This course provides an introduction to biology and biochemistry, and their applications in cell-based engineering systems and processes. Students will obtain a basic background in biology, including the biology of bacteria, fungi, viruses and human cells. These concepts will be related to applications relevant to modern engineering and will be taught from a systems engineering perspective through the lens of societal need. This will include such applications as; bioremediation for the treatment of waste water, production of vaccines, biomedical and biomechanical devices, and regenerative medicine. While taught from an engineering perspective, the course would be relevant to any student interested in the application of biology, and is designed to provide relevant examples across multiple disciplines. The course assumes basic first year level science knowledge.