Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of biological engineering and its related disciplines. The importance of scale and complexity in biological structures, especially at the meso-, micro- and nano- scale is discussed. How biotechnology has evolved to solve biological problems is investigated. Case studies highlighting applications of biological engineering will be studied. The connection with other first year units will be explained by how biological processes are broken down into solvable problems using methods in mathematics, physics, chemistry and IT

Objectives

After completion of this unit, the student should be able to:

1. understand the scope of biological engineering, including emphasis on its breadth, interactions and linkages with other disciplines
2. understand the role of the biological engineer in society
3. understand and apply the properties and functions of biomolecules, cells and tissues to simple problems
4. apply the principles of biomechanics in relation to tissue engineering
5. apply the principles of biological engineering to various ecosystem scenarios
6. appreciate and apply the concept of biosafety in the workplace

Assessment

Assignments: 30%
Problem solving tasks: 20%
Examination: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Gary Codner

Contact hours

5 contact hours and 7 hours of private study per week