Module Details

Module Code: MATE9001
Title: Biomaterials for Med Devices
Long Title: Biomaterials for Med Device Development
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 5431 - Materials Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module covers areas of materials science and the engineering associated with selection, assessment and characterisation of engineering materials for medical device applications. The learner will build a detailed understanding of key medical device materials in terms of performance, biocompatibility and materials processing. The learner will also develop an understanding of aspects of materials sourcing, including cost analysis, vendor selection and compliance. Course delivery is a mixture of lectures and practical application in laboratory sessions.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Select an appropriate engineering material for a given biomedical application and appraise it in accordance with recognised international standards.
LO2 Characterise materials using advanced analytical techniques.
LO3 Appraise medical device manufacturing technologies in relation to material processing requirements.
LO4 Conduct a design for manufacture (DFM) assessment with sustainability, compliance and cost considerations.
LO5 Apply professional, ethical and UNSDG considerations and document how these influence material and technology selection in the manufacture of medical devices.
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
Metals
Biocompatible metals, such a titanium, cobalt chromium and stainless steels - including the material properties, manufacturing processes and medical device applications. Powder metallurgy, health and safety of metal powders.
Polymers & Ceramics
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyaryle Ether Ketones (PEAK), implantable ceramics - including the material properties, manufacturing processes and medical device applications.
Materials Selection
Using material selection software tools, understanding of international standards, such as ASTM, ISO. Other selection criteria such as design for manufacture (DFM), cost, sustainability, compliance and ethical criteria.
Technologies for Materials Processing
3D Printing, high temperature sintering, casting and forging, extrusion, machining, coating processes.
Materials Characterisation
Advanced analytical techniques, metallography and microscopy.
Ethical Considerations in Material and Technology Selection
Sustainability and environmental impact, material sourcing geo-political considerations, health and safety for users.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
Team Debate on ethics of material sourcing
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Laboratory reports
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of Semester Final Exam
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 Lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Materials characterisation laboratories Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Self-directed learning Every Week 10.00 10
Total Hours 15.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Materials characterisation laboratories Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Self-directed learning Every Week 10.00 10
Total Hours 15.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • William D Callister, David G Rethwisch. (2013), Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, 9. Wiley, [ISBN: 1118324579].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • R.E. Smallman, R.J. Bishop. (1999), Modern Physical Metallurgy and Materials Engineering: Metals and Materials, [ISBN: 978008051199].
  • Sungreet Singh, Chander Prakash, Seeram Ramakrishna. (2022), Innovative Processes and Materials in Additive Manufacturing, [ISBN: 9780323857239].
  • Joon Park,R. S. Lake. (2007), Biomaterials, Springer, p.564, [ISBN: 9780387378794].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • O. A. Fatunde and S. K. Bhatia. (2012), Medical devices and biomaterials for the developing world: Technical solutions and policy recommendations, 38th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference (NEBEC), Philadelphia, PA, USA, 2012, pp. 269-270, p.269,
    http://doi: 10.1109/NEBC.2012.6207068
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EMEDD_9 Master of Science in Medical Device Development 1 Mandatory
CR_EMEDE_9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Medical Device Development 1 Mandatory