COLL 171: SURVIVAL BY DESIGN
Spring 2026 · Section 001 · CRN 25856
This course delves into the ways we can improve our survival strategies in nature through studying mechanics and physics—a deeper exploration of the science behind survival; meanwhile, the course explores how nature’s own survival mechanisms can inform engineered solutions—the art of biomimicry. The course will be supplemented by knowledge of geophysics, dynamic and fluid mechanical systems. Based on the TV show Survivor, students will be split up into teams to work with for the rest of the semester, doing group projects, presentations, and mini competitions with the other teams. At the end of the semester, we are looking to answer: How can mechanical principles help develop reliable survival strategies? On the contrary, how does biomimicry shape engineering solutions in urban spaces? We will answer these questions with in-class presentations and discussions while also learning practical survival skills like fire starting and shelter making. Once students have developed a greater knowledge of engineering and natural solutions, we finish the course with a debate in the teams, covering the ethical issues behind biomimicry.
- Credits
- 1
- Instructors
- Jenny Karsner