Courses Taught

【Animal cell culture and its practice】

• Credits: 3

• Eligible students: B.S. students, M.S. students, Ph.D. students

This course introduces the fundamental principles of cell biology and cell culture, which serve as essential foundations for research in the biomedical sciences. It begins with an overview of the organization and safety requirements of a cell culture laboratory, followed by the biological characteristics of animal cells, basic cell culture techniques, and their applications. The course also covers both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell culture technologies and analytical methods, as well as recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), artificial organs, regenerative medicine, and organ-on-a-chip technologies. 

In addition to lectures, students will participate in hands-on laboratory sessions, including cell line culture, primary cell culture, basic biochemical analyses, and primary cell isolation, enabling them to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory skills.

Course Features: 

1. Hands-on laboratory training in cell culture techniques. 

2. Integration with other courses in the biomedical engineering curriculum.

3. Coverage from fundamental experimental techniques to emerging biomedical technologies.

【Biology for engineers】

• Credits: 3

• Eligible students: B.S. students

This course explores biological concepts and biomedical applications from the perspectives of science and engineering, with a particular emphasis on the cellular and tissue levels. 

The course is organized into the following four sections: 

• Section A. Biomolecules and Cellular Metabolism A-1. Cells A-2. Biological Molecules A-3. Bioenergetics, Enzymes, and Metabolism A-4. Cellular Membranes

• Section B. Genetics B-1. Genetic Materials B-2. Gene Expression B-3. Gene Regulation and DNA Replication B-4. Genetic Engineering Techniques 

• Section C. Tissues C-1. Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and Cell Interactions C-2. Intracellular Trafficking C-3. Cytoskeleton and Cell Division C-4. Tissue Engineering 

• Section D. Cellular Physiology and Pathology D-1. Membrane Transport and Cellular Electrophysiology D-2. Cell Signaling D-3. Cancer Biology D-4. The Immune System 

During this semester, the course primarily focuses on Sections C and D, covering tissue engineering, cellular physiology, and related biomedical applications. The objective of this course is to bridge the communication gap between engineering and life science professionals by establishing a common foundation in biomedical sciences. Students are expected to develop the ability to understand, explain, and discuss fundamental biological concepts and emerging biomedical technologies using appropriate English scientific terminology.

【Biomaterials】

• Credits: 3

• Eligible students: B.S. students, M.S. students, Ph.D students

This course is divided into two major components: 

• Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering: 

  1. Introduction to Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

  2. Physical and Chemical Properties of Biomaterials 

  3. 3D Bioprinting 

  4. Liver Tissue Engineering 

  5. Drug Delivery Systems and Hydrogels 

• Biomedical Materials:

  1. Introduction to Biomedical Materials 

  2. Medical Materials 

  3. Host Responses to Biomaterials 

  4. Biocompatibility 

  5. Safety Evaluation of Medical Devices 

The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the sources, properties, and biomedical applications of biomaterials through lectures, classroom discussions, oral presentations, and written reports. Upon completion of the course, students will have developed a solid foundation in biomaterials and their applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical device development.

【Principles, Applications, and Implementation of Organ-on-a Chip Technology】

• Credits: 3

• Eligible students: B.S. students, M.S. students, Ph.D students

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed strong support for the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) and advocates the adoption of non-animal alternative testing methods to reduce reliance on animal experimentation. In response to this global trend, organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology has emerged as a key area of interest in academia, industry, and government. Organ-on-a-chip devices integrate microfluidic systems with human-derived or primary cells to recapitulate the structural and functional characteristics of specific human organs, providing physiologically relevant in vitro models that more closely mimic human biology than conventional cell culture or animal models. These platforms offer enhanced predictive power for drug efficacy and toxicity while supporting the development of alternative testing strategies. 

This course provides a systematic introduction to the interdisciplinary foundations of organ-on-a-chip technology, including 2D and 3D cell culture, biomaterials and surface modification, microfluidic device design and fabrication, and oxygen sensing techniques. Industry experts will also be invited to demonstrate commercial platforms and discuss their potential clinical and industrial applications. Furthermore, the course examines the role of organ-on-a-chip technology within the framework of the 3Rs principles from the perspectives of national policy, regulatory science, and academia–industry collaboration. 

Upon completion of this course, students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the principles, applications, and practical implementation of organ-on-a-chip technology, enabling them to develop feasible solutions for drug development, disease modeling, and toxicological assessment while considering regulatory requirements and research ethics.