Biomolecular Materials Science I

Overview of chemical and physical foundations of biomolecular materials science that concern materials aspects of molecular biology, cell biology, and bioengineering. Understanding of different types of interactions that exist between biomolecules, such as van der Waals interactions, entropically modulated electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, hydration and solvation interactions, polymer-mediated interactions, depletion interactions, molecular recognition, and others. Illustration of these ideas using examples from bioengineering and biomedical engineering. Students should be able to make simple calculations and estimates that allow them to engage broad spectrum of bioengineering problems, such as those in drug and gene delivery and tissue engineering. May be taken independently for credit. Concurrently scheduled with course C139A.

Letter grading.