UC 111 - Syllabus- Fall Introduction to Biomimicry 2012 · 2012. 7. 25. · UC 111 - Syllabus-...

UC 111 - Syllabus- Introduction to Biomimicry

Fall 2012

University College - Syllabus -University of Massachusetts Boston 1 Updated: 07/25/2012

University of Massachusetts Boston University College

Instructor Information Anamarija Frankić, PhD [email protected] Phone (W): 617 287 4415 Office Hours: Arranged www.umb.edu/gbh

Course Information Course Title: Introduction to Biomimicry Prerequisites: enthusiasm and curiosity This course functions as a general elective that fulfills the natural science distribution for bachelor’s degree-seeking students. The assigned papers #3 and #4 that are required for this course will qualify to meet the writing proficiency requirement (WPR). (Please see page 4 in the Syll). Course Description: This course is an introduction to the field of biomimicry. “Biomimicry” (from Greek words bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is a new discipline that studies nature’s best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. However, etymology might lead us wrong, as it might suggest that biomimicry is only about copying nature. Biomorphism has already taken care of that; in the field of aesthetics, it involves forms that proceed from nature. Nor is the goal of biomimicry to feed technological innovation, the end to which bionics is dedicated. Bionics observes the way living organisms work and applies that knowledge to human creations: robotics aeronautics or artificial intelligence. Therefore, biomimicry is neither aesthetic nor technological. Rather, it focuses on sustainable growth. According to the definition given by Janine Benyus, it aims at “importing and adapting the principles and strategies developed by living organisms and ecosystems to produce sustainable goods and services and finally, to make human societies compatible with the biosphere.” For example, biomimicry might help create a solar cell that is inspired by a leaf’s photosynthesis with chloroplast and chlorophyll by applying to the solar cell the same principles of sustainability the leaf embodies. , It might design a passive cooling system for buildings inspired by a termite mound, or find new sustainable strategies for restoring degraded ecosystems. The ultimate biomimicry level is achieved when imitation is based on the scale of entire ecosystems. The goal is to reproduce an ensemble of interactions that can be found in any “mature” ecosystem, such as a tropical or temperate forest, or estuarine wetlands.

mailto:[email protected]://www.umb.edu/gbh


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Biomimicry asks the question: What would nature do? The goal is to create sustainable products, processes, and policies by learning from and “listening to” nature, to the wisdom held in biological and ecological systems that has been evolving and accumulating over the past 3.8 billion years. Natural systems and organisms provide stunning examples of effective communication, resource production and storage, and energy-efficient design. Animals, plants and microbes are consummate engineers; they have found what works, what is appropriate, and most importantly, what is sustainable. Biomimicry is inspired by nature to study the structure and function of biological materials for the purpose of analogous synthetic design and manufacturing. It abstracts lessons from nature into a sustainable human object, process and/or life cycle. The instructor’s premise in teaching is that “The environment sets the limits for sustainable development;” thus the local ecology is the best place to learn and teach about sustainable living in place. Required Texts: Benyus, Janine. 1997. 2002. Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. USA. Perennial. Adrian Bejan and J. Peder Zane. 2012. Design in Nature. USA Doubleday. Terry, Krautwurst. 2006. Secrets of Watching Wildlife. Jena, Ball. 2006. Get To Know Nature. Frankić, A. et al. 2011. Teaching and learning with nature using a biomimicry-based approach to restore three keystone habitats: salt marsh, eel grass and shellfish beds. Biomimicry Institute, Editor. Proceedings of the first biomimicry in higher education webinar. January 29, 2011: TBI. Other Readings: Meadows, Donella. 2009. Economics and Limits to Growth: What’s Sustainable? McDonough, W. and M. Braungart. 2004. Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. Weisman, A. 2007. The World Without Us. St. Martin’s Press. Wann, D. 1995. Deep Design: Pathways to a Livable Future. Birkeland. J. 2002. Design For Sustainability: Sourcebook of Integrated Ecological Solutions. Course Overview: This class will explore past, present and future examples of biomimetic solutions to human problems. We will learn how experts in the field of biomimicry use nature’s organisms and ecosystems as model, measure and mentor to discover sustainable engineering, architectural, design, business operations, management, restoration and product development solutions. We will then have the opportunity to apply these methods ourselves. Course Goals: The overall goal for the course is to introduce the interdisciplinary field of biomimicry and provide real world experiences applying its methods through individual and team work. This class fulfills the science distribution requirement. Sstudents are introduced to: a) what verbal reasoning and critical thinking mean in science, and how these are applied in biomimicry; and b)effective communication through several course assignments including class discussions, group work, oral presentations and written submissions. By the end of the course, students will: 1) have a solid understanding of biomimicry and biomimetic examples, 2) be able to explain what biomimicry is to a variety of audiences in a clear and concise manner, 3) assess lifelong problems using a biomimetic mindset; and 4) be able to understand biomimicry life principles as requirements in biomimetic techniques for sustainable design solutions.

