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 designproblems 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.