Bio-Inspiration and Innovation
FYSEMR 50U
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
In the course of evolution, nature has developed strategies that endow biological processes and materials with exquisite selectivity, specificity, and adaptability to a constantly changing environment. Learning from and mastering nature's concepts not only satisfies humankind's insatiable curiosity for understanding the world around us but also promises to drive a paradigm shift in modern materials, science, and technology.
This seminar will explore some of the basic principles of biological architectures and the economy with which biology solves complex problems in the design of novel materials. It will give us a taste of how the inspiration from nature teaches us to break barriers in technology and disruptively innovate. Often nature’s solutions to engineering problems are so different from our conventional ways of thinking that the most fruitful way to investigate them is not immediately obvious.
We will therefore be engaged in a continuous dialogue: we study the biological material itself to begin to understand its underlying principles, adapt these concepts to design a bio-inspired architecture, and then apply insights from the designed system to guide further investigation of the biological system. The goal is to use biological principles as guidance in developing new, bio-inspired materials and devices, with broad implications in fields ranging from architecture to energy efficiency to medicine.
NOTE - Prerequisite: Background and interest to study natural sciences is required.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
