BIEN 5010

1. Instructor:

Prof. Angela WU (AW)
Division of Life Science
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

2. Course description:

Credit points: 3
Pre-requisites: Undergraduate level introductory biology
Exclusions: Nil

This course introduces the basics of cell biology, molecular biology techniques, and discusses the principles of macromolecular interactions in those contexts. We will also discuss various applications of these techniques and how combined with engineering concepts, they have contributed to innovations and breakthrough tools in the world of basic research and medical clinic. Topics to cover include: overview of basic molecular biology and macromolecular interactions; basic biophysical structures and techniques (involved in imaging and structural characterization); molecular engineering; biodevices; and genomics. Each class will be conducted with lecture components as well as in-class exercises in groups, followed by facilitated discussion. As many of the topics presented will be state-of-the-art techniques, active student discussion is required and strongly encouraged to help with learning. Students will also work in teams to perform comprehensive literature research on one of several assigned topics in order to thoroughly understand the evolution of a current technology in bioengineering. As the deliverables for this project, each team will present the results of their literature research in the form of a team-taught class lecture, as well as submit individual written reports. Further instructions and information on the team project will be announced later in the semester. 

3. Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

1. Describe the central dogma of molecular biology, and be able to recall the various molecular participants (molecules, proteins/enzymes) involved in the components of the central dogma. Describe their main physical features and select appropriate tools/techniques for characterizing them. 
2. Explain the mechanisms and functions of basic molecular biology assays, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, protein separation and purification; be able to analyze and interpret results of above assays.
3. Compare different types of imaging tools, and describe their usage and importance in modern biotechnology/medicine.
4. Explain what a stem cell is, and compare differences between embryonic stem cells, fetal stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent cells; recall modern applications of stem cell therapies, and explain the mechanism of action for these therapies; describe current major challenges in using stem cell therapies in the clinic.
5. Explain and critique recent breakthroughs in molecular biology and bioengineering fields, including those outside your research area; be able to suggest potential applications of these new technologies to a relevant clinical challenge. 
6. Present and discuss the taught ideas and concepts with peers with clarity and evidence-based reasoning; collaborate with team mates with positive attitude and strong work ethic in a group project setting. 

4. Assessment Scheme

Midterm: 30%
One (1) written exam will be given during class time on 31 March. The exam will require recall of basic concepts taught in class in the form of a written exam.

Assesses CILOs 1-4

Class Participation: 20%
Active participation and in-class discussion with peers are critical to the understanding of the concepts taught in class. Due to the special circumstances of this semester’s teaching format, when students are required to work in groups and discuss in-class exercises, one student will be asked to summarize the group’s discussion points. Each student must represent the group in presenting the discussion summary at least once during the semester in order to receive class participation credit. 

Assesses CILO 6

Final project: 40%
(20% group oral presentation; 20% individual written assignment)
Final project consists of a presentation done as a group of four (4). Instructor will give out a few choices of project topics, and students must choose their presentation topic from these options to perform comprehensive literature research on. The goal is to understand in-depth the evolution of a current technology in bioengineering, and how past scientific findings build the underlying foundation for the innovation/technology. Students may propose their own topic, but it is subject to approval by the instructor. Presentations will take place on 12 and 19 May. Each presentation will be 30 mins followed by 10 mins of Q&A. The presentations will be scored based on content clarity, completeness, organization, quality of the critical analysis, as well as quality of the presentation itself. Please refer to the grading rubric for more information on how the presentation will be graded. Each student must also write an individual paper.

Assesses CILOs 1-6

Peer evaluation: 10%
Students will be asked to evaluate their peers’ final project presentations, with each group being evaluated as a whole to give a “group score”. Within each group, students will also receive evaluations on their contribution to the group from each of their teammates, which will be averaged to give an “individual score” for each student. Overall, each student will receive a final peer evaluation score that is the 50-50 weighted average of the group score (given by the rest of the class) and the individual score (given by their teammates).

Assesses CILO 6

5. Course Reading Materials

Lecture notes and supplementary reading materials will be made available on Canvas (canvas.ust.hk).

6. Course Schedule