http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/downloads/SecretsOfWatchingWildlife.pdfhttp://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/downloads/GetToKnowNature.pdf


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Course Objectives (Fig. 1): 1) Develop a clear understanding of biomimicry and how it may be used to find sustainable solutions

to human problems. 2) Strengthen nature observation and connection skills through holistic (whole systems) pattern

recognition. 3) Learn and practice essential communication skills –verbal, written, visual and science translation-

through individual and team exercises. 4) Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. 5) Foster engagement in scientific discourse with audiences from non-scientific disciplines through

real-world experiences. 6) Be able to apply biomimicry life principles to a variety of case study examples. 7) The ability to communicate effectively by presenting their biomimetic designs/project ideas in

group and class discussions. 8) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning by

understanding that biomimetic design, like nature, is an evolving concept that can be continuously improved as our science and technology design standards advance.

9) Gain knowledge of contemporary issues by using a biomimicry search engine as a reference tool for their biomimetic design concepts.


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Required Assignments: 1. Case Study #1: What is resiliency? What is sustainability? Provide examples for resiliency and

sustainability in both the ‘non-human’ natural and human ‘worlds.’(5 pp) The first assignment is designed to let you express yourself clearly, tell an honest story and share what you think is ‘resiliency and sustainability’. How do you see it in the human world and how do you see it in the natural word? This is your own story – you are basing it on your current knowledge and experiences. There is no recipe of how to write it. This is a learning process for both of us – so I can learn from you about your visions for resiliency and sustainability. Through your other assignments we are going to see if with biomimicry your story as well as my own story changes, or not. How do we perceive resiliency and sustainability as individuals coming to a class of biomimicry? How do we learn about practical resiliency and sustainability in everyday life?

2. Case Study #2: Now that you understand the basic concepts of sustainability and resiliency please go to: Ask Nature.org. Choose an example from the natural world and apply it to the human world as your first biomimicry case study. Why did you choose this example? Explain what and why would this example contribute to if it were to be applied in the ‘human world’? What makes you think that it might be a sustainable solution? (5pp)

3. Case Study #3: Continue with your Ask Nature biomimicry example. Now use at least two of the six biomimicry principles to design a case/project that will bring the natural and human ‘worlds’ together. Tell a story by following simple questions: what, where, why, how, and when? How can we learn from nature? Is there a recipe? (5pp) (Fig.2)

4. Case Study #4 - Project team paper: You will team up with another student(s) .Based on your individual three papers; build a case project together that addresses biomimicry examples from nature. You will have an opportunity to describe with your team: vision; design (with goals and objectives); or/and technological/engineering solution that inspired you by nature. Use biomimicry life principles to guide your ‘solution story’; use art and any media as a way to describe it and help to visualize it. This will be a preparation for your final project design and presentation. (6pp)

5. Case Study #5 - Final Project/Team Presentation: Create a 15 minute presentation (e.g. video, ppt or any other media) based on your project team paper that illustrates your understanding of biomimicry as a solution in addressing a particular human need to live more sustainably with nature.

