UC Santa Barbara General Catalog

The responsible conduct of research (RCR) is essential to good science. Examples of goals of RCR education and training are to: Develop, foster, and maintain a culture of integrity in science; discourage and prevent unethical conduct; empower researchers to hold themselves and others accountable to high ethical standards; increase knowledge of, and sensitivity to, ethical issues surrounding the conduct of research by researchers with diverse backgrounds; improve the ability to make responsible choices when faced with ethical dilemmas involving research; provide an appreciation for the range of accepted scientific practices for conducting research; inform scientists and research trainees about the regulations, policies, and statutes.

Introduces students to molecular components of biology with application of engineering principles for analysis. Topics include: molecular components of cells, DNA/RNA structure and function, protein structure/function/folding, gene and protein regulation, DNA replication, and experimental and computational research methods.

Introduces students to structural components of cells with application of engineering principles for analysis. Topics include: biomembrane structure and function, membrane proteins, membrane transport, intracellular compartments, intracellular trafficking, chemotaxis, cell cycle, apoptosis, and stem cells.

The goal of the course is to generate in our students an understanding of the logic behind the key tools used to characterize biomolecules and biosystems. Both the mechanisms by which these techniques work, and the rationale for why each would be employed (strengths, weaknesses, potential pitfalls).

This course is built around experimental design, data analysis, and quantitative modeling of biological processes and phenomena. Topics including experimental design considerations and a priori assumptions, probability, dimensional reduction, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis, and quantitative modeling through ordinary and partial differential equations. Case studies of recent and classic research papers in Bioengineering are used to illustrate key course topics through class discussions.

Introduces students to seminal experiments that introduced pioneering biological engineering methods and experimental analysis. Students learn the principles of sound experimental design to test a hypothesis, become familiar with techniques using bacterial and stem cell model systems, as well as imaging and analysis methods.

Introduces students to molecular components of biology and application of engineering principles for their analysis. Topics include: molecular components of cells; DNA structure and function, including replication; gene regulation; protein structure, function, and folding; chemical kinetics; signal transduction and mathematical descriptions thereof; and mechanics of biomolecules and subcellular structures (membranes, cytoskeleton).

Introduces students to structural components of cells, tissues, and organ systems, and the application of engineering principles for analysis. Topics include: biomembrane structure, function, and transport; intracellular compartments and trafficking; cell proliferation and death; cell-cell communication; biomaterials and stem cells; quantitative physiology of major organ systems (transport, mechanics, and electrical signaling); and homeostasis.

Seminar series highlighting current topics and advances in bioengineering presented by UCSB faculty or visiting scientists providing context and motivation for bioengineering learning, introducing students to concepts outside of their primary research specialty, and promoting interdisciplinary thinking and research collaboration.

Seminar series where students present their original thesis research and also review journal articles that critically analyze contemporary bioengineering research. Three quarters of BIOE 230 are required for the optional BioE graduate emphasis. Presentations are evaluated and feedback is provided.

Haptics lies at the intersection of robotics, human-computer interaction, and computational and human perception. The term "haptics" is often used to refer to science and engineering related to the sense of touch. This course introduces human haptics, including sensory specializations and touch perception. It reviews the engineering of electronic technologies for haptic (touch) feedback, emerging technologies, and the design of haptic systems for human-computer interaction, sensory substitution, virtual reality, augmented reality, and other emerging areas. The class involves a mix of readings, hands-on activities, lecture/discussion, and projects.

Experimental or theoretical research undertaken under the direction of a faculty member for graduate students who have not yet advanced to candidacy.