BioNanotech + Design

DESMA 160 | Special Topics in Design | Media Arts: Biotechnology and Design

http://biotechart.artscinow.com/

Bio-designers use cells, DNA molecules, proteins, and living tissues to highlight ethical, social, and aesthetic issues that influence contemporary life. Introduction to how bio-design blurs distinctions between science and design through combination of design and scientific processes, creating wide public debate. Introduction to new sciences that influence food we eat, clothes we wear, and environment in which we reside. Students challenged to think outside the box, explore divergent and convergent thinking, and seek out knowledge and inspiration from ideas that drive nano- and bio-technology. Peer collaboration encouraged to develop speculative design projects that address issues covered.

Course Goal:
The course goal is to introduce students to new sciences that influence the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the environment we reside in. Students are challenged to think outside the box, explore divergent and convergent thinking, and seek out knowledge and inspiration from ideas that drive nano and biotech while encouraging peer collaboration and theory to practice translation.

Learning Community
The course is a hybrid-learning environment to include in person and online lectures, discussions, student collaborative activities, and field trips. Students will be introduced to world-class research conducted on UCLA campus, UC system and around the globe. Students will be encouraged to physically and/or virtually visit artists' studios and scientists' laboratories. Every week will be devoted to a particular theme with required reading, and students will be asked to maintain a blog that incorporates their own ideas in relation to the subject and comment on their peers’ ideas. The midterm and final projects are based on the weekly lectures and blogs. The final letter grade is based on midterm and final projects, class and field trips attendance, as well as in person and weekly blogs participation.