(90d) Sustainable Materials As Biomedical Materials: A Short Course for Undergraduate Students

The overarching goal of this work is to attract and retain undergraduate students in bioengineering programs.  In January 2012, Harvard University implemented an optional on-campus, four-day short course on bioengineering during winter break for undergraduates, with the goal of introducing students to the disciplines of biochemical engineering and biomedical engineering. 

The course was titled, “Sustainable Materials as Biomedical Materials,” and allowed students to examine whether materials created through biochemical engineering could be useful for applications in biomedical engineering.  Toward the goal of a sustainable bio-economy, research in biochemical engineering is increasingly devoted to the development of renewably sourced materials, such as bio-polymers and bio-composites derived from corn, soy, kenaf, flax, and cellulose.  At the same time, innovators in biomedical engineering are seeking novel materials for implantable medical devices which will be optimally compatible with the human body.  A natural intersect exists between these two areas of emerging research: naturally sourced polymers may be ideal for the design of new biomedical implants.  This interdisciplinary course operated at the intersection of biochemical science, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, and sustainable processing.

The course attracted a diverse population of students from freshmen through seniors, and was particularly successful in recruiting women and under-represented minorities.  The course was designed as an intimate learning experience for a small class, and incorporated both seminars and laboratory activities.  At the conclusion of the course, students completed an anonymous survey which assessed their attitudes and motivations to study bioengineering.  The results suggest that the bioengineering short course positively reinforced student perceptions and enthusiasm for studying bioengineering.