Figure 2. Biomimicry Life’s Principles (BI, 2011)


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Course Policies: Participation - Participation includes completing all required reading and writing assignments prior to class, thoughtfully participating in discussions, and actively participating in field trips, as well as taking responsibility for helping to create a positive learning situation by arriving promptly, listening respectfully, and dialoging constructively.

Attendance - Be there. You are expected to attend class and field trips regularly. Commitment – You are expected to think critically, think eloquently, and be curious Late Work – It will be your responsibility to submit necessary documentation for

excuse of any missed class or assignment. Grading: The grade type for the course is a whole letter grade. (Please see table below)

Please see the Undergraduate Programs Catalog for more detailed information on the University’s grading policy.

UMass Boston Graduate Grading Policy

Letter Grade Percentage

Quality Points

A 92-100% 4.0

B 81-91% 3.0

C 70-80% 2.0

D 60-69% 1.0

F 0-59% 0.0

INC Given under very restricted terms and only when satisfactory work has been accomplished in

majority of coursework. Contract of completion terms is required. N/A

INC/F Received for failure to comply with contracted completion terms. N/A

W Received if withdrawal occurs before the withdrawal deadline. N/A

AU Audit (only permitted on space-available basis) N/A

NA Not Attending (student appeared on roster, but never attended class. Student is still responsible

for tuition and fee charges unless withdrawal form is submitted before deadline. NA has no effect

on cumulative GPA.)

N/A

Course Rubric: [Create a grading rubric for your course that is specific and measureable]

Assignment/Deliverable Relevant Course Objective

Points Grade %

1. Case study 1 1,2,6 10 10

2. Case study 2 2,3,6 15 15

3. Case study 3 1,3,4,6 20 20

4. Case study 4 1,3,4,5,6 20 20

Final Project/Presentation 2,3,4,5,6 20 20

Group Work 5 5

Participation (as defined above) 5 5

Attendance (as defined above) 5 5


Fall 2012


Section 504 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 offer guidelines for curriculum modifications

and adaptations for students with documented disabilities. If applicable, you may obtain adaptation

recommendations from the UMass Boston Ross Center (508-287-7430). You need to present and discuss

these recommendations with me within a reasonable period, prior to the end of the Drop/Add period.

You are advised to retain a copy of this syllabus in your personal files for use when applying for future

degrees, certification, licensure, or transfer of credit.

Code of Student Conduct All work submitted for this class must represent your own thinking and writing. Copying or substantial

paraphrasing without appropriate citations or copying of the overall presentation structure from

textbooks, journal articles, newspaper articles, or the World Wide Web will be considered plagiarism.

Students are required to adhere to the University’s policy on Academic Standards, for work in this course,

and all others due during your academic career, please be advised that the University has provided a fairly

detailed review of academic conduct, in general. Those can be found on-line at:

http://www.management.umb.edu/undergrad/undergrad_doc_guide.php

Additionally, you need to understand the circumstances that merit attribution of others’ work and the

manner in which appropriate references should be made. A good general overview of proper quoting,

paraphrasing and summarizing practices is set forth in

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/563/01/ . While students are encouraged to discuss course

themes, topics and ideas amongst you and draw on class discussions any and all graded assignments must

represent the individual work of the individual student submitting them.

Students are required to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct, including requirements for the

Academic Honesty Policy, delineated in the University of Massachusetts Boston Graduate Studies Bulletin

and relevant program student handbook(s).

http://media.umassp.edu/massedu/policy/3-08%20UMB%20Code%20of%20Conduct.pdf

https://email.umb.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.management.umb.edu/undergrad/undergrad_doc_guide.phphttps://email.umb.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/563/01/http://media.umassp.edu/massedu/policy/3-08%20UMB%20Code%20of%20Conduct.pdf


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Course Schedule Include dates of class meetings (or meeting number), topics to be discussed, relationship to objectives,

readings, HW assignments and due dates.

