Module Details

Module Code: BIOE8008
Title: Applied Biomaterials
Long Title: Applied Biomaterials
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5212 - Biomedical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will describe the use and application of biomaterials. Areas of significance in this regard are hard tissue replacements (joint arthroplasty components, cardiovascular implants and dental materials) and soft tissue replacement materials (opthalmic implants, artificial ligaments and tendons, cardiovascular implants, Skin repair devices (artificial tissue), vascular grafts, nerve conduits). Finally, methodologies for evaluating and characterizing material will be explained and demonstrated.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the principles of compatibility in different applications and interpret a variety of internationally recognised biocompatibility standards for material evaluation.
LO2 Describe the terminology and application range for materials associated with medical treatments.
LO3 Define the materials currently used in applications related to replacement and repair of hard and soft tissues.
LO4 Express current industrial and clinical concerns in relation to material performance.
LO5 Articulate various test regimes for the evaluation of the mechanical and physical properties of materials through a variety of advanced analytical techniques.
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
Bone Mechanics
Mechanical properties of cortical and cancellous bone: microstructural and morphological differences, compositional differences, mechanical properties, determinants of cancellous bone tissue modulus, age related changes, viscoelastic properties.
Soft Tissue Biomaterials
Functional aspects of opthalmic implants, artificial ligaments and tendons, cardiovascular implants, Skin repair devices (artificial tissue), vascular grafts, nerve conduits. Biodegradable polymers, hydrogels, drug delivery polymers.
Tissue Engineering
Definition and application of Tissue Engineering; cell generation; scaffold material functionality and production.
Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility definitions
Advanced Analytical Techniques
Principles of X-ray Diffraction, Electron Microscopy, Spectroscopy, Thermal Analysis, Nitrogen Physisorption.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Biomaterials laboratory and written reports to be completed.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Group case study project determining biomaterial solutions for current health issues.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
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 3 hrs general lecture Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact 2 hr lab based work Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning to complement lecture & lab material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part 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 Lab based work Every Second Week 0.50 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed learning Every Week 3.50 3.5
Total Hours 7.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • A Sandeep Kranthi Kiran, Seeram Ramakrishna. (2021), An Introduction to Biomaterials Science and Engineering, World Scientific Publishing Co., [ISBN: 9811228175].
  • Joon Park and R. S. Lakes. (2007), Biomaterials: An Introduction, [ISBN: 9780387378794].
  • Buddy D. Ratner. (2012), Biomaterials science: an introduction to materials in medicine, [ISBN: 978-012374626].
  • edited by Donald L. Wise [et al]. (2000), Biomaterials Engineering and Devices, Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, [ISBN: 0896038599].
  • Frederick H. Silver, David L. Christiansen. (1999), Biomaterials science and biocompatability, Springer, New York, [ISBN: 0387987118].
  • Paul K. Chu, Xuanyong Liu (Editors). (2008), Biomaterials Fabrication and Processing Handbook, 1st. CRC Press, [ISBN: 9780849379734].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EBIOM_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Biomedical Engineering 8 Mandatory
CR_EPRDD_8 Certificate in Product Design and Development 2 Elective