| The natural world has developed a wide array of innovative solutions to prevent the spread of disease, to act as defense mechanisms, to enable efficient use of water and foodstuffs or to create structural colors, to name a few examples.
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Why this course: This course will expose you to how nature utilizes different length-scales to achieve both bulk structural properties as well as functional surfaces, through a combination of structures, compositions, and interfacial features.
This course will not simply address biomimicry by copying, but by learning the design principles and applying them to the redesign or new design of a product and assessing possible manufacturing routes for the implementation of design inspired by nature.
The course provides knowledge and skills:
- On the most important concepts of biomimicry in bulk structural materials and functional surfaces;
- On the evaluation of the design principles found in nature and how these can be measured/quantified;
- On the analysis of scientific literature on manufacturing and processing techniques suitable for replicating biomimetic structures and surfaces;
- On the application of this knowledge in a real design problem to create a new product or redesign an existing product.
Course highlights:
- Explore how nature’s principles inspire breakthrough materials, products, and solutions across diverse industries
- Bring new perspectives in tackling real-world challenges using nature-inspired approaches;
- Gain inspiration and insights from lectures by (guest) experts in fields such as soft robotics, medical devices, geomaterials and sustainability;
- (Re)design a product using biomimicry through a stepwise process. Move from natural inspiration via abstracted design principles to manufacturable solutions with direct relevance to industry;
- Use innovative methods and practical skills to test, prototype, and explore nature-inspired solutions;
- A flipped-classroom model with self-study and interactive sessions to provide flexibility in project and schedules; a mix of lectures, flipped classroom learning and interactive sessions to fit schedules;
- Build expertise in translating biological strategies into tangible engineering solutions supported by scientific analysis and substantiated decision making.
For whom: Professionals with a BSc level in an engineering discipline (e.g. Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering) or equivalent.
From whom: dr. D.T.A. Matthews
Practical information: This is a regular master course, in which students as well as professionals can participate. The course comprises 6 optional lectures. Besides lectures on the background knowledge, the participants – individually or in a group - go in-depth on a well-derived research question chosen by themselves. A bottom-up approach can be chosen, in which a product (functionality) is optimized by nature-inspired adjustments; a top-bottom approach is also an option for which a biomimicry mechanism is chosen and applied to a product which can be a material, production method or model, or even a combination. A report on the chosen biomimicry mechanism and the application in engineering is mandatory. Self-study with and without assistance is scheduled as well.
Location: University of Twente, Enschede, NL
Duration: The course is scheduled annually from April till July. It requires 140 hours of study load.
Costs: € 2067,15
More information:
Content of the course: dr. D.T.A. Matthews, d.t.a.matthews@utwente.nl
Registration: Registration form | Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET)