Biomimicry
| Module title | Biomimicry |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEP3130 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Ruth Cherrington (Convenor) |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
This module considers the tools and principles of biomimicry, a new discipline that emulates nature's best ideas and blueprints to solve human design challenges and to inspire innovative solutions. You will learn how nature inspired concepts can advance regenerative solutions to develop novel products, processes and organisations. In this module you will apply and adapt ecological concepts to develop innovative business strategies. In addition, you will have the opportunity to discover innovative examples of organisations worldwide who take inspiration from this approach.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to engage you on how to learn from nature. You will be inspired to create novel sustainable design, organizations and enterprises trough accessing the wealth of ecological information available and applying it effectively to product and business design. This module introduces biomimicry, a new discipline that emulates nature's best ideas and blueprints to solve human and societal challenges.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the theory, principles, conceptual framework and methodology of biomimicry
- 2. Explain how biomimicry can help to shape sustainable and innovative business strategies
- 3. Critically analyse a variety of contexts to illustrate creations inspired by nature
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Critically evaluate innovative solutions inspired by nature
- 5. Determine the links between ecological dynamics and socio-economic challenges
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Apply complex ecological-inspired knowledge to practical real-world situations
- 7. Use digital tools and resources to create original content and argument in academic and social activities
Syllabus plan
Topics discussed on the module include (not exclusively):
- Introduction to biomimicry
- Biomimicry and complexity
- Biomimicry in organisation
- Biomimetic design
- Biomimetic innovation
- Unifying patterns, strategies and functions
- Biomimicry and grand challenges
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 8 (1 hour each) | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 12 (2 hours each) | Workshops/seminars with discussion (12 x 2 hours) |
| Guided Independent Study | 130 hours | Reading, research and assessment preparation - both revision for examination and assessment production |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective writing entry | 200 words | 1-7 | Verbal |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical reflective writing | 40 | 1000 words | 1-7 | Written, individual |
| Analytical report | 60 | 1500 words` | 1-7 | Written, individual |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical reflective writing (40%) | Critical reflective writing (40%) - 1000 words | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
| Analytical report (60%) | Analytical report (60%) - 2000 words | 1-7 | Referral/deferral period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Benyus, J. M. (1997). Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature. New York: Morrow.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Basic reading:
- Benyus, J. M. (1997). Biomimicry: Innovation inspired by nature. New York: Morrow.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Kennedy, E., Fecheyr-Lippens, D., Hsiung, B. K., Niewiarowski, P. H., & Kolodziej, M. (2015). Biomimicry: A path to sustainable innovation. Design Issues, 31(3), 66-73.
- Hayes, S., Desha, C., & Baumeister, D. (2020). Learning from nature–Biomimicry innovation to support infrastructure sustainability and resilience. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 161, 120287.
- Volstad, N. L., & Boks, C. (2012). On the use of Biomimicry as a Useful Tool for the Industrial Designer. Sustainable Development, 20(3), 189-199.
- Pawlyn, M. (2011). Biomimicry in Architecture. RIBA.
- Sachs, A. (2007). Nature Design: From Inspiration to Innovation. Lars Muller Publishers.
- Harman, J. (2013). The Shark’s Paintbrush: Biomimicry and How Nature is Inspiring Innovation. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 13/05/2021 |
| Last revision date | 10/10/2023 |
