Cell and Molecular Bioengineering

Catalog description

Graduate level cell and molecular biology course for engineers emphasizing molecular mechanisms. BIOE 512BIOE 512 Cell and Molecular Bioengineering (3) This course investigates the molecules and mechanisms underlying cellular function from an engineering perspective, utilizing physical, chemical and quantitative approaches. Material covered includes the structure and chemistry of biological molecules, enzyme kinetics, DNA replication and repair, gene expression, recombinant DNA technology, subcellular organization, cell motility, signaling and cell division. Applications in medicine, biotechnology, bionanotechnology and tissue engineering are addressed. This is a lecture course graded by means of exams, homework assignments, and a final paper. A general knowledge of physics, chemistry, and some physiology is required; the analytical approach of the course will also require an ability to work with mathematical equations and simple models. It is geared towards engineering students and is also suitable for physics, chemistry, and materials science graduate students. Previous molecular and cell biology knowledge is not required. Three credits, generally offered each fall semester. No formal prerequisites.