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Cursus: UCSCIBIO24
UCSCIBIO24
Bio-inspired Science and Design: exploring the boundaries
Cursus informatie
CursuscodeUCSCIBIO24
Studiepunten (EC)7,5
Cursusdoelen
After completing this course students are able to:
  • Distinguish different bio-inspired approaches
  • Understand the philosophical and historical roots of the concept of bio-inspiration and biomimicry
  • Relate and classify different bio-inspired approaches
  • Select different elements from different approaches (depending on the context or level)
  • Reflect on the personal, ethical, organizational and  systemic implications of adopting a Bio-inspired approach
  • Apply biological knowledge in a design context
  • Experience the intricacies of combining disciplinary insights
Inhoud
Unit 1: Context: the big themes of life
We live in a society that places great trust in technology and science to solve our problems or fulfill our needs but it is increasingly clear that science and technology alone cannot provide us with a society that is inherently sustainable. We are reaching tipping points that could alter our globe in a far less hospitable place. So, what are these tipping points and what more is needed next to science and technology? Should we strive for a different science, a different society or just a circular economy?
 
Unit 2: Bio-Inspiration and Mimicry: an overview
As a response to the big themes of life, bio-inspired approaches such as deep ecology, CtoC, eco-design and Biomimicry developed. We start with an introduction into bio-inspiration and Biomimicry. Then we focus on biology and the concepts of (convergent) evolution to discuss the fact that designs in Nature are not always the best. The question that asserts itself then is: ”From which perspective?” The question of perspective and how it shapes perception and valuation will be dealt with via a guest lecture or workshop. We will conclude this part with an individual test.
 
Unit 3: Application-design
In this unit we focus on the question how a ‘Biomimetic’ view on business, finance and product development changes current ways of producing and our behavior.
We do so via a product review for a company or organization, in which we formulate bio-inspired suggestions that improve said products, make them more in tune with nature. This part starts with a workshop on Design with Biomimicry at the botanical gardens. During the course we will jointly review and discuss the book Biomimicry.
 
Unit 4: Reflection
This course is concluded by an individual essay in which you ask yourself how adopting a Biomimetic view would change a scientific field/discipline or a social problem of your choice. For instance: how would the field of inorganic chemistry, international relations, management science or sociology change? Or, when you choose a social problem, how would a biomimetic view change our policies towards poverty or innovation?

UU Master's: http://www.uu.nl/masters/en/bio-inspired-innovation
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