MTE5096 · Biomaterials 2

Overview

Biocompatibility is explored and is related to the foreign body response. The importance of the interfacial properties of biomaterials is covered and includes factors affecting cellular response and protein adsorption. Polymers and ceramics used in medicine are reviewed with examples including total hip joint replacement (TFJR), heart valves, catheters, vascular grafts and hydrogels used in ophthalmology. Drug delivery devices are reviewed and include degradation mechanisms and kinetics. Biomaterials with biological recognition and smart biomaterials will be studied. Biosensors and examples in bionanotechnology will be investigated. Tissue engineering and scaffold manufacture are covered and the use of stem cells for regenerative medicine is reviewed.

Areas of study: E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Medical engineering

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit. The assessments of this unit are designed to demonstrate the achievement of the advanced learning outcomes and standards expected of Master’s level coursework.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse how cell-biomaterial interactions relate to performance in terms of biocompatibility and tissue regeneration, and propose how material properties can be designed to modulate these.
2. Critically evaluate how the different classes of polymeric, ceramic and metallic biomaterials, and how they are fabricated, relate to their intended application and performance in the body.
3. Conduct research into the latest development in smart material and their application in controlled drug delivery, sensing and imaging.
4. Suggest appropriate techniques for he characterisation of biomaterials and their performance in the body, and justify their selection.
5. Research and critically analyse both laboratory data and published information relating to biomaterial properties and performance, both individually and as part of a team.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-8 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.