BIO310

Wind turbine blades inspired by insect wings are more efficient than conventional blades. The nose cones of Japanese bullet trains are modeled after kingfisher beaks to reduce noise pollution. Condiment bottles will soon feature a non-stick surface inspired by lotus leafs. Technology is increasingly looking to biology for design inspiration because evolution often yields elegant and robust solutions to real-world problems. In this project-based course, students explore examples of biological form and function, and use this knowledge to design a product that is inspired by nature to solve a problem faced by today’s society. Prerequisite(s): BIO 204 or 242 or PHYS 108.