Cellular Engineering: Principles and Applications

An innovative course by PurdueX

Course Description

Welcome to "Cellular Engineering: Principles and Applications," an innovative course that bridges the gap between biology and engineering. This intermediate-level course, offered by PurdueX, explores the fascinating world of living cells and their potential as biological machines. You'll discover how engineers can harness the unique functions of cells to address crucial challenges in energy, water, food, and health sectors.

What students will learn

  • Application of fundamental engineering principles to living cells
  • Insights into cell function through engineering principles
  • Established and emerging equations, models, and design curves for cell engineering
  • Framework for measuring and controlling cells as microdevices
  • Introduction to emerging biohybrid devices

Pre-requisites

  • Basic knowledge in cell biology
  • Mathematics up to calculus and differential equations
  • Undergraduate-level understanding of engineering or science

Course Coverage

  • Cell architecture and organelle dynamics
  • Gene expression and genetic circuits
  • Cellular dynamics and nonlinear systems
  • Biohybrid devices and cell-device integration
  • Synthetic biology and its applications
  • Ethical considerations in cellular engineering

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for engineering and science students, researchers, and professionals who want to explore the intersection of biology and engineering. It's perfect for those interested in bioengineering, synthetic biology, or the development of biohybrid devices.

Real-world Applications

  • Biotechnology: Developing new cellular tools for drug discovery and production
  • Medical devices: Creating advanced biohybrid implants and sensors
  • Environmental engineering: Designing cellular systems for bioremediation or sustainable energy production
  • Agri-tech: Engineering crops for improved yield or resistance to environmental stresses
  • Synthetic biology: Designing artificial cellular systems for novel applications

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction
  • Cells by the Numbers
  • Cell as a Machine
  • Bioinspiration: The Photoreceptor as an organic microdevice
Module 2: Cell Architecture
  • Cell & Organelle Size
  • Organelle Number
  • Biological Networks
Module 3: Gene Expression & Circuits
  • Intro to Transcription Networks
  • Simple Model of Gene Expression
  • Protein Half Lives
  • Autoregulation
  • Feedforward Loops
Module 4: Cell Dynamics
  • Basic Tools for Nonlinear Dynamics of Cells
  • Gene switches
  • Biological Oscillations
Module 5: Cellular Devices
  • Intro to Living Biohybrids
  • Cell Device Biointerface
  • Cells as Sensors
  • Cells as Actuators
  • Cell - Device Integration
Module 6: The Future
  • Synthetic Life
  • Applications of Biohybrids
  • Ethics and Society

This course offers a unique opportunity to view cells as engineering marvels and learn how to harness their potential for solving real-world problems. Join us on this exciting journey into the world of cellular engineering and biohybrid devices!