The Power of Chemistry: an Introduction to Matter, Energy, and Chemical Engineering
Matter and energy are the building blocks of our universe. Using their understanding of these concepts, chemical engineers re-organize and transform matter and energy to produce new substances and materials. From the pharmaceuticals we take when we are sick, to the fuel we put in our vehicles, to the plastics, alloys and polymers that we find in our homes, in our phones and virtually everywhere around us, chemical engineers are involved, combining their technical skills with their understanding of social, economic and environmental factors. This course provides an introduction to chemical engineering by providing an overview of the physical processes and laws involved in the conversion of raw materials into refined products, and by applying these concepts to practical applications and designs. Students will have the opportunity to perform laboratory experiments illustrating some key concepts.
The Power of Biology: an Introduction to Biological Engineering
This course provides an introduction to biological engineering. It includes introductions to the fundamental concepts of microbiology, cell biology, genetic engineering, and bioprocessing, before explore more specialized topics like the production of biofuels, novel foods and pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and recent advances in biotechnology. Humans are faced with new ethical quandaries with these astounding technological advances. Hence, the ethics and social aspects of bioengineering are also discussed. Participants will have the opportunity to apply theory into practice through lab experiments, including the genetic engineering of bacteria.
Prerequisites: No prerequisites