blocks of life and how their interactions dictate structure and function in biology
- Identify materials and architectures found in nature
- Realize how cellular communication mechanisms are important in the engineering of biomaterials
- Integrate examples from nature in materials engineering challenges
Teaching methods
Classroom teaching and handouts
Expected student activities
Be present at lectures and actively participate in discussions on the subject.
Assessment methods
Written exam at the end of the semester (exam period)
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | No |
| Others | Moodle, 3 exercise sessions, 1 per themed-block to practice the materials and prepare for the exam, guided by TAs |
Resources
Bibliography
Materials will be distributed on Moodle
Moodle Link
Videos
Prerequisite for
MSE 471: Biomaterials
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Biology for engineers
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory