Homework

Weekly homework submissions:

  • Week 1 HW: Principles and Practices

    First, describe a biological engineering application or tool you want to develop and why. I am interested in developing a biological engineering approach that uses living organisms to help us understand and preserve archaeological materials and sites. Specifically, I want to explore how microorganisms could be used to study how materials such as stone, soil, or ceramics change over time, or how biological growth can be guided to protect fragile archaeological surfaces.

  • Week 2 HW: DNA Read, Write, & Edit

    Part 1: Benchling & In-silico Gel Art Create a pattern/image in the style of Paul Vanouse’s Latent Figure Protocol artworks. Part 2: Gel Art - Restriction Digests and Gel Electrophoresis Optional for Committed Listeners Part 3: DNA Design Challenge 3.1 Choose your protein

  • Week 3 HW: Lab Automation

    Assignment: Python Script for Opentrons Artwork This design is inspired by traditional Inca geometric art, particularly the tocapu textile patterns of the Inca Empire. The composition features a symmetrical stepped cross motif enclosed within a square, referencing the Andean worldview and the symbolic structure of the Chakana (Andean cross). The use of straight lines and geometric repetition reflects the mathematical precision and cosmological symbolism characteristic of Inca visual culture. (https://opentrons-art.rcdonovan.com/?id=6ef1d0494o5n1p7)

  • Week 4 HW: Protein Design Part I

    Part A. Conceptual Questions Answer any NINE of the following questions from Shuguang Zhang: (i.e. you can select two to skip)

  1. How many molecules of amino acids do you take with a piece of 500 grams of meat? (on average an amino acid is ~100 Daltons) To estimate how many amino acid molecules are in 500 grams of meat, we start with the fact that the average mass of one amino acid is about 100 Daltons.