Laura Hanzly, PhD

A thermodynamics course concentrating on living organisms. This course examines energy and energy transformation in the biological world. It also discusses thermodynamic properties of different biological systems including ATP, proteins, and cells. Topics include energy and its transformation, the first and second laws of thermodynamics , the Gibbs free energy, statistical thermodynamics, binding equilibria, and reaction kinetics.

Hands-on experience with foundational biological and bioengineering techniques used in modern research and industry. Students perform experiments in molecular biology, microbiology, and biomaterials, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, CRISPR-based gene editing, transformation, and hydrogel fabrication and characterization. Students perform data analysis and develop scientific communication competencies through writing laboratory reports.

Principles of biology at the biology/engineering interface. The course will discuss biological principles that can inform an approach to engineering that is more in harmony with living systems and it will present engineering analyses of the structure and function of human tissue. Topics include an introduction to molecular biology, evolution and design, cell structure and function, the mechanics of tissues, sensing and signal transmission in the nervous system, biological energy generation and transduction, chemical detoxification and waste handling, and tissue defense mechanisms.

Principles of biology at the biology/engineering interface. The course will discuss biological principles that can inform an approach to engineering that is more in harmony with living systems and it will present engineering analyses of the structure and function of human tissue. Topics include an introduction to molecular biology, evolution and design, cell structure and function, the mechanics of tissues, sensing and signal transmission in the nervous system, biological energy generation and transduction, chemical detoxification and waste handling, and tissue defense mechanisms.

Building upon foundational laboratory skills in biology and biotechnology. Students develop proficiency in mammalian cell culture as well as basic unit operations found in bioprocessing and biotechnology such as chromatography, SDS-PAGE, western blot, and protein separation and purification.  Data analysis, and scientific communication through laboratory reports and technical documentation. Continued emphasis is placed on quantitative data analysis and the development of scientific communication skills through laboratory reports.

Building upon foundational laboratory skills in biology and biotechnology. Students develop proficiency in mammalian cell culture as well as basic unit operations found in bioprocessing and biotechnology such as chromatography, SDS-PAGE, western blot, and protein separation and purification.  Data analysis, and scientific communication through laboratory reports and technical documentation. Continued emphasis is placed on quantitative data analysis and the development of scientific communication skills through laboratory reports.

An engineering approach to microbiology and bio-based products. This course discusses cellular and organismal metabolic networks and the mathematical and experimental manipulation of those networks. The techniques of synthetic biology and metabolic flux analysis, core concepts in metabolic engineering, are focused on here.

Study under the supervision of a faculty member in an area covered in a regular course not currently being offered. Conditions and hours to be arranged.

An engineering approach to microbiology and bio-based products. This course discusses cellular and organismal metabolic networks and the mathematical and experimental manipulation of those networks. The techniques of synthetic biology and metabolic flux analysis, core concepts in metabolic engineering, are focused on here.