Session 1. Date, Topic: Defining biomimicry.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Develop a clear understanding of biomimicry; sharing stories, verbal and visual communication. Students discover the world of nature‐inspired innovation. They will be exposed to biomimicry basics as well as case studies of human designs that utilize strategies in common with living organisms. Students will also begin to develop a rapport with other class members and gain familiarity with biological terms. Students will: ‐ Develop vocabulary related to biological processes and biomimicry ‐ Identify examples of the use of biomimicry ‐ Convey design connections with the natural environment as well as gaining exposure to alternative viewpoint (?) Subject Areas: ‐ Science (Environmental, Biology, Geology) ‐ Language Arts ‐ History ‐ Geography Readings: Benyus, Chapter 1

Assignment(s) and Due Date: HW.

Vocabulary & Resources Biomimicry, Biome, Biomimicry Institute, Janine Benyus, Design Spiral, Life’s Principles, AskNature.org Session 2. Date, Topic: Why Biomimicry matters? Field trip: Hello Malibu beach! Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Develop a clear understanding of biomimicry. Strengthen nature observation and connection skills. Abstract/apply observations to build/alter/adopt settings. Readings: Jenna Ball, Chapters on mimicking natural forms, process and systems; www.umb.edu/gbh : Website on students’ projects in Boston Harbor.

Assignment(s) and Due Date: HW

Session 3. Date, Topic: Biomimicry examples – what, where, why, how, and when?

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Develop a clear understanding of biomimicry and how it may be used to find sustainable solutions to human problems; sharing stories, verbal and visual communication.

Readings: Benyus, Chapter 2-4

Assignment(s) and Due Date: Case Study #1

http://www.umb.edu/gbh


Fall 2012


Session 4. Date, Topic: How do we ask and learn from nature? Field trip: Clamming and seeding.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Strengthen nature observation and connections skills. Abstract observation of built natural and human settings.

Readings: From Ask Nature? And from the Department of Marine Fisheries shellfish programs: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/programsandprojects/shelsani.htm


Session 5. Date, Topic: Sustainability and Biomimicry.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Develop a clear understanding of biomimicry and how it may be used to find sustainable solutions to human problems; sharing stories, verbal and visual communication.

Readings: Donella Meadows.

Assignment(s) and Due Date: Case study #2

Session 6. Date, Topic: Biomimicry Life Principles. Possible field trip: Boston harbor by boat.

Life’s Principles are nature’s way of measuring success. While many of these principles assist with survival, they can also inform designs that strives to exist in a natural world rather than just in a technological environment. Life’s Principles can also provide inspiration for processes and methodologies that would be appropriate to human design and construction. Life’s Principles are a set of patterns exhibited by life that contribute to life’s ability to survive and thrive. The instructor will present an overview of the diagram of Life’s Principles and will highlight comparisons of natural and human design solutions. For example, nature utilizes benign manufacturing using water‐based chemistry, life‐friendly materials and self‐assembly. Nature optimizes rather than maximizes, by fitting form to function, utilizing multi‐functional design and recycling all materials. Nature leverages interdependence by self‐organizing and fostering cooperative relationships. Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Strengthen nature observation and connection skills. Abstract/apply

observations to built (and/or other) settings. Students will: ‐ Describe the operating conditions of our planet, including water‐based chemistry, dynamic non‐equilibrium and limits and boundaries ‐ Give examples of Life’s Principles ‐ Relate the importance of design that incorporates Life’s Principles Subject Areas ‐ Science (Environmental, Biology) ‐ Social Studies Vocabulary Water‐based chemistry, feedback loops, benign manufacturing, cyclic processes, self‐assembly, multi‐functional design, cooperative relationships Readings: Ball, get to know nature; Boston Harbor Islands background information, Savin Hill cove visit; http://www.bostonharborislands.org Assignment(s) and Due Date: HW

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/programsandprojects/shelsani.htmhttp://www.bostonharborislands.org/


Fall 2012


Session 7. Date, Topic: Biomimicry principles: Nature as a model, measure and method.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Develop a clear understanding of biomimicry and how it may be used to find sustainable solutions for human problems; sharing stories, verbal and visual communication.

