TEACHING
BIOMATERIALS
Juan Fco. Vivanco
This course provides an introduction to the knowledge and study of biomaterials of synthetic or natural origins; also showing a historical, current and future perspective of its applications in science, technology, medicine and biotechnology industry. Different biomaterials are examined with respect to their biological and structural properties along with different characterization techniques. There are also interactions of biodegradable and non-degradable biomaterials with different biological systems, mainly with cells and biological tissues; with regard to biocompatibility, infection, inflammation and encapsulation properties. Likewise, the failure mechanisms of biomaterials and the ethical aspects of current research and current regulations in the area of industrial processes and medicine are discussed.
BIOMECHANICS
Juan Fco. Vivanco and Jacques Dumais
This course provides an introduction to the mechanical behavior of tissues and biological systems. In addition, the influence of the properties of materials on the structural functions of organisms is studied, allowing students to have a greater appreciation of the mechanical complexity of biological systems. Analysis methodologies for both rigid and deformable bodies are explained in the context of biological tissues such as bone, muscle, and connective tissue.
DIRECTED RESEARCH WORKSHOP
Juan Fco. Vivanco and Carola Millán
It consists of a theoretical-practical research activity developed by a student during an academic semester under the supervision of a full-time professor from the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences. During the course, the student raises a hypothesis, which is then validated through the design, development and experimentation of physical models or functional prototypes. For the development of these prototypes the student uses elements of rapid prototyping, analysis and computational modeling.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
Juan Fco. Vivanco and other professors from the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences
Understand and model the behavior of structures commonly used in civil engineering, in relation to their function, the geometric properties of their sections, static equilibrium and the calculation of isostatic structure stress diagrams. In addition, understand and apply the concepts of stresses and deformations due to the action of external loads, direct or indirect, depending on the material that constitutes it.
INTERNSHIP
Juan Fco. Vivanco and other professors from the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences
The general objective will be to join a working group within an institution or center, hereinafter the company, to identify a real problem and propose, develop and present a non-trivial solution that generates a measurable impact on the company both in the technical and economic engineering plan.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY
Carola Millán
The general objective of this course is that students can answer how biochemistry allows studying the chemical processes that govern biological systems, both from its theoretical foundations and through its methodologies, laboratory experiences and examples from everyday life. As specific objectives, this course seeks that students can answer the following questions:
A) What are biological molecules (biomolecules) and what are their main
features and functions?
B) How do biochemical transformations occur, what are the strategies
metabolic factors of living beings and how are they regulated?
C) How can basic knowledge of biochemistry be applied in Bioengineering?
BIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Raul Vallejos
At the end of the course the student should be able to explain the key elements of the interaction between organisms and their environment, in a context of global change. Manage a scientific language regarding the issues of ecology, evolution, global change and sustainability. Identify and quantify processes and phenomena that impact the environment. Recognize technologies based on biological systems for a sustainable industry. Finally, you must master relevant aspects of environmental regulations at a local and global level. In a medium-term objective, it is expected that once the student becomes a professional, he / she can apply the knowledge acquired to make informed decisions in an environmentally ethical and responsible manner.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
Raul Vallejos
The objective of the applied microbiology course is to make the student aware and participate in the development of industrial applications based on microbial growth and activity, and / or its control, so that they are able to apply microbiology concepts to define and explain applications that involve microorganisms. Critically evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of known microbial applications, recognizing the theoretical foundation of the processes involved. Finally, assemble and evaluate the effectiveness of specific microbial applications in practice, on a laboratory scale.
HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE AND LIFE ON EARTH (CORE SCIENCE PROGRAM)
Isabel Benjumeda and Carola Millán
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to understand how science knowledge is acquired in addition to the limits of scientific understanding. Understand the idea of a model, along with a firm understanding of why it is important to abstract and simplify real-world phenomena, and recognize some of the ways that scientific models do so Understand the basics of confirmation and forgery. Understand how conclusive proof is impossible in empirical studies, and how, nevertheless, scientific hypotheses and theories can be confirmed to suitably high degrees. Recognize the logic of testing ideas and hypotheses and that testing often involves unspoken assumptions that are sometimes brought to light and challenged. They must be in tune with the need to consider alternative hypotheses that explain or predict the data. Be aware of the complexity of testing when probabilistic and statistical considerations come into play. Understand how causal claims require proof beyond simple correlation. Carry out a critical analysis of a scientific work and be able to publicly present and defend a scientific work. Finally, they must integrate the knowledge acquired by developing independent scientific research with empirical data.
