Anna Edlund

Patterns found in living organisms--including spirals, stripes, branches, concentric circles, and spots of all sorts--self-organize in space and time. Developmental biologists, modelers and designers have long explored these patterns. In this seminar, we will read experimental and review articles about how biological patterns form. Students will keep journals, and groups will present and lead class discussions on examples of different patterns. The scientific findings we discuss will often help to inform sustainable design and biomimicry in engineering. Readings are published experimental and review articles in the field of Biological Pattern Formation, chosen by the presenting student groups, with guidance from the professor. Each seminar will focus on one pattern, for example spirals, with several articles presented, perhaps on shells, inner ear cochlea, or ram's horns. Student groups will present clusters of articles and guide class discussion; those students not presenting participate in the discussion and keep journals. A written, final paper will be completed by each student on their choice of pattern.

Patterns found in living organisms--including spirals, stripes, branches, concentric circles, and spots of all sorts--self-organize in space and time. Developmental biologists, modelers and designers have long explored these patterns. In this seminar, we will read experimental and review articles about how biological patterns form. Students will keep journals, and groups will present and lead class discussions on examples of different patterns. The scientific findings we discuss will often help to inform sustainable design and biomimicry in engineering. Readings are published experimental and review articles in the field of Biological Pattern Formation, chosen by the presenting student groups, with guidance from the professor. Each seminar will focus on one pattern, for example spirals, with several articles presented, perhaps on shells, inner ear cochlea, or ram's horns. Student groups will present clusters of articles and guide class discussion; those students not presenting participate in the discussion and keep journals. A written, final paper will be completed by each student on their choice of pattern.

A newly fertilized egg has none of its later adult features; these emerge through interplay between external and internal forces. We will explore how embryos take shape, generate patterns, and also evolve novelty. Our discussions of creation in the context of evolution and embryology, will be enriched by laboratory exercises and several projects on fate, chance, and necessity during deep time and in a single lifetime.