Module Details

Module Code: BIOE7001
Title: Biomaterials
Long Title: Biomaterials
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5212 - Biomedical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This subject gives the student a grounding in the application of biomaterials in medical devices. The student is introduced to the areas of polymeric, metal and ceramic biomaterials and the course then proceeds to deal with areas such as the in vivo performance and selection of biomaterials and also the testing of biomaterials and the interaction of biomaterials with tissues.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the interaction between living tissue and biomaterials.
LO2 Characterise biomaterials according to their biocompatibility and their in vivo chemical and physical stability.
LO3 Describe the use of biomaterials in medical devices.
LO4 Select suitable biomaterials for a particular design or application subject to appropriate design constraints whilst being mindful of economic, environmental and ethical issues.
LO5 Structure and prepare technical reports on the properties of biomaterials.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Properties of Natural Materials
In vivo versus In vitro properties. Tissue constituents. Properties of Collagen and Elastin. Mechanical properties of bone, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Viscoelastic models of material behaviour.
Polymers
Bio-polymers and hydrogels. Sterilisation issues. Resorbable polymers. Mechanical properties relevant to applications. Fabrics, threads and sutures.
Host response
Local host response. Systemic and host response. Immunology and infection. Blood compatability, carcinogenicity.
Metals
Review of metals used in the biomedical industry and their limitations. Manufacturing of metallic components including casting, mechanical forming, surface treatments and hardening. Metal 3D printing and the material science of additive manufacturing. Shape memory and degradable metallic implant alloys and their applications.
Ceramics/Composites
Aluminium oxide, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, glass-ceramics, carbons. Reactive ceramics. Composites used in the biomedical industry. Fabrication of composites. Mechanical properties. Dental fillings, porous implants, composite orthopaedic implants.
Corrosion and Degradation
Introduction (Corrosion). Chemistry of corrosion. Classification of corrosion. Relevance of corrosion to orthopaedic implants. Biodegradation of metals, polymers and ceramics. Calcification of biomaterials.
Testing and Introduction of New Materials
The design process. Laboratory studies, material evaluation. Classes of devices. Equivalent materials. Clinical trials Clinical protocols. Release for general use. Standardisation
Materials Selection
Selection of materials for applications areas including: cardiovascular, neurological, dental, ophthalmologic, orthopaedic, drug delivery, sutures, dressings, artifical organs, maxillofacial and other soft tissue augmentation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Biomaterials Laboratory Reports
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
1 Hour examination
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Materials selection assignment
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
MCQ based on topics covered in class
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact In Class Lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Biomaterials Labs Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Ratner, B.D.. (2013), Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, 3rd Ed. Academic Press, USA, p.851, [ISBN: 978-0-12-3746].
  • Park, J.. (2007), Biomaterials: An Introduction, 3rd ed. Springer, USA, p.561, [ISBN: 978-0387378794].
  • Brian W. Darvell,. (2018), Materials Science for Dentistry, Ninth Edition, 10th Ed. Taylor & Francis, London, [ISBN: 9780081010358].
  • edited by Paul K. Chu and Xuanyong Liu. (2008), Biomaterials fabrication and processing handbook, CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, [ISBN: 9780849379734].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Bhat, S.V.. (2002), Biomaterials, Kluwer Academic Publisher, The Netherlands, p.265, [ISBN: 0792370589].
  • Lerouge, Sophie and Simmons, Anne. (2012), Sterilisation of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Woodhead Publishing, [ISBN: 9781845699321].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Software Package, Granta Design. (2013), CES Selector-materials selection software.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBIME_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering 5 Mandatory