Biology Courses
BIOLOGY COURSES
APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
COURSES
MATH331 Mathematical Biology
This course will discuss methods for building and solving both continuous and discrete mathematical models. These methods will be applied to population dynamics, epidemic spread, pharmacokinetics and modeling of physiologic systems. Modern Control Theory will be introduced and used to model living systems. Some concepts related to self-organizing systems will be introduced. Prerequisite: MATH225 or MATH235 and MATH213 or MATH223 or MATH224. 3.0 credits
COURSES
CBEN110 Fundamentals of Biology I
This course will emphasize the fundamental concepts of biology and use illustrative examples and laboratory investigations that highlight the interface of biology with engineering. The focus will be on (1) the scientific method; (2) structural, molecular, and energetic basis of cellular activities; (3) mechanisms of storage and transfer of genetic information in biological organisms; (4) a laboratory ‘toolbox’ that will carry them forward in their laboratory-based courses. This core course in biology will be interdisciplinary in nature and will incorporate the major themes and mission of this school – earth, energy, and the environment. 4.0 credits.
CBEN120 Studio Biology II
This is the continuation of Fundamentals of Biology I. Emphasis in the second semester is placed on an examination of organisms as the products of evolution and the diversity of life forms. Special attention will be given to how form fits function in animals and plants and the potential for biomimetic applications. Prerequisite: CBEN110 Fundamentals of Biology I or equivalent. 4.0 credits.
CBEN310 Intro to Biomedical Engineering
Introduction to the field of Biomedical Engineering including biomolecular, cellular, and physiological principles, and areas of specialty including biomolecular engineering, biomaterials, biomechanics, bioinstrumentation and bioimaging. Prerequisites: BIOL110 and (CBEN210 or CHGN209 or MEGN361). 3.0 credits.
CBEN432 Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems
The goal of this course is to develop and analyze models of biological transport and reaction processes. We will apply the principles of mass, momentum, and energy conservation to describe mechanisms of physiology and pathology. We will explore the applications of transport phenomena in the design of drug delivery systems, engineered tissues, and biomedical diagnostics with an emphasis on the barriers to molecular transport in cardiovascular disease and cancer. Prerequisites: CBEN430 or equivalent. 3.0 credits.
CBEN470 Introduction to Microfluidics
This course introduces the basic principles and applications of microfluidic systems. Concepts related to microscale fluid mechanics, transport, physics, and biology are presented. To gain familiarity with small-scale systems, students are provided with the opportunity to design, fabricate, and test a simple microfluidic device. Prerequisites: CBEN307 (or equivalent) or MEGN351 (or equivalent). 3.0 credits.
CBEN311 Introduction to Neuroscience
This course is the general overview of brain anatomy, physiology, and function. It includes perception, motor, language, behavior, and executive function. This course will review what happens with injury and abnormalities of thought. It will discuss the overview of brain development throughout one’s lifespan. Prerequisites: BIOL110, CHGN121, CHGN122, PHGN100, PHGN200. 3.0 credits.
CBEN322 Biology of Behavior
This course relates the hard sciences of the brain and neuroscience to the psychology of human behavior. It covers such topics as decision making, learning, the brain’s anatomy and physiology, psychopathology, addiction, the senses, sexuality, and brainwashing. It addresses the topics covered on the psychology section of the MCAT examination. Prerequisites: CBEN110, CHGN122, PHGN200. 3.0 credits.
CBEN398 Anatomy 3.0 credit hours
CBEN398 Anatomy Lab 1.0 credit hours
CBEN398 Physiology 3.0 credit hours
CBEN320 (410) Cell Biology and Physiology
An introduction to the morphological, biochemical, and biophysical properties of cells and their significance in the life processes.
Prerequisite: General Biology I or equivalent. 3.0 credit hours.
CBEN321 Intro to Genetics (+ Lab)
A study of the mechanisms by which biological information is encoded, stored, and transmitted, including Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, chromosome structure and rearrangement, cytogenetics, and population genetics. Prerequisite: General biology I or equivalent. 4.0 credits.
CBEN411 Neuroscience, Memory, and Learning
This course relates the hard sciences of the brain and neuroscience to memory encoding and current learning theories.
Prerequisites: CBEN110, CBEN120, CHGN221, CHGN222, PHGN100, PHGN200. 3.0 credit hours.
CBEN431/531 Immunology for Engineers and Scientists
This course introduces the basic concepts of immunology and their applications in engineering and science. We will discuss the molecular, biochemical and cellular aspects of the immune system including structure and function of the innate and acquired immune systems. Building on this, we will discuss the immune response to infectious agents and the material science of introduced implants and materials such as heart valves, artificial joints, organ transplants and lenses. We will also discuss the role of the immune system in cancer, allergies, immune deficiencies, vaccination and other applications such as immunoassay and flow cytometry. Prerequisites: General Biology [BIOL110] or equivalent. 3.0 Credits.
CBEN454/554 Applied Bioinformatics
In this course we will discuss the concepts and tools of bioinformatics. The molecular biology of genomics and proteomics will be presented and the techniques for collecting, storing, retrieving and processing such data will be discussed. Topics include analyzing DNA, RNA and protein sequences, gene recognition, gene expression, protein structure prediction, modeling evolution, utilizing BLAST and other online tools for the exploration of genome, proteome and other available databases. In parallel, there will be an introduction to the PERL programming language. Practical applications to biological research and disease will be presented and students given opportunities to use the tools discussed. Prerequisites: General Biology [BIOL110]. 3.0 credits.
CBEN 35x, 45x, x98, x99 Honors Undergraduate Research, Special Topics – 1.0 – 3.0 credit hours.
COURSES
CHGN428 Introductory Biochemistry
Introductory study of the major molecules of biochemistry: amino acids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, lipids, and saccharides- their structure, chemistry, biological function, and biosynthesis. Stresses bioenergetics and the cell as a biological unit of organization. Discussion of classical genetics, molecular genetics, and protein synthesis. Prerequisite: CHGN222. 3.0 credits.
CHGN429 Intro to Biochemistry II
A continuation of CHGN428. Topics include: nucleotide synthesis; DNA repair, replication and recombination; transcription, translation and regulation; proteomics; lipid and amino acid synthesis; protein target and degradation; membranes; receptors and signal transduction. Prerequisites: CHGN428. 3.0 credits.
CHGN462 Microbiology
This course will cover the basic fundamentals of microbiology, such as structure and function of prokaryotic versus eukaryotic cells; viruses; classification of microorganisms; microbial metabolism, energetics, genetics, growth and diversity, microbial interactions with plants, animals, and other microbes. Special focus will be on pathogenic bacteriology, virology, and parasitology including disease symptoms, transmission, and treatment. Prerequisite: none. 3.0 credits.
COURSES
CEEN461 Fundamentals of Ecology
Biological and ecological principles discussed and industrial examples of their use given. Analysis of ecosystem processes, such as erosion, succession, and how these processes relate to engineering activities, including engineering design and plant operation. Criteria and performance standards analyzed for facility siting, pollution control, and mitigation of impacts. North American ecosystems analyzed. Concepts of forestry, range, and wildlife management integrated as they apply to all of the above. Three to four weekend trips will be arranged during the semester. 3.0 credits
COURSES
MTGN472/572 Biomaterials I
This course covers a broad overview on materials science and engineering principles for biomedical applications, and is organized around three main topics: 1) The fundamental properties of biomaterials; 2) The fundamental concepts in biology; 3) The interactions between biological systems with exogenous materials. Particular emphasis will be put on understanding surface energy and surface modification; protein adsorption; cell adhesion, spreading and migration; Biomaterials implantation and acute inflammation; blood-materials interactions and thrombosis; biofilm and biomaterials-related pathological reactions. In addition to the reign of biomedical materials, this course also introduces the basic principles of bio-mimetic materials synthesis and assembly. Prerequisites: MTGN202. 3.0 credits
COURSES
MEGN330 Introduction to Biomechanical Engineering
The application of mechanical engineering principles and techniques to the human body presents many unique challenges. The discipline of Biomedical Engineering (more specifically, Biomechanical Engineering) has evolved over the past 50 years to address these challenges. Biomechanical Engineering includes such areas as biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, medical imaging, and rehabilitation. This course is intended to provide an introduction to, and overview of, Biomechanical Engineering and to prepare the student for more advanced Biomechanical coursework. At the end of the semester, students should have a working knowledge of the special considerations necessary to apply various mechanical engineering principles to the human body. Prerequisites: MEGN312 or CEEN311 and PHGN200. Co-requisites: MEGN315. 3.0 credits.
MEGN430 Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
This course is intended to provide mechanical engineering students with a second course in musculoskeletal biomechanics. At the end of the semester, students should have in-depth knowledge and understanding necessary to apply mechanical engineering principles such as statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials to the human body. The course will focus on the biomechanics of injury since understanding injury will require developing an understanding of normal biomechanics. Prerequisite: MEGN315, (MEGN312 or CEEN311), MEGN330, or instructor permission. 3.0 credits.
MEGN435/535 Modeling and Simulation of Human Movement
Introduction to modeling and simulation in biomechanics. The course includes a synthesis of musculoskeletal properties and interactions with the environment to construct detailed computer models and simulations. The course will culminate in individual class projects related to each student’s individual interests. Prerequisites: MEGN315 and MEGN330. 3.0 credits.
MEGN436/536 Computational Biomechanics
Computational Biomechanics provides an introduction to the application of computer simulation to solve some fundamental problems in biomechanics and bioengineering. Musculoskeletal mechanics, medical image reconstruction, hard and soft tissue modeling, joint mechanics, and inter-subject variability will be considered. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the limitations of the computer model as a predictive tool and the need for rigorous verification and validation of computational techniques. Clinical application of biomechanical modeling tools is highlighted and impact on patient quality of life is demonstrated. Prerequisites: MEGN424, MEGN330. 3.0 credits.
MEGN530 Biomedical Instrumentations: 3.0 credits
MEGN531 Prosthetic and Implant Engineering: 3.0 credits
MEGN532 Experimental Methods in Biomechanics: 3.0 credits
MEGN537 Probabilistic Biomechanics: 3.0 credits
MTGN570 Intro to Biocompatibility: 3.0 credits
COURSE CREDITS
PHGN433 Introduction to Biophysics
This course is designed to show the application of physics to biology. It will assess the relationships between sequence structure and function in complex biological networks and the interfaces between physics, chemistry, biology and medicine. Topics include: biological membranes, biological mechanics and movement, neural networks, medical imaging basics including optical methods, MRI, isotopic tracers and CT, biomagnetism and pharmacokinetics. Prerequisites: CBEN110. 3.0 credits
QUANTITATIVE BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
BIOL300 Introduction to Quantitative Biology
BIOL301 Introduction to Quantitative Biology II
BIOLXXX Field Session
BIOLXXX Entrepreneurship Seminar