Readings: Biomimicry Institute; Bejan – Design in Nature – where does form come from?


Session 8. Date, Topic: Biomimicry Life principles. Field trip: Squantum salt marsh.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Strengthen nature observation and connection skills. Abstract/apply observations to built (or other) settings.

Readings: Terry Krautwurst; www.gbh.umb.edu; salt marsh restoration in Boston Harbor.

Assignment(s) and Due Date: Case study #3

Session 9. Date, Topic: Biomimicry Life principles (cont.); design and science.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Develop a clear understanding of biomimicry and how it may be used to find sustainable solutions to human problems; in particular, understand how the biomimicry life principles, when properly applied, constrain design to solutions supportive of ecology and biology. Sharing stories, verbal and visual communication.

Readings: Biomimicry Institute/AskNature; Birkeland .


Session 10. Date, Topic: Biomimicry Life principles and their applications. Field trip: Spectacle island.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Strengthen nature observation and connection skills. Abstract/apply observations to built (or other) settings.

Readings: Janine Benyus and Biomimicry Institute; http://www.bostonharborislands.org/spectacle


Session 11. Date, Topic: Biomimicry and holistic science approach.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Understand how biomimicry fits within a framework of holistic sciences; sharing stories, verbal and visual communication.

Reading: Frankic et al, 2011. article

Assignment(s) and Due Date: Case study#4 paper due.

Session 12. Date, Topic: Biomimicry and future applications. Field trip: Thompson Island.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Strengthen nature observation skills. Abstract/apply observations to built (or other) settings.

http://www.gbh.umb.edu/http://www.bostonharborislands.org/spectacle


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Readings: http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/future-perfect-using-biomimicry-to-create-sustainable-products/;

http://www.thompsonisland.org/

Assignment(s) and Due Date: Case study #5 student presentations.

Session 13. Date, Topic: Group Evaluations of Student Projects.

Objective(s) and Learning Methods: Hone communication skills –verbal, written, visual and science translation; Constructive and positive critical thinking and evaluation.

Readings: Biomimicry Guild - Next steps?

Assignment(s) and Due Date: Your next steps?

Bibliography

[Current Bibliography must be in APA format. Include recommended Readings and Websites.]

Architecture

Animal Architecture. Jennifer Owings Dewey. 1991.

Animal Architecture. Karl von Frisch. 1974.

Biophilic Cities: Integrating Nature Into Urban Design. Timothy Beatley. 2011.

Design and Nature II. Ed M. W. Collins et. Al. 2004.

Ecologically engineering cities through integrated sustainable systems planning. Isaac Brown and Steve

Kellenberg. 2008

Wonders of Animal Architecture. Sigmund A. Lavine. 1964.

Biology

Biomimetics Learning from Nature, Amitava Mukherjee, InTech .2010. ISBN 978-953-307-025-4

Color in Nature. Penelope Farrant. 1999.

Design and Nature II. Ed M. W. Collins et Al. 2004.

Life Itself: Exploring the Realm of the Living Cell. Boyce Rensberger. 1998.

Natural Earth, Living Earth. Miranda Smith and Steve Parker. 1996.

The Work of Nature: How the Diversity of Life Sustains Us. Yvonne Baskin, et al. 1997.

http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/future-perfect-using-biomimicry-to-create-sustainable-products/http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/future-perfect-using-biomimicry-to-create-sustainable-products/


Fall 2012


Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. Janine Benyus. 1997.

Exploring the Way Life Works: The Science of Biology. Mahlon B. Hoagland., et. Al. 2001

The Hidden Powers of Animals. Carl P.N. Shuker. 2001.

The Way Nature Works. Ed. Jill Bailey. 1992.

Weird Nature. John Downer. Firefly Books. 2002.

Chemistry

Biomineralization. Stephen Mann. 2002.

Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice. Paul T. Anastas, John Charles Warner. 2000.

Design

Biologic: Environmental Protection by Design. David Wann. 1990.

Cat’s Paws and Catapults: Mechanical World of Nature and People. Steven Vogel. 1998.

Deep Design: Pathways to a livable Future. David Wann. 1996.


Design for the Real World, Human Ecology and Social Change. Victor Papanek. 1984.

Design in Nature: Learning from Trees. Claus Mattheck. 2004.

Design Lessons from Nature. Benjamin De Brie Taylor. 1974.

Design with Nature. Ian L. McHarg. 1969.

Economics/Business

Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution. Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and L.Hunter

Lovins. 2000.

Nature of Economies. Jane Jacobs. 2000.

The Living Company. Arie de Geus. 1997.


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Engineering

Biomimetics: Biologically Inspired Technologies. Ed. Yoseph Bar-Cohen. 2005.

Mechanical Design in Organisms. Stephen A. Wainwright. 1982.

Design Homology. David Offner. 1995.

Nature and Design. Ed M. W. Collins, et. Al. 2004.

Evolution

On Growth and Form: The Complete Revised Edition. D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson. 1992.

Survival Strategies: Cooperation and Conflict in Animal Societies. Raghavendra Gadagkar. 1997.

General Science

Basic Nature. Andrew Scott. 2002.

Nature and Design. Ed M. W. Collins, et. Al. 2004.

A Short History of Nearly Everything. Bill Bryson. 2004.

Innovation

Invention by Design. Henry Petroski. 1996.

Nature: Mother of Invention. Felix Paturi. 1976.

The Gecko’s Foot: Bio-inspiration, Engineering New Materials and Devices from Nature. Peter Forbes.

2005.

Material Science

Biomimetic Materials Chemistry. Stephen Mann (Editor). 1995.

Biomineralization. Stephen Mann. 2002.

Biomolecular Materials. Ed. Christopher Viney et al. Materials Research Society. Volume 292. 1992.


Structural Biomaterials: (Revised Edition). Julian F.V. Vincent. 1990.


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Mathematics

Life’s Other Secret: The New Mathematics of the Living World. Ian Stewart. 1999.

The Sizesaurus: From Hectares to Decibels to calories, a Witty Compendium of Measurements. Stephen

Strauss. 1995.

Mechanics

Exploring Biomechanics: Animals in Motion. R. McNeill Alexander. 1992.

Life’s Devices: The Physical World of Animals and Plants. Steven Vogel, Rosemary Calvert. 1988.

Life in Moving Fluids. Steven Vogel. 1996.

Structural Biomaterials: (Revised Edition). Julian F.V. Vincent. 1990.

Structure, Form, Movement. Heinrich Hertel. 1963.

The Biomechanics of Insect Flight. Robert Dudley. 2002.

Patterns

The Curves of Life. Theodore A. Cook. 1979

The Power of Limits: Proportional Harmonies in Nature, Art and Architecture. Gyorgy Doczi. 1981.

The Self-Made tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature. Philip Ball. 2001.

The Shape of Life. Nancy Burnett. 2002.

Systems Science

Buckminster Fuller’s Universe. Lloyd Steven Sieden. 1989.

Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants Brains, Cities, and Software. Steven Johnson. 2001.

UC 111 - Syllabus- Fall Introduction to Biomimicry 2012 · 2012. 7. 25. · UC 111 - Syllabus-...

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