View Specification DocumentMSc SIS Edinburgh Course - Bio-Inspired Engineering PHYS4064
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Physics and Astronomy
- Credits: 10
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The following topics will be covered:
1.How and why biology can inspire engineers
2.The fundamental building blocks of life
3.Synthetic biomolecular nanostructures and their applications
4.Energy, forces and electricity in biology
5.Bio-inspired computers and robots
6.Apparatus for biological experiments
7.Biomanufacturing
8.Safety and ethics
9.Current research in this area in the School of Engineering (non-examinable) to be delivered by active researchers.
Timetable
None
Requirements of Entry
None
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
PHYS5044 Fundamentals of Sensing
Assessment
None
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
The course aims to explore how inspiration can be drawn from biological molecules and systems for the development of new technologies. Students will learn about the fundamental building blocks of life, encounter examples of bio-inspired structures and devices, and analyse the technologies critically using mathematical or computation tools as appropriate. In the coursework assignment students will use their new-found knowledge to design a novel solution to a problem.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
The course aims to explore how inspiration can be drawn from biological molecules and systems for the development of new technologies. Students will learn about the fundamental building blocks of life, encounter examples of bio-inspired structures and devices, and analyse the technologies critically using mathematical or computation tools as appropriate. In the coursework assignment students will use their new-found knowledge to design a novel solution to a problem.