Introduction to Complex Biological Systems Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Soumya De & Prof. Dibyendu Samanta
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 297 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Biotechnology, Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, Biosciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Demystifying Life's Machinery: Your Guide to the "Introduction to Complex Biological Systems" Course
Have you ever been intrigued by the wonders of biology but felt overwhelmed by its specialized language and complex concepts? If you're an engineer, a student from a physical sciences background, or simply a curious mind, the barrier of biological jargon can be a significant hurdle. Recognizing this challenge, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has designed a groundbreaking course titled "Introduction to Complex Biological Systems". This 12-week program is meticulously crafted to strip away the complexity and present the fundamental principles of life in an accessible, engaging manner.
Meet Your Expert Instructors from IIT Kharagpur
The course is led by two distinguished professors from IIT Kharagpur's Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, who bring a wealth of research and teaching experience to the virtual classroom.
Prof. Soumya De is an Associate Professor with an impressive academic journey: a BSc. and MSc. from IIT Kharagpur, a PhD from Cornell University, USA, and post-doctoral training at the University of British Columbia, Canada. His research sits at the exciting interface of Biology and Physics, focusing on structural biology. His lab works on protein engineering for biotech solutions and studies intrinsically disordered proteins in cancer. Prof. De has extensive experience teaching introductory biology to first-year undergraduates at IIT KGP, which directly informs this course's design.
Prof. Dibyendu Samanta is a faculty member specializing in cell adhesion biology, exploring how proteins like cadherins and nectins govern cell interactions, immunity, and disease. He earned his PhD from the University of Calcutta and completed postdoctoral research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, USA. For years, Prof. Samanta has coordinated and taught "Science of Living Systems," a compulsory biology course for all IIT Kharagpur undergraduates, making him an expert in translating biological concepts for engineers and non-specialists.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is intentionally designed with a specific audience in mind:
- Non-Biologists & Engineers: Students and professionals from computer science, electrical, mechanical, chemical engineering, and physical sciences who wish to understand biological principles.
- First-Year Undergraduate Students: The perfect starter course for anyone beginning their journey in science or engineering.
- Biological Sciences Students: UG/PG students of biology who want a fresh, conceptual overview that reinforces fundamentals from a new perspective.
- Professionals in Biotech & Pharma: Individuals in related industries seeking a stronger foundational understanding of biological systems.
Prerequisite: A basic science background at the 10+2 level is sufficient. No prior advanced knowledge of biology is required!
What Will You Learn? A 12-Week Journey
The course is structured to logically build your understanding from molecules to entire systems. Here’s the week-by-week breakdown:
| Week | Topic | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Nucleic Acids | The hard drive for life's information (DNA/RNA). |
| Week 2 | Transcription & Translation | How stored DNA information is used to make products. |
| Week 3 | Proteins | The nano-machines that perform life's functions. |
| Week 4 | Enzymes | Understanding biological catalysts. |
| Week 5 | Cells | The fundamental unit of life. |
| Week 6 | Cell, Tissue & Organ | Architecture of complex living systems. |
| Week 7 | Metabolism | How living systems harness and use energy. |
| Week 8 | Evolution | The history and driving force of life. |
| Week 9 | Infectious Diseases | Understanding viruses and bacteria. |
| Week 10 | Immune System | The body's sophisticated defense mechanism. |
| Week 11 | Genetic Engineering | Its impact on human health and society. |
| Week 12 | Biophysical/Biochemical Methods | Principles behind key research techniques. |
Essential Learning Resources
The course content is supported by some of the most authoritative textbooks in the field, which you can use for deeper reference:
- Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry by Nelson and Cox
- Biochemistry by Lubert Stryer
- Essential Cell Biology by Alberts et al.
- Molecular Biology of the Gene by Watson et al.
- Molecules of Life: Physical and Chemical Principles by Kuriyan, Konforti, and Wemmer
Why Enroll in This Course?
This course bridges a critical gap in science education. It transforms biology from a subject perceived as a collection of facts and terms into a comprehensible narrative of principles and mechanisms. By the end of 12 weeks, you will have a robust framework to understand current advancements in biotechnology, medicine, and bioengineering. The course also holds industry support from bioscience and biotech companies, underscoring its practical relevance.
Whether you aim to collaborate in interdisciplinary projects, pivot your career towards biotech, or simply satisfy your curiosity about how life works, "Introduction to Complex Biological Systems" is your ideal starting point. Enroll today and begin your journey into understanding the elegant complexity of life with two of IIT Kharagpur's finest educators.
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