PHYC40490 Biomimicry - learning from nature

Academic Year 2018/2019

Biomimicry is a relatively new science that studies nature, its systems, processes and elements and then imitates them to solve human problems. Here, we focus on chemical, mechanical and topographical biomimicry at the nanoscale. Examples of the systems that we will examine include: natural adhesives - blue mussel, gekko, amyloid; antifouling surfaces - shark skin; aqueous lubricant, brushes - artificial joint lubrication; mechanically adaptive materials - abalone, squid beak, sea cucumber. Other systems of interest include those that exhibit anhydrobiosis (desiccation tolerance) and those that thrive in physically or geochemically extreme conditions (extremophiles).

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

What can we learn from nature? Has evolution found solutions for many of the design problems we might like to solve? How does exploration at the nanoscale help us answer these questions? We will discuss the underlying principles and caveats of biomimicry at the nanoscale through detailed exploration of specific examples. At the end of the module you will propose your own system, justifying its suitability for biomimicry and explaining why a knowledge of properties at the nanoscale would be important for your system.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

24
Total

60
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.



 
Description % of Final Grade Timing
Continuous Assessment: Tutorials and continuous assessment

60

 Varies over the Trimester
Oral Examination: Presentation

40

 Unspecified

Compensation

This module is not passable by compensation

Resit Opportunities

In-semester assessment

Remediation

If you fail this module you may repeat, resit or substitute where permissible