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Bioengineering
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:37:38
Abstract
An introduction to biology for engineers: basic biochemistry, cell metabolism (principles of energy and mass transfer in cellular systems), cell biology (structure and composition of cells, transport processes across cell membranes, growth and reproduction of cells), cellular and molecular biophysics, quantitative tools used in bio- and biomedical engineering.
Objective
Students that already possess an engineering background will be exposed to a broad introduction of fundamental concepts in the fields of biology and chemistry. Focus will be given to aspects relevant to research and development projects in the fields of biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, or biomedical devices. The course will highlight technically exploitable elements in biology and chemistry, to provide the basic understanding and a necessary vocabulary for interdisciplinary communication with biologists / biotechnologists.
Content
Basic biochemistry, cell metabolism (principles of energy and mass transfer in the cell, biocatalysis and enzymes, cellular respiration, protein synthesis, regulation), cellular biology (structure and composition of cells, transport processes across cell membranes, growth and reproduction of cells) , introduction to biotechnology tools and applications of molecular and cellular engineering.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture slides and supporting material made available for download on Moodle.
Literature
Alberts et al: Essentials of Cell Biology, W. W. Norton & Company Milo & Phillips: Cell Biology by the Numbers; Garland Science Phillips, Kondev, Theriot, and Garcia: Physical Biology of the Cell, Taylor & Francis
Learning Materials (Links)
- Additional links
- Cell Biology by the numbers - online version
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- English-German Dictionary, a non-programmable calculator, and a Summary sheet (one A4 sheet, handwritten on both sides). The summary sheet must be handwritten with pen and paper, not on tablet or any digital device.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Bioengineering |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Bioengineering
The exercises start in the second week.
|
|
1 h weekly |