BIOENGINEERING (ENGLISH, PHD)
PhD TR-NQF-HE: Level 8 QF-EHEA: Third Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 8

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
BNG6001 Advanced Cell Biology and Molecular Structure Spring 3 0 3 9
The course opens with the approval of the Department at the beginning of each semester

Basic information

Language of instruction: En
Type of course:
Course Level:
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Assist. Prof. BURCU TUNÇ ÇAMLIBEL
Course Objectives: The aim of this course is to integrate advanced knowledge of cell biology and molecular structures with engineering applications, enabling students to design biologically inspired solutions in areas such as biomaterial development, tissue engineering, biosensor design, and drug delivery systems. Students will gain a deep understanding of intracellular structures, cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, and learn how to apply this knowledge to bioengineering challenges.

Learning Outputs

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Identify and describe the structural and functional components of the cell at an advanced level.
Explain mechanisms of cell signaling, protein interactions, and gene expression.
Analyze cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions in the context of bioengineering.
Evaluate the impact of cellular structures on biomaterials and tissue engineering applications.
Recognize and compare techniques used in the characterization of molecular structures.
Integrate cellular-level knowledge into applications such as biosensor development, drug delivery, and artificial tissue design.
Interpret interdisciplinary scientific literature to inform bioengineering applications.

Course Content

This course provides an advanced perspective by integrating topics in cell biology and molecular structure with engineering applications for bioengineering students. It covers the structural components of the cell, signaling pathways, protein interactions, gene expression, and the extracellular matrix in detail. The biological knowledge is then translated into applications such as biomaterial design, tissue engineering, biosensor development, and drug delivery systems. The course also introduces modern analytical techniques used for the characterization of cellular and molecular structures.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Engineering perspective on cellular systems: Design biology and systems-level view
2) Current literature on cell–matrix interactions and implications for biomaterial design
3) Cellular mechanotransduction: Force transmission and engineering applications
4) Modeling signaling pathways for engineering purposes: MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Wnt
5) Integration of cell–cell communication mechanisms into biosensor technologies
6) Molecular structures and protein engineering: Structure-based design strategies
7) Role of gene editing technologies (CRISPR/Cas9) in tissue engineering
8) Cell-based drug screening platforms and high-content imaging strategies
9) Engineering optimization of cell culture systems (3D culture, organoids, microfluidics)
10) Artificial cell systems and biological function mimicry: Synthetic biology approaches
11) Literature review: Translational cell biology in diagnostics and clinical technologies
12) Case-based discussions: Technical analysis of selected research articles by student groups
13) Student presentations – Literature-based projects on advanced engineering applications I
14) Student presentations II and general discussion – Sharing of novel research ideas

Sources

Course Notes: Saltzman, W. M. – Biomedical Engineering: Bridging Medicine and Technology, Cambridge University Press Ratner, B. D. et al. – Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, Elsevier Alberts, B. et al. – Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland Science
References: Saltzman, W. M. – Biomedical Engineering: Bridging Medicine and Technology, Cambridge University Press Ratner, B. D. et al. – Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, Elsevier Alberts, B. et al. – Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland Science

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 14 % 10
Laboratory % 0
Application % 0
Field Work % 0
Special Course Internship (Work Placement) % 0
Quizzes % 0
Homework Assignments % 0
Presentation 1 % 20
Project % 0
Seminar % 0
Midterms 1 % 30
Preliminary Jury % 0
Final 1 % 40
Paper Submission % 0
Jury % 0
Bütünleme % 0
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 3 42
Laboratory 0 0 0
Application 0 0 0
Special Course Internship (Work Placement) 0 0 0
Field Work 0 0 0
Study Hours Out of Class 14 8 112
Presentations / Seminar 1 20 20
Project 0 0 0
Homework Assignments 0 0 0
Quizzes 0 0 0
Preliminary Jury 0 0 0
Midterms 1 20 20
Paper Submission 0 0 0
Jury 0 0 0
Final 1 30 30
Total Workload 224

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Follows scientific literature, analyzes it critically and uses it effectively in solving engineering problems. 5
2) Asks the right questions for scientific innovative designs in the field of Bioengineering, plans, implements, manages and documents innovative work.
3) Independently conducts studies in the field of Bioengineering, examines them in depth, takes responsibility and evaluates the results obtained from a critical point of view.
4) Presents the results of his/her research and projects effectively in written, oral and visual form in accordance with academic standards.
5) Conducts independent research on topics related to Bioengineering that require deep expertise, develops original ideas and transfers this knowledge to practice. 5
6) Uses advanced theoretical and practical knowledge specific to Bioengineering effectively. 4
7) Acts in accordance with professional, scientific and ethical values; takes responsibility by considering the social, environmental and ethical impacts of engineering practices.