B. Tech. / M. Tech.
(Integrated) First year
L T P C
2 0 0 2
Course Code: BIT101R01
Semester: I/II
BIOLOGY FOR ENGINEERS
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objective of this course is to enable learners to understand the basic
organization, functions and characteristics of living organisms, and apply them for
various Engineering applications.
Module 1 Introduction to Bio-inspired Engineering (1 h)
Introduce the course with examples of bioinspiration, biomimicry and biomimetics
Module 2 Cell & its constituents for the Development of Bio-sensors (11 h)
Biomolecules - the building blocks of Cell: Carbohydrates-classification, types and
functions; Nucleic Acids - types and functions (DNA and RNA); Lipids – classification
and functions; Proteins – types, structure and functions; Enzymes – Activation
energy, co-enzymes; Biosensor (Applications in Healthcare, Food and
Environmental Science)
Cell structure and function; Microorganisms, Biofilters (Pollution control and
treatment), Self-healing concrete
Module 3 Flow of Genetic Information - Storage, Optimization and Retrieval (4
h)
The central dogma in molecular biology - Transcription and Translation, DNA as data
storage system; Darwinian evolution, Genetic Algorithms
Module 4 Interdisciplinary technologies inspired from organ systems-I (6 h)
Immune System, artificial immune system and swarm robotics; Cardiovascular,
Respiratory, Renal system, Stem Cells & 3D bio-printing, Human Organ-on-chip
Module 5 Interdisciplinary technologies inspired from organ systems-II (7 h)
Muscular System, Ionic and Electroactive polymers, Bio-robotics; Sensory organs
(eye, ear, smell, taste, touch); Bio-optics & Bionics; Nervous System, Artificial neural
networks
Module 6 Laboratory Experiments (2 h)
Exp. 1: Introduction to biosafety laboratory practices and bio-waste disposal
Exp. 2: Comparison of self-cleaning property on natural and synthetic surfaces
Exp. 3: Demonstration of 3D Printing
Textbooks:
6
1. Lisa A. Urry, Michael L. Cain, Steven A. Wasserman, Peter V. Minorsky, Jane
B. Reece. 2016. Campbell Biology (11th edition), Pearson
2. Bar-Cohen, Y. 2012. Biomimetics: Nature-Based Innovation.: CRC Press,
Taylor & Francis.
References:
1. Karp, G. 2007. Cell and Molecular Biology, 5th ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
2. Shier D, N., Butler J.L., Lewis R. 2010. Hole’s Human Anatomy and
Physiology,12thed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the learners will be able to
Outline the current technological inventions inspired from
Module 1
biology
Explain the basic units of life and apply the concepts for
Module 2
engineering applications
Describe the flow of information in cell and evolution and
Module 3 apply them for data optimisation and storage
Illustrate the interdisciplinary technologies inspired from
Modules 4 & 5 human organ systems
Apply theoretical knowledge of basic biology in engineering
Module 6 applications