Integrating Engineering and Biology for Bio-Nanotechnology Curriculum

The applications of nanotechnology in biology and medicine have seen unprecedented growth. Nano-research encompasses many areas of science and engineering. This paper reports the development of innovative methods and approaches to teach Bio-Nanotechnology, with similar relevance for biologists and engineers. The course work is approached from an engineering perspective offering insights on the details of nano-scale fabrication processes as well as cell biology. The basics of biology and chemistry, with focus on how to engineer the behavior of molecules at the nano-scale, are also introduced and analyzed. The course is designed so as to (1) focus on broad accessibility (for students from engineering and natural sciences), (2) build design-problems of interest that cross the traditional boundaries, (3) accelerate assimilation of new knowledge spanning multiple domains through individual and construct-centered design problems, and (4) effectively exchange knowledge of state of the art developments and capabilities using collaborative learning projects.