ChemE 355 - Biological Frameworks for Engineers

Course Description

Credits: 3.  For engineers with no prior experience in the biological sciences. Hands-on, project-based course covers fundamental concepts and language of biology, from an engineering perspective. Topics include functions of life, information processing, proteins, DNA, genetic variability, control loops, energetics, tissues, organisms, ecosystems.  Offered: A.

Designation

Prerequisites

CHEM 142; PHYS 123; MATH 307; recommended: CHEM 220.

Textbook

Course Objectives

1. Learn language, techniques and logic of life on the earth.
2. Be able to identify and describe the components of the systems under study.
3. Be able to apply the new knowledge to an analogous but different system or problem.
4. Learn how to address open-ended problems and analyze a complex system.
5. Be able to read and analyze biological research literature papers.

1. Introduction; Function of Life; Cells
2. CD Topics (Information transfer)
3. Protein basics; protein structure lab
4. Cells: Genomics; Mutation
5. Cells: Inheritance; Human Genetics; Teralab Demo; Blast tutorial
6. Cells: Mitochondrial DNA Lab 1            
7. Cells: Mitochondrial DNA Lab 2                                                            
8. Cells: PCR Lab Results; Applications: regulation of gene expression; protein expression
9. Applications: DNA isolation; Cloning examples
10. Ethics Case Studies  
    
11. Gene Therapy                                                                            
    
12. Gene delivery lab I: test various delivery systems in various celltypes                                                         
    
13. Gene delivery lab II                                   
    
14. Literature Discussion                               
    
15. Introduction to the communication systems and means within the body                                       
    
16. Engineering intervention of the nervous system (Brain-machine interface)                                                   
    
17. Applications: Chemical factories/bioremediation
18. Single cell analysis
19. Biomimetics/SPR-based biosensors, enzyme biosensors

Mon/Wed 2:30-4:20 PM (2 hrs each)

Engineering
Chemistry content

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.

(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.

(c) The graduate should have an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.

(d) An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.

(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

(f)  An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

(g) An ability to communicate effectively.

(j)    A knowledge of contemporary issues related to safety and the environment.