MSE 5605

Form and Function of Biological Materials

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This course explores the vital role of materials in living systems. Students will learn about the chemistry of biomolecular building blocks, processes that control the composition and structure of biological materials, and the emergence of life-sustaining material properties. Special emphasis will be placed on material architecture and processes that differentiate biological materials from classical engineering materials.

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the chemical and physical principles that determine structure and properties in biological materials.
• Demonstrate understanding of how the properties of biological materials support life.
• Use composition, processing, structure and other characteristics of biological materials to explain how they differ from conventional engineering materials.
• Analyze biological materials to reveal structure-property relationships.

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