Module information on this degree can be found below, separated by year of study.

The module information below applies for the current academic year. The academic year runs from August to July; the 'current year' switches over at the end of July.

Students select optional courses subject to rules specified in the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook,  for example at most three Design and Business courses. Please note that numbers are limited on some optional courses and selection criteria will apply.

Biomaterials for Bioengineers

Module aims

This module will introduce major classes of biomedical implant materials including metals, ceramics and polymers. We will focus of how these classes of materials have been used clinically to replace body parts or tissues within the body as implanted devices, the types and reasons for failure and introduce biomaterials as tissue engineering constructs to regenerate diseased tissues to restore organ function.

Learning outcomes

Identify various tissues and organs within the human body and explain the effects of ageing and disease on the structure and mechanical properties of these tissues. - Describe the major classes of biomedical implant materials, their basic properties, means of fixation, stability and advantages and disadvantages when used as implant devices. - Explain the types of failure of implants and devices in various clincial applications and reasons for failure. - Describe the physiological principles involved in the replacement of various parts of the body with artificail organs, transplants or tissue engineered constructs and the clinical compromises involved. - Defend the relative merits of replacing a body part with a tissue engineering construct, discuss the principles involved in growing tissues in vitro and describe the physiological and clinical limitations involved. - Be capable of rapidly researching the literature for new developments in replacement of tissues and organs. - Be able to communicate alternative means to repair or replace parts of the body to both healthcare professionals and patients.

Module syllabus

This module will introduce major classes of biomedical implant materials including metals, ceramics and polymers. We will focus of how these classes of materials have been used clinically to replace body parts or tissues within the body as implanted devices, the types and reasons for failure and introduce biomaterials as tissue engineering constructs to regenerate diseased tissues to restore organ function

Assessments

Examinations:

●  Written exam: Examination; 100% weighting

    Rubrics: Examination only. The examination paper, duration 2 hours, has 4 questions

    No type of previous exam answers or solutions will be available