Arizona State University Rob Walton College of Global Futures 9 courses 19 total credits
The undergraduate biomimicry certificate is a 19 credit-hour interdisciplinary opportunity available even if you are pursuing an unrelated field. The program responds to the growing demand for biomimicry training, the practice of learning and emulating the natural world to help solve problems sustainably. For example, Japan's bullet train was modeled after kingfishers, owls and penguins to make it faster and quieter. At Arizona State University, the Rob and Melani Walton Center for Planetary Health building uses shading inspired by the shape of saguaro cacti to keep the building cool without using extra energy. Upon completing the program, you'll be able to: apply Life's Principles, design lessons distilled from nature, to specific challenges within your discipline develop biomimetic outcomes within discipline-specific contexts integrate biology into design using biomimicry thinking interpret observations in nature from a functional lens guide projects toward sustainability from a biomimetic perspective
| Total Credits | 19 credits |
Program Requirements
The certificate requries 19 credit hours, of which 12 are at the upper-division level. A grade of "B" or better is required in all biomimicry certificate courses. Students who earn a "B-" or lower in a certificate course must repeat the course to earn a "B" or better.
Core Courses
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOS 110 | Building a Sustainable World | 3 |
| BMY 230 | How Nature Works | 4 |
| BMY 402 | Principles of Life | 3 |
| BMY 404 | The Practice of Biomimicry | 3 |
| Total Core Courses | 13 credits | |
Upper Division Biomimicry-Related Elective - Upper Division BMY-Related Elective:
Choose from this list.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CAS 302 | History and Philosophy of Complex Systems Science | 3 |
| DSC 494 | Special Topics | |
| SCN 307 | Biomimicry: Nature's Sustainable Solutions | 3 |
| SCN 311 | Nature Mindfully | |
| Total | 3 credits | |
Upper Division Biomimicry-Related Elective
Students may also propose an alternative biomimicry-related elective not on the list above. The proposed elective ideally makes a connection between the student's major and the certificate. Students must submit a proposal and gain approval prior to taking the course. Students must be prepared to present a course syllabus and explain how they will apply biomimicry directly to course assignments. After completing the course, students must complete and submit a one-page form that guides them to reflect on their goals for applying biomimicry to the course, whether and how they succeeded, and what they learned in the process. The course will not be moved in the DARS audit to show completion of the requirement until after the student has completed and submitted the reflection form, which will be provided to them upon approval of the elective. Email cgfadvising@asu.edu with questions about the upper division elective. Minimum grade: Students must complete BMY 230 and either BMY 402 or BMY 404 prior to taking a proposed upper-division elective.
Upper Division Capstone
Students must select either BMY 430, or a biomimicry-focused capstone in their corresponding major, or BMY 499 Independent Study (only if options 1 and 2 are unavailable). With the exception of BMY 430, students are responsible for identifying capstone options and submitting a proposal prior to taking the course. Students must be prepared to provide a course syllabus and explain how they will apply biomimicry directly to course assignments. After completing the course, students must complete and submit a one-page form that guides them to reflect on their goals for applying biomimicry to the course, whether and how they succeeded, and what they learned in the process. The course will not be moved in the DARS audit to show completion of the requirement until after the student has completed and submitted the reflection form, which will be provided to them upon approval of the capstone. Email with questions about the capstone. Minimum grade: Students must complete BMY 230 and either BMY 402 or BMY 404 prior to the capstone. Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate. This certificate takes a minimum of three semesters to complete, due to course sequencing. Students must obtain prior approval if a proposing an alternative upper-division elective or capstone course. Proposals submitted after the course has already been completed will not be approved. Email or schedule an appointment with a CGF advisor for questions.
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