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Program Details

The biomimicry certificate is offered through ASU’s School of Life Sciences. All coursework is delivered completely online in conjunction with Biomimicry 3.8—the internationally recognized leader in the field.

* Acceptance notification dates are valid only for applications submitted with all materials (i.e. application, letters of reference, transcripts, TOEFL (if applicable), and supplemental questions) by the application deadline.

 

*For applicants who miss the deadline, new applications released from Graduate Admissions will be reviewed every two weeks. While applications may be processed after the deadline, there are no guarantees that notice will be provided in time to enroll in that semester.

 

The certificate consists of 15 credit hours in the following courses.

Prerequisite: Essentials of Biomimicry (BMY 501) | Discover the core values that define biomimicry and its true practice: Ethos, Emulate, (Re)Connect. 1 credit

Life’s Principles (BMY 502) | Investigate life’s operating conditions on Earth and the universal rules for surviving and thriving. Students learn the value of these principles as design guidelines. 4 credits

Biology Taught Functionally (BMY 503) | For non-biologists and biologists alike, this course introduces function as the starting point for discovering biomimetic value. Learn to work with biologists and biological research to translate concepts into strategies for human application. 4 credits

Biomimicry Thinking (BMY 504) | This course teaches the methodology for incorporating biomimicry into any design process. Students learn the steps to defining a taxonomy of design principles and creating innovative functional solutions. 4 credits

Virtual Design Lab Practicum (BMY 530) | Dive deep into the biomimicry tools and resources presented during the program. Through dedicated time and mentorship with instructors, students apply the practice of biomimicry individually to projects of their choice. 2 credits

Biomimicry Graduate Program Handbooks

For more detailed information about the programs, you can review the current and past program handbooks.

Current students are responsible for abiding to the policies noted in the handbook of the academic year in which they are admitted into the program.

BMY Graduate Program Handbook v1_ 2016-2017

BMY Graduate Program Handbook 2017-2018

BMY Graduate Program Handbook 2018-2019

BMY Graduate Program Handbook 2019-2020

BMY Graduate Program Handbook 2020-2021

BMY Graduate Program Handbook 2021-2022

BMY Graduate Program Handbook 2022-2023

BMY Graduate Program Handbook 2023-2024

Learning Objectives

  • Integrate biomimicry thinking into any sphere-specific opportunity resulting in biomimetic outcomes
  • Apply Life’s Principles to specific needs within one’s sphere
  • Facilitate the integration of biology into design within one’s sphere using biomimicry thinking
  • Guide processes in one’s sphere towards sustainability
  • Interpret observations in nature with a functional lens for design applications
  • Abstract design principles from biological observations for application to one’s sphere
  • Communicate effectively through verbal and visual means how the process of biomimicry works in one’s sphere
  • Initiate or transform one’s practice to specialize in biomimicry
  • Engage and lead others within one’s current company/organization to begin practicing biomimicry

[Note: A sphere references the specific discipline or area of interest a student may have and to which they wish to apply biomimicry]

Full Course Descriptions and Academic Course Calendar  [Download as PDF]

Students in the Graduate Certificate program also have the option to enroll in in-person Immersion Workshops led by Biomimciry 3.8 instructors in various locations around the world, leading to a Biomimicry Specialist Certification from Biomimicry 3.8.

 

To begin the Graduate Certificate in Biomimicry, apply to ASU Online.

This program is open to students from around the world. International students, please note: When asked to provide your visa on the application form, please enter ‘JN’ for the Biomimicry graduate programs.

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