BIPPERNAN Basic Studies in Biological and Environmental Sciences for Nanoscientists (27 cr)

Basic studies in Biological and Environmental science for nanoscience majors introduces the student to basic natural phenomena and is focused specifically on the cellular level. In this study package, you will become familiar with evolutionary, geophysical, and chemical processes that enable present-day life on earth as well as the interactions between humans and nature. Central themes are microbes, viruses, protein structure as well as functional mechanisms occurring in cells. 

Upon completion of the Basic studies in Biological and Environmental science for nanoscience majors, the student can:

• describe and explain the basic biological structures and phenomena occurring among biomolecules and in cells at the individual level as well as basic physical and chemical processes occurring in ecosystems and biomes.
• explain how humans influence nature’s diversity and function and how such influences could be reduced.
• describe and explain the central theories of biological nanoscience.
• describe the importance of different microbes in natural processes and their use in environmental technology.
• explain how genetic information directs protein formation and how protein functions are expressed in cells.
• describe and explain function of cell membranes and major cellular regulatory pathways.