Course Overview
This page focuses on the course 2.A35 Biomimetic Principles and Design as it was taught by Prof. Michael Triantafyllou in Fall 2013.
This course is a Freshman Advising Seminar on the topic of biomimesis/biomimetics, or the scientific method of learning new principles and processes based on systematic study, observation, and experimentation with live animals and organisms.
Course Outcomes
Course Goals for Students
- Gain exposure to methods of biomimetics
- Understand biomimetic principles
- Explore genetic algorithms
- Confidently approach biomimetic problem solving
Possibilities for Further Study/Careers
- Pursuit of an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering
- Application of the processes and methods of biomimetics to another field of study
Curriculum Information
Prerequisites
None. This is a freshman-level course.
Requirements Satisfied
MIT’s Freshman Advising Seminar 
requirement
Offered
Occasionally, during the fall semester.
Student Information
Enrollment
Fewer than 10 students
Breakdown by Year
All freshman
Breakdown by Major
When choosing a Freshman Advising Seminar, students are encouraged not to focus too intently on what they think their majors might be.
How Student Time Was Spent
During an average week, students were expected to spend 6 hours on the course, roughly divided as follows:
Seminar
- Met one time per week for 2 hours per session; 11 sessions total.
- Discussed and critiqued topics covered in the textbook
Out of Class
Read the assigned chapters from the textbook
