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UG Programs | 4 years

B.Tech in Biological Systems Engineering

The Biological Systems Engineering program combines the power of biology, computing & engineering to tackle some of the greatest challenges for human & planetary health. Our population’s health is dominated by various diseases, & are exacerbated by major risk factors such as air pollution, malnutrition & vast regional differences in health care services. The vision for the BSE program is to transform health outcomes for the world, by leveraging the powerful convergence of data, digital health, biologics manufacturing & biology.

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8 Semester Curriculum The curriculum at Plaksha is dynamic and continuously evolving, based on inputs from faculty, latest research and industry insights. B.Tech in Biological Systems Engineering syllabus outline is given below.
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 3
  • Semester 4
  • Semester 5
  • Semester 6
  • Semester 7
  • Semester 8
Computational Thinking

Instructor(s) - Dr. K Gopinath, Dr. Manoj Kannan


Coding Café (Python & LINUX)

Instructor(s) - Dr.Srinivasan Vishwanathan


Engineering Math in Action

Engines of Life

Environmental Science

Instructor(s) - Dr. Prashanth Suresh Kumar


The Art of Thinking and Reasoning

Universal Human Values

-


Communication Lab

Instructor(s) - Dr. Brainerd Prince


ILGC: Design and Innovation

Instructor(s) - Dr. Amit Sheth, Dr. Rucha Joshi


Programming & Data Structures

Instructor(s) - Dr. K Gopinath, Dr. Manoj Kannan


Mathematics of Uncertainty

Instructor(s) - Dr. Amrik Sen


Foundations of Physical World

Nature's Machines

Instructor(s) - Dr. Monika Sharma


Fundamentals of Microeconomics

Instructor(s) - Dr. Kriti Khanna


Reimagining Technology and Society

Communication Lab

Instructor(s) - Dr. Brainerd Prince


Yoga & Sports

-


Innovation Lab & Grand Challenge (ILGC-2)

Instructor(s) - Dr. Rucha Joshi


Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Intelligent Machines

Optimization

-


Calculus of higher dimensions

Instructor(s) - Dr. Nitin Upadhyaya


Foundations of Physical World 2

Instructor(s) - Dr.Dhiraj Sinha


Ethics of Tech Innovation

Indian Constitution

Instructor(s) - Dr. Amit Sheth


Innovation Lab & Grand Challenge (ILGC-3)

Instructor(s) - Dr. Rucha Joshi


Optimization

Instructor(s) - Dr. Nitin Upadhyaya


Communication Lab

Instructor(s) - Dr. Brainerd Prince


Material Science for Bioengineering

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

Instructor(s) - Dr. Monika Sharma


Bioprocess Engineering

ILGC-4

Instructor(s) - Dr. Rucha Joshi


Innovation Lab & Grand Challenge Studio V

Continuing their project progress from semester 4, the goal for Semester 5 and 6 will be to implement solutions via projects at the State level, with an eye for expansion at the National level. To achieve this, students will seek validation of concept from various stakeholders, complete the engineering design cycle of their project, while also developing an entrepreneurial spirit from their experiences. Mentored Leadership and Professional Development opportunities will be a constant feature across the 4 year ILGC experience, and will be integrated with project work. These serve to develop the student’s professional skills and also help in creating a more integrated socio-integrated understanding of engineering/design.


Quantitative Biology

This course combines understanding of biological systems comprising of interacting biomolecules, cells, organelles, organs and living organisms with quantitative and statistical analysis, computational simulations and mathematical models to predict behaviour of complex biological systems. The students will be introduced to current understanding in gene control networks, signalling networks, developmental and evolutionary biology. Real-life application of predictive models will be discussed in context of human and planetary health.


Cell Biology for Engineers

This course will cover essential topics in understanding of cell and tissue biology, biomechanics of cells and subcellular elements (flow, hydrostatic pressure, tension, torsion, flexure, and combined loads), receptor ligand interactions, cellular responses and cell differentiation. The cell biology techniques such as cell culture and banking, phase contrast, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, cell Imaging systems, flow cytometry along with their applications in cellular engineering and clinical diagnostics will be discussed. Genetic engineering of cells, differentiation of stem cells and induced pluripotent cells, measurement of cellular responses, interaction of cells with biomaterials to understand cell adherence, signalling and movement will be covered. This course will introduce tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and the current limitations. In addition, students will gain understanding of laboratory safety practices and appropriate use of Biosafety levels. Laboratory activities will have hands-on experience with culturing of cells, growth kinetics, cell differentiation, cell imaging, engineering of cells, receptor ligand interactions and measurement of cellular responses.


Genetics & Genetic Engineering

This course introduces the principles of Genetics, Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, elucidates nucleic acids as genetic material of living organisms and role of epigenetics in conjunction with structure and function of genes, chromatin, chromosomes and genomes. The concept and health implications of population genetics will be discussed. Topics on genetic disorders and cancer genetics will be covered to exemplify the role of genetic mutations in human disease and susceptibility. Evolution of recombinant DNA technologies Next Gen sequencing technology and their applications in multiple avenues related to human and planetary health will be covered. The students will be introduced to DNA and RNA modifying enzymes, and how they are used in PCR (end-point and real time), cloning, and gene editing technologies and other modifications to engineer recombinant DNA molecule, genomic/cDNA and engineered libraries and their applications in human and planetary health. The evolution of recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, cell and gene therapies will be discussed in the current context and opportunities for enhancements and improved access and affordability.


Biosensing & Human Interface

Wearable biosensor technology platforms provides insights into electric signals and biochemical processes in biofluids enabling continuous real time monitoring of biomarkers through non-invasive means with huge implications in patient-centric health care. The course is designed to understand fundamentals of bioelectricity, biometrics, concept of biosensor technology in conjunction with understanding of biochemical composition of body fluids, bioreceptors and physico-chemical transducers. The students will be introduced to the design, function and limitation of wearable biosensors such as wearable electrocardiograms and blood glucose monitors. The course will also explore the applications of wearable biosensors in management of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Laboratory activity will include hands-on experience with design of wearable biosensors.


Application Domain Track II

The Application Domain Tracks are a series of 1 credit modules that help students inculcate skills and mindsets related to research and entrepreneurship. Through these tracks, students will contribute to ongoing research projects in Plaksha's flagship grand challenge research centers, and may work with faculty on their research or on approved external projects in industry/government or startups. Across semesters, students will have the option to work across different disciplinary areas or focus on one area but the purpose is for them to appreciate the relevance of their coursework to a variety of challenges and areas.


Innovation Lab & Grand Challenge Studio VI

Continuing their project progress from semester 4, the goal for Semester 5 and 6 will be to implement solutions via projects at the State level, with an eye for expansion at the National level. To achieve this, students will seek validation of concept from various stakeholders, complete the engineering design cycle of their project, while also developing an entrepreneurial spirit from their experiences. Mentored Leadership and Professional Development opportunities will be a constant feature across the 4 year ILGC experience, and will be integrated with project work. These serve to develop the student’s professional skills and also help in creating a more integrated socio-integrated understanding of engineering/design.


Engineering One Planet

Human activities over a period has profoundly altered the balance of planetary health which in turn is directly linked to human health. In recent times there is a global recognition that a balance is needed among global systems of land, air, water and biodiversity to sustain and preserve life. This has been the genesis of studying the interdependencies of human and planetary health. This course will introduce the concept of planetary health, what are the current impacts due to human activities and the solutions to mitigate the risks at local and global levels. The solutions that will help populations with sustainable ways of living will be discussed and exemplified.


Biomedical Imaging & Analysis

Advances in medical technologies for visualization are supported by the growing field of biomedical imaging technologies and analysis. This course will introduce the imaging methods in biomedicine and clinical diagnostics such as microscopy, ultrasound, MRI, CT, and their application to enable better decision support. The course will cover topics on digital signal processing, data acquisition, enhancements and visualization. Early diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions are key in medical treatment of patients. How Computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) using AI and ML algorithms is leading to improved detection diagnosis and decision support will be covered in this course. Imaging informatics and integration of image data with genomics/biomarkers and clinical data are becoming increasingly important to improve efficiency of drug development and therapy regimen. This will be discussed to understand the field and relevance. Case studies will be used to explain the impact of advanced tools for analysis of biomedical imaging data in biomedicine.


Network & Systems Biology

Biological systems and processes are inherently complex and require an integrative approach at molecular level to decipher what keeps us healthy or causes disease. This course is designed to understand this complex network of interactions through an integrative “omics” approach (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics) and effects on a global scale involving numerous different biological molecules in the same time scale. The course includes topics on high-throughput data acquisition, statistical analysis, normalization, differential expression, clustering, enrichment analysis and network construction. The course will introduce the concept of ‘virtual patient’ model and its application in discovery and development of precision and personalized medicine. Case studies on specific diseases e.g., oncology will be discussed.


Free Elective I

Students may take courses from other majors as part of the free elective. Additionally, faculty may also offer some introductory electives as part of this sequence.


Application Domain Track III

The Application Domain Tracks are a series of 1 credit modules that help students inculcate skills and mindsets related to research and entrepreneurship. Through these tracks, students will contribute to ongoing research projects in Plaksha's flagship grand challenge research centers, and may work with faculty on their research or on approved external projects in industry/government or startups. Across semesters, students will have the option to work across different disciplinary areas or focus on one area but the purpose is for them to appreciate the relevance of their coursework to a variety of challenges and areas.


Physiological Systems & Digital Twins

This course will focus on bioengineering tools used and needed to model physiological systems and how the models and simulations help understand the system design, plasticity, diseases and preventive and therapeutic interventions. The efforts in development of digital twin models of human organs and how AI can be used to model physiological systems e.g., patient heart will be discussed. The impact on drug discovery, development and personalized medicine will be covered and discussed in the context of current solutions and unmet needs.


Technical Elective I

Sample Electives include: Microbiome in Human & Planetary Health, Gene Editing and Personalized Theranostics, Diagnostic Technologies, Multi-Modal Sensors, Biomanufacturing, Protein and Antibody Engineering, Engineering Biology, Epidemiology and Public Health


Technical Elective II

Sample Electives include: Microbiome in Human & Planetary Health, Gene Editing and Personalized Theranostics, Diagnostic Technologies, Multi-Modal Sensors, Biomanufacturing, Protein and Antibody Engineering, Engineering Biology, Epidemiology and Public Health


Humanities & Social Science Elective I

Sample electives include: AI for Social Good, Technology, Policy and Law, Decision Making Under Uncertainty, Fairness, Transparency, Accountability, and Ethics in Data Science


Innovation Lab & Grand Challenge Studio Capstone

ILGC transforms and culminates as a two semester capstone design project. By the end of the seventh semester a detailed design of the final product (this could be a device, system, process, software, etc. that results from this design experience) needs to be completed. This includes but not limited to the following: Description of the overall project, including a description of the customer and their requirements, the purpose, specifications, and a summary of the approach. Description of the different design approaches considered and evaluation of each design approach. Detailed description of the final proposed design.


Technical Elective III

Sample Electives include: Microbiome in Human & Planetary Health, Gene Editing and Personalized Theranostics, Diagnostic Technologies, Multi-Modal Sensors, Biomanufacturing, Protein and Antibody Engineering, Engineering Biology, Epidemiology and Public Health


Technical Elective IV

Sample Electives include: Microbiome in Human & Planetary Health, Gene Editing and Personalized Theranostics, Diagnostic Technologies, Multi-Modal Sensors, Biomanufacturing, Protein and Antibody Engineering, Engineering Biology, Epidemiology and Public Health


Technical Elective V

Sample Electives include: Microbiome in Human & Planetary Health, Gene Editing and Personalized Theranostics, Diagnostic Technologies, Multi-Modal Sensors, Biomanufacturing, Protein and Antibody Engineering, Engineering Biology, Epidemiology and Public Health


Humanities & Social Science Elective II

Sample electives include: AI for Social Good, Technology, Policy and Law, Decision Making Under Uncertainty, Fairness, Transparency, Accountability, and Ethics in Data Science


Innovation Lab & Grand Challenge Studio Capstone

ILGC transforms and culminates as a two semester capstone design project. By the end of the eighth semester, students will have a working product (this could be a device, system, process, software, etc. that results from this design experience). Therefore, the focus of this semester is to implement, test and evaluate the design approach chosen in your first semester. The following are the expected requirements and deliverables for this semester: Working final product Testing and evaluation of product design Demo of the final product Completed Project Description, Final Reflection and Completed Outcomes Matrix


Learning Experiences

Experiential Learning

Integrated learning experience across 4 years. You will work on authentic, real world projects through industry and community engagement or by research with faculty.
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By having access to state-of-the-art makerspaces and coding cafes and incorporating them in the curriculum, students will become more context-aware, develop critical thinking abilities, and learn by creating. This will help foster a tinkering and problem solving mindset, immersing students in experiential learning from day one. These areas will be open to students to explore, create, prototype and design, while also housing equipment and technologies like 3D printers, sensors, etc.
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The core curriculum will not just be limited to engineering and sciences, but bring in exposure to entrepreneurship and design which will enable humane and empathetic outcomes through technology. Each student will undertake multiple different experiences to develop skills like finding opportunities, creating value, and embracing risks. Students will be mentored and supported by Plaksha founders and professionals from industry.
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At Plaksha, learning and skill development do not stop in the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to create and immerse themselves in pursuing their academic and creative interests. Student led clubs will be autonomous bodies that operate under the purview of the Office of Student Life. Being the founding batch, students will be encouraged to help establish a vibrant culture through clubs and societies on campus.

Hear about the course from the experts

Watch Ursheet Parikh, Co-lead of the Engineering Biology Investment Practice at Mayfield Ventures talk about this major. He has been closely involved in the design of this degree
Find the answers to your questions in some of our frequently asked questions by students
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Dates to Remember

Jan 13, 2023

Round 1 Deadline

Feb 28, 2023

Round 2 Deadline

Apr 21, 2023

Round 3 Deadline

May 31, 2023

Round 4 Deadline

Jul 11, 2023

Round 5 Deadline

*Round deadlines are subject to change.

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