Explore the fundamental principles of cellular design and biological engineering through this comprehensive course that examines cells as sophisticated machines and design systems. Learn to quantify cellular properties by analyzing cells through numerical perspectives, understanding their power consumption requirements, and studying photoreceptors as model biosensors. Investigate cellular architecture by examining the design principles governing organelle size and number, while gaining an introduction to biological networks that coordinate cellular functions. Master gene circuit analysis through transcription networks, simple gene expression models, protein half-lives, and key network motifs including negative autoregulation and feed-forward loops. Delve into cell dynamics by studying biological oscillations and their underlying mechanisms across two detailed modules. Discover cutting-edge applications in cellular devices, including living biohybrids, cell-device biointerfaces, and the development of cells as sophisticated biosensors. Conclude by exploring future directions in synthetic life, examining the ethical implications of biotechnology in society, and synthesizing the complete framework of biological engineering principles covered throughout the program.

Syllabus

nanoHUB-U Biodesign L1.1: Introduction - Cells by the Numbers
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L1.2: Introduction - The Cell as a Machine
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L1.3: Introduction - The Cell as a Machine - Power Consumption
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L1.4: Introduction - The Design of Photoreceptors as a Biosensors
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L2.1: Cellular Architecture - Design Principles of Organelle Size I
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L2.2: Cellular Architecture - Design Principles of Organelle Size II
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L2.3: Cellular Architecture - Design Principles of Organelle Number
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L2.4: Cellular Architecture - Introduction to Biological Networks
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L3.1: Gene Circuits - Introduction to Transcription Networks
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L3.2: Gene Circuits - Simple Models of Gene Expression
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L3.3: Gene Circuits - Protien Half Lives
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L3.4: Gene Circuits - Network Motif Negative Autoregulation
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L3.5: Gene Circuits - Feed Forward Loops I
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L3.6: Gene Circuits - Feed Forward Loops II
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L4.1: Cell Dynamics - Biological Oscillations I
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L4.2: Cell Dynamics - Biological Oscillations II
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L5.1: Cellular Devices - Intro to Living Biohybrids
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L5.2: Cellular Devices - The Cell Device Biointerface
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L5.3: Cellular Devices - Cells as Biosensors I
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L5.4: Cellular Devices - Cells as Biosensors II
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L6.1: The Future - Synthetic Life
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L6.2: The Future - Ethics, Technology & Society
nanoHUB-U Biodesign L6.3: The Future - Wrap Up