MTE5885 · Biomaterials and biomechanics

Overview

The aim of this unit is to link the requirements of clinical medicine to engineering through advanced materials design and fabrication in the framework of new medical devices, therapeutics and diagnostics. Topics covered in the unit include cell biology and biomechanics at the cellular level, biocompatibility, tissue engineering and other composite material/cell applications, The use of stem cells in conjunction with materials and the use of materials to guide cellular fates and properties is of high relevance. A detailed study of medical additive manufacturing (3D printing) in metals, polymers and cells will be provided. Strong connection to how materials can contribute to solutions that address unmet clinical need will be made throughout the unit.

Areas of study: E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Materials engineering E6014 Master of Engineering - Specialisation: Materials engineering 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 a hurdle requirement 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.

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

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of in vitro and biocompatibility studies and how they relate to the development of materials for medical devices.
2. Describe in detail the key elements of how cells interact with materials and how biomechanical information can be interpreted and processed by cells to direct their fate.
3. Critically evaluate material type, biomechanical and other properties, design and performance requirements in the context of clinical use for a specific medical device, therapeutic or diagnostic application.
4. Apply critical judgement to the selection of materials and processes for additive manufacturing of medical products in the light of the design, manufacture and regulation requirements of medical devices or implants.
5. Describe in detail the current clinical uses of additive manufacturing and give examples of prospective applications.
6. Distinguish between the different ways combinations of cells and materials can be used to treat clinical conditions and discuss the potential benefits and limitations of these different strategies with respect to disorders that they may be applied to clinically.

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 6-9 of hours 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.