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MBO

September 1, 2024

Learning objectives minor Science, Technology & Innovation: Biomimicry

The learning objectives of the Biomimicry minor blend theoretical understanding with practical skills. Students engage with a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines including chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering, gaining a comprehensive grasp of biomimicry principles. Practical objectives emphasize hands-on experiences, where students apply these principles through advanced prototyping techniques such as CAD, 3D printing, and microcontroller programming. The course aims to enhance students’ abilities to think critically and solve problems creatively, preparing them to design and execute bio-inspired projects. Additionally, the program nurtures team collaboration and communication skills, essential for articulating project insights to diverse audiences, and managing long-term, complex projects effectively.

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Morten Stromme

2024

How to design open inquiry labs

In this article we show how student “open inquiries” in undergraduate labs can be powerful teaching and assessment methods. In such open inquiries it is the students who define the question they want to answer, formulate the hypothesis, search for information, design and carry out experiments to reach their goal, and share their ideas, needs, and results with others. This student agency afforded by open inquiry trains critical thinking, teaches students to learn from failure, and requires effective science communication in authentic contexts. Adapting open inquiry methods for the first time can be especially daunting for instructors who have no examples to draw upon. To address this challenge we explain the findings of a diverse group of five lab instructors and an educational researcher who have compared open inquiry practices in different contexts. As a group, we formed a Community of Practice dedicated to “Supporting students’ scientific Open Inquiries in Labs” (aka SssOIL). The commonalities across our diverse project team suggest some defining features and best practices. By sharing our findings and example course designs and materials, we hope to aid instructors in adapting more open inquiry teaching methods in their own lab courses. Any questions about this article can be addressed to Forrest via: forrestbradbury@gmail.com or to our team via: S3OIL@outlook.com

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Forrest Bradbury, Simone Mesman, Morten Stromme, Paul Logman

September 1, 2023

Rubrics minor Science, Technology & Innovation: Biomimicry

The rubric for the final report in the UvA's ST&I: Biomimicry minor is designed to assess students' ability to communicate their project findings effectively, integrating technical and scientific research with biomimicry principles. It emphasizes layout, scientific grounding, prototype development, testing accuracy, and comprehensive documentation, aiming to ensure clarity, depth, and professionalism in student reports. This detailed evaluation framework aligns with the program's interdisciplinary and innovative ethos, preparing students for real-world challenges while fostering academic rigor and creativity.

Document

Morten Stromme

September 1, 2023

Course description Minor Science, Technology & Innovation: Biomimicry

The Biomimicry minor at the University of Amsterdam, coded 5142DPB30Y, semester-long, 30 ECTS course offered in English from September to January. Targeted at third-year science bachelor students, the program explores biomimicry—a scientific method that draws inspiration from nature to solve modern technological challenges. The curriculum consists of a blend of lectures, workshops, and hands-on project work in the UvA Makerspace, where students apply their learning to develop real-life prototypes. The program culminates in the creation of a bio-inspired robot, resulting in the integration of acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

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Morten Stromme

September 1, 2023

Structure and scheduling minor Science, Technology & Innovation: Biomimicry

The Biomimicry minor is structured into three phases, spanning a full semester and utilizing the UvA Makerspace as a central hub for project execution. Phase 1, from September to mid-October, immerses students in a strict schedule of workshops, seminars, and lectures, preparing them for their initial project proposals. Following the first exam, Phase 2 shifts focus entirely to project development, with additional workshops tailored to the specific needs of their projects. The final phase after the second exam is dedicated to intensive project completion, including final reports and presentations. This flexible schedule allows for adjustments based on project needs, ensuring that students have ample time and resources to bring their bio-inspired designs to fruition.

Document

Morten Stromme

September 1, 2023

Full course materials minor Science, Technology & Innovation: Biomimicry

The Biomimicry minor at the University of Amsterdam is a full-time, semester-long program (30 EC), guiding students through biomimicry's principles. This minor employs a hands-on approach where participants design bio-inspired prototypes, from ideation to execution. Utilizing UvA's Makerspace, students make use of advanced tools to create viable technological applications that mimic nature’s solutions. The curriculum integrates theory with prototyping workshops, including 3D-printing and programming, adding up to a multidisciplinary learning environment. Directory of Resources: •⁠ ⁠The full course description •⁠ ⁠Detailed learning goals and assessments •⁠ ⁠Assessment rubrics- rubrics

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Morten Stromme

February 9, 2021

Designing a Bio-Based Economy [student version]

: In this CBE, you will reflect on the concept of a bioeconomy. Major strategies for macro-economic systems to be based on ecological principles are being deployed across the world. In Europe, we have the BBE. You will learn what a bioeconomy is, how the concept of biomimicry is involved in it and what the major challenges for developing a successful bioeconomy are. After understanding and critically reflecting on the concept of a bioeconomy, you will draw up your own vision of a successful economic system inspired on natural design

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Roel Veraart

November 22, 2020

Designing a Bio-Based Economy [teacher version]

In this CBE, students will reflect on the concept of a bioeconomy. Major strategies for macro-economic systems to be based on ecological principles are being deployed across the world, such as the New Green Deal in the US. In Europe, we have the BBE (Bio-Based Economy). Students will learn what a bioeconomy is, how the concept of biomimicry is involved in it and what the major challenges for developing a successful bioeconomy are. After understanding and critically reflecting on the concept of a bioeconomy, they draw up their own vision of a successful economic system inspired on natural design.

Document

Roel Veraart

January 9, 2020

Lydia Fraaije: Biomimicry, biologische nanostructuren als materialen van de toekomst

Lydia Fraaije, architecte en oprichter van Biomi, neemt ons mee in de wereld van de biomimicry. Ze laat ons zien hoe je op een andere manier naar de natuur kan kijken. De natuur, met haar 3,8 miljard jaar, heeft reeds heel veel onderzocht en ontwikkeld. Zij doet dit energie en materiaal efficiënt, zonder afval, door gebruik van zelfassemblage, en door chemie met water. De mens heeft zich lang boven de natuur geplaatst, maar het wordt steeds duidelijker dat we uit balans met de natuur zijn, en van haar afhankelijk zijn, en niet omgekeerd. Lydia laat ons veel voorbeelden zien van biologische nanostructuren, zoals antibacteriele huidschubben van haaien, vuilafstotende verf op basis van het Lotuseffect, en kleurgeneratie als gevolg van de nanostructuren op vlinders.

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Hogeschool Saxion