Biological Transport: Fields, Forces, and Flows

Biological systems are governed by the fundamental laws of physics and chemistry, where electrical fields, fluid dynamics, and mass transport dictate how cells and tissues function. Understanding these physical forces is crucial for advancing modern biotechnology, drug delivery, and medical diagnostics. This text-based course guides you through the core engineering principles that govern transport phenomena in biological systems, enabling you to analyze and model how molecules, fluids, and charges move through living tissues and microfluidic devices. What you'll learn: Understand the foundational physical chemistry and thermodynamics behind biological transport; Model fluid flow, mass transport, and electrical currents in tissues and membranes; Explore electrokinetic phenomena and the coupling of chemical, electrical, and mechanical forces; Apply transport principles to modern microfluidic systems and organ-on-a-chip technologies; Analyze how cells and biomolecules are manipulated using physical forces; Practice solving quantitative biological transport problems through clear, written examples. You will start with essential terminology and the governing equations of diffusion, convection, and electromagnetics, before progressing to real-world applications in tissue engineering and biosensors. This course is designed for beginners in bioengineering, biophysics, or biotechnology who want to build a strong theoretical foundation without needing advanced prerequisites. Start reading today to bridge the gap between physical engineering principles and biological systems.