2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Computing Department of Mathematical and Computing Science Graduate major in Artificial Intelligence
Molecular Robot Informatics
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Artificial Intelligence
- Instructor(s)
- Shogo Hamada
- Class Format
- Lecture (HyFlex)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Mon (J2-302(J233)) / 5-6 Thu (J2-302(J233))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- ART.T556
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2025
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Oct 8, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course provides an overview of molecular robotics, an emerging field in applied computer science. In particular, the lecture focuses on the computational design of biomolecules, which forms the foundation of the field, and on methodologies for constructing and applying molecular robots as information-processing systems by integrating these designed molecular devices. Through lectures, exercises, and reviews of recent research, students will develop a practical understanding of the entire process—from molecular robot design to implementation.
Course description and aims
Students will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of molecular robotics and various design methodologies.
- Understand and apply the principles of numerical simulation, molecular simulation, nonlinear analysis, and CAD essential for molecular robot design.
- Deepen their understanding of molecular robot implementation methods and applications through lectures and reviews of recent research.
Keywords
Molecular robotics, Molecular computing, Biomolecular design, Nonlinear system analysis, Simulation, DNA nanotechnology, Nanobiosystems
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The course will be conducted using slide-based materials. In addition to lectures, students will engage in exercises and, toward the end of the course, carry out literature research and deliver presentations.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction |
Understanding the basics of molecular robotics. |
| Class 2 | Theory of Biomolecular Structure Design (1) |
Fundamentals of DNA structural design; understanding of design, simulation, and fabrication methods for DNA nanostructures. |
| Class 3 | Theory of Biomolecular Structure Design (2) |
Understanding applications and recent examples of nucleic acid structure design. |
| Class 4 | Theory of Biomolecular Structure Design (3) |
Understanding structural design, simulation, and fabrication methods for proteins, lipids, and other molecules. |
| Class 5 | Molecular Structure Design Exercises |
Exercises on DNA nanostructure design. |
| Class 6 | Molecular Computer (1) |
Understanding the fundamentals of molecular computing and its design, simulation, and construction methods. |
| Class 7 | Molecular Computer (2) |
Understanding the latest examples of DNA computers. |
| Class 8 | Molecular Computer Design Exercises |
Exercises on DNA computer design. |
| Class 9 | Theory of Molecular Sensor Design |
Understanding the design and implementation methods of biomolecular sensors. |
| Class 10 | Theory of Molecular Actuator Design |
Understanding the design, simulation, and construction methods for DNA and protein actuators. |
| Class 11 | System Integration and Nonlinear Analysis |
Understanding representative molecular robots and recent advances. |
| Class 12 | Workshop (1) |
Introduce and discuss research papers relevant to the course. |
| Class 13 | Workshop (2) |
Introduce and discuss research papers relevant to the course. |
| Class 14 | Workshop (3) |
Introduce and discuss research papers relevant to the course. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Handouts will be distributed during the class.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Ed.: Murata, S. Molecular Robotics: An Introduction, Springer (2022). doi:[10.1007/978-981-19-3987-7].
Additional materials will be distributed during the class.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Students will be evaluated based on assignments (60%) and literature search (40%, including presentations and Q&A sessions).
Related courses
- CSC.T353 ： Biological Data Analysis
- CSC.T373 ： Dynamical Systems
- CSC.T362 ： Numerical Analysis
- CSC.T351 ： System Analysis
- CSC.T374 ： Control Systems
- CSC.T365 ： Time Series Modeling
- ART.T468 ： Mathematical Modeling
- ART.T543 ： Bioinformatics
- ART.T545 ： Molecular Simulation
Prerequisites
N/A
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
hamada[at]comp.isct.ac.jp
045-